Converting TO Canadian Dollars
Can you spot the"Loonie?"
A "Twoonie" (C$2 Coin)
Do NOT exchange US for Canadian at the border shops on the US side!
Bring your ATM card!
Even if you pay a $2 fee for a transaction outside the network, as long as you take out a large amount from an ATM, you get the best exchange rate. Credit Cards are another useful option when accepted.
Otherwise converting money before you leave, or at the hotel will eliminate the rip-off rates in Pembina or the Ontario border crossing. Convert enough money to buy food,tickets, and any souvenirs (see Getting your GST back) your group plans to buy.
Not a "Loonie"
Canadian money, besides the profile of her majesty, shows what the U.S. should have done with the old Susan B. Anthony dollar --make it distinct. The new Sacagewa dollars are nearly identical to the "loonie." Loonies are the $1 brass coin with the common loon (bird) on the back. "Twoonies" are the $2 coins. These have brass centers and silver outer rings and the coin has polar bear (or bears depending on when it was minted).