Are additional documents required for traveling with children within Canada?

When planning a trip with a child or children within Canada, parents and guardians often wonder if they need any additional documents besides the usual boarding passes and ID cards. After all, traveling with children may involve additional checks, especially when crossing provincial borders or flying. The answer to this question depends on the type of transport, the status of the accompanying person, and the age of the child, as well as the specifics of regional regulations and private carriers.

Absence of internal borders and carrier policies

First of all, it is important to remember that Canada has no internal border checkpoints between provinces, so officially, no additional documents other than identity cards are required to travel from one province to another. However, airlines, rail and bus carriers have their own policies, which may vary. Most often, they require at least basic proof of the child's age in order to apply the child fare, as well as proof of the right to accompany the child if they are traveling with one parent or a third party.

Air travel

For domestic flights with Air Canada and WestJet, separate passports or birth certificates are not officially required if the child is traveling with their parents or is included in the same booking. However, check-in staff may ask for documentary proof of the child's identity or age:

  • school ID
  • birth certificate
  • provincial health card
  • passport, if available

This is especially true for infants: airlines may request a medical certificate confirming the child's health or absence of contraindications to flying in the first months of life. If the child is traveling with only one parent, the written consent of the other parent or guardian is often requested — in practice, this can be a notarized power of attorney or a simple letter of confirmation.

Rail and bus transportation

VIA Rail and Greyhound or Megabus bus companies are usually more accommodating and only require a ticket with the child's name and the accompanying person's documents. However, if tickets are purchased separately and the child is under 16 years of age, staff may ask for proof of age:

  • birth certificate
  • health card

Children under two years of age travel free of charge or for a nominal fee, provided they have a document certifying their age.

Car trips and road checks

When traveling by car or bus within the country, internal regulations do not provide for customs or immigration formalities. However, the police or road patrols may ask all passengers to prove their identity or confirm their relationship during a stop, especially if one of the parents is not present. In such cases, it is recommended to have the following with you:

  • a copy of the child's birth certificate

  • notarized consent of the absent parent or guardian

Group excursions, camps, and sports competitions

Special attention is paid to group excursions, camps, or sports competitions: organizers may require parents to sign multiple forms agreeing to the terms of transportation, medical questionnaires, and photocopies of identity documents. A medical form listing allergies, chronic illnesses, and other health issues of the child is mandatory in many institutions, even if it is just a day trip bus.

Recommended documents for traveling with children

So, although there are no official government documents required for children traveling within Canada due to the absence of provincial borders, the practices of carriers and security services encourage parents to carry the following:

  1. Child's birth certificate (or a copy)

  2. Provincial health card

  3. Copy or original passport (if available)

  4. Notarized consent of the other parent or guardian if the child is traveling with one parent or a third party

  5. Medical certificate for infants and questionnaires for group travel

Being prepared for checks at any stage of the trip ensures peace of mind and avoids unexpected delays. It is best to check the requirements of the specific carrier in advance, as they may have their own rules regarding identification and proof of age and parental authority. Careful attention to documents and knowledge of the potential requirements of all participants in your trip will ensure the desired confidence and freedom when traveling with children.