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The parking lot of the Grand Portage Lodge & Casino has been starting to fill up again now that Canadians can come across the border with fewer restrictions surrounding testing for the COVID-19 virus. Staff photo Brian Larsen
On Tuesday, December 1, Canadians were given a nod of approval to make short trips across the border, 72 hours or less, without needing to prove they had passed a molecular COVID-19 test.
The arrival of Canadians to places like Ryden’s Border Store and the Grand Portage Lodge & Casino has been a blessing. Ryden’s is a popular place for Canadians to fill up for gas on their way west to Duluth or the Twin Cities. It is also a drop-off for parcels and packages. The duty-free store which was closed through much of the pandemic has also been a must-stop for fishermen and tourists.
And for the Grand Portage Lodge & Casino, the rule change has pumped new excitement into the operation. When the border closed in March 2019, the casino and lodge—which had just undergone major renovations and additions— lost about 90 percent of its business.
When asked two days after the Canadians loosened their covid rules, Grand Portage Lodge & Casino Marketing Director Todd Ford said, “Yes, we have seen an uptick in business. Canadian guests are booking rooms, playing in the casino, dining and more.
“It is great to once again see the familiar faces of our Canadian friends walking in the door with big smiles,” added Ford.
Fully vaccinated Americans have been allowed into Canada since August 9, 2021, but the U.S. government waited until November 8 to enable Canadians to cross for non-essential travel.
Travel considered essential has been allowed by both countries through the pandemic.
Canadians who extend their U.S. stay past 72 hours will still need to present a negative COVID-19 molecular test. In addition, foreign nationals must present a negative COVID-19 molecular test within 72 hours of arriving in Canada.
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