'Super easy': How Canadian travellers are getting free COVID-19 tests to return home from U.S.

Despite the Canada-U.S. land border now being open, some travellers say the mandatory negative molecular COVID-19 test required to return to Canada, which can cost more than the equivalent of C$150, has them continuing to forgo trips. However, some Canadians report being able to find these tests for free in the U.S. through a government-funded program offered across all states.

Currently, anyone entering Canada must show proof of a negative molecular test for COVID-19 taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival at the border.

Those tests, such as the PCR test, are to be taken at the traveller's expense, and while the costs of these tests vary, they often carry a price tag anywhere from $150 to $300. Rapid, antigen tests, which are less expensive, are not accepted to return to Canada.

Yet some Canadians have found an affordable option, with select U.S. clinics and pharmacies offering free molecular tests through a government-funded program across all states. However, they stress that planning ahead is necessary to obtain these tests for free.

Kenda Martin, of Moncton N.B., travels to New York City every September for the U.S. Open tennis tournament. She told CTVNews.ca in a telephone interview Thursday that she did "about seven hours of research" before the trip to make sure she would be able to get back to Canada with the proper test results.