ONTARIO

Canada has lifted its restrictions (for now) on vaccinated visitors, though customs officials retain the right to conduct “random” Covid tests at the border. I dutifully download and fill out the ArriveCAN app, which claims to be mandatory, though when I eagerly thrust my QR code at the customs official, he waves it off and asks to see my passport. Oh well, progress I guess.

Sault Ste. Marie

Highway 17

North Bay

Montreal

I arrived, by chance, during the International Jazz Festival — free, outside, and a block from where I stayed.