Discussions

Anyone gone? Curious to see how things went. Looks like the dollar is not too bad.

Would like to know too.

Maybe nobody’s gone down?

You still have to get a PCR test to come back to Canada and Elite Safety Service is the only one I’ve found that is doing them.$350.00 plus GST.

I think that might be why we haven’t heard much? That’s a lot of money to pay to come back for a weekend away.

Elite is only $40 now

That's a big difference!!

So what does that say when the same company that was charging $350 all of a sudden charges $40? Maybe that gouging can only go so far!

You dont need a PCR test going into USA. PCR test is needed coming back into Canada.  
 
Does anyone know what the test cost is in USA for Canadians?

I just think spending your hard earned cash in your own country makes more sense. I have No desire to go South of the border when our own businesses could benefit from me pending it here. Just my two cents.

Some people just need an outing. I love going to the USA just for the variety alone . Just have to use common sense while down there. I’m here 99% of the time anyways so I see no reason to feel bad about heading South shopping or not.

I got an email from Travel Minot and they said they were doing free testing. They want our shopping money. I have been researching a bit as I’m planning a trip in mid December to go southeast a bit further than minot, but it seems Walgreens is doing free testing. They do a drive through NAAT test which is on the Canadian approved list. There are a few options, PCR isn’t the only one.

Free testing at Walgreens sounds interesting.

Just called this morning again, and it’s still $350.00. Not sure how $40.00 was ever found! I don’t believe Minot has any pharmacy doing free testing, I’ve only seen their medical centre mentioned as an option. And it says they try their best to get you your results, but they can’t guarantee that you’ll get them back in the 48-72 hours.

The $40 test is likely an antigen test, which is needed to fly to the US.

Which is frustrating information when the OP titled it “land crossings to minot “

Yes sorry, it is the test for flying into the states, you don’t need one to drive down. But do for your return.

You may be right about pharmacies in Minot. I don’t know if they do free testing. The medical center there does. Walgreens does free testing as per their website, but maybe Minot doesn’t have a Walgreens. My trip is planned for further southeast and that’s what I had looked for.

Go to visitminot.org and go to the Welcome Canadians Tab. Scroll down to the bottom there is a testing schedule and a link for free testing.

Stay home stay healthy.

Walgreens in ND do not offer the PCR or NAAT tests accepted at the border. If you’re going to Fargo, you could drive over to Moorhead or Dilworth and test at Walgreens or CVS there. It seems to be a crapshoot whether or not if they charge Canadians for tests. Be prepared to fork out at least $140USD. Also Walgreens only books a few days in advance and they book up fast. Most public health offices in ND offer free PCR tests but results turnaround can be tight to be within the 72 hr timeframe.  
 
If you do go down, just know CBSA is VERY particular on the timeframe for tests. If you cross at 72.5 hrs since you tested, they will not accept the results and you will have to quarantine and may be fined. Having said all that, sounds like the govt will be changing the test requirement for short trips, as current orders are set to expire Nov. 21. Also make sure you download the ArriveCAN app before you go as you will need to enter information in it prior to arriving at the border to return to Canada.

Great information thank you!

Free PCR tests are available in Grand Forks  
 
https://www.visitgrandforks.com/travel-tools/canadian-visitors/

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/pcr-test-drop-72-hours-1.6252039