With high hopes, we started early to go to Alberta, Canada.
We passed through Browning, Babb, and signs about Blackfeet Nation, a Native American territory.
Without official policy on whether the Canadian border is open or not, with proof of vaccinations, the border Canadian official informed us of the requirements. This, after another Canadian agency took our address, took our reservations and made us pay for 2 nights minimum for campsites, without telling us about PCR tests.
Here’s the catch: while holding our American passports, with scowl on his face and an arrogant tone like we are disturbing his day, border official emphasized that Canada only allows American citizens, which we are; he informed us that we need PCR test for Coronavirus and we must test negative and the test must be done and not more than 72 hours.
Guess what – we drove to Browning, an hour and a half away to the Indian reservation. The Blackfeet community hospital’s nurse was so helpful and told us that rapid test would have to be done at Shelby, another hour and a half away and will cost $172.50 each. Even if we try to drive to Shelby, appointments are backed up and it would take 3 days for the appointments and three hours for the results.
Though we are game for that, as we are doing discretionary travel, the border official also has discretionary power to turn us down.
Instead, we drove to Many Glaciers campground, which turned out to be full, as folks reserve 9 months in advance.
We then went to Many Glaciers Hotel and luck of all luck, we got booked for 2 nights. I cannot believe I am in a hotel that looks like a Switzerland hotel, with a view like Switzerland – a lake and beautiful mountains.
Thank you, Lord for this Grace!
