More than 18,000 people have been turned away from the Canadian border since restrictions were imposed in March.
From 22 March to 2 September the Canada Border Services Agency rejected 18,431 people at Canada border checkpoints by boat, land, and air.
The CBSA said more than 7,000 were rejected as they were attempting to enter Canada for tourism or recreation purposes.
Nearly 1,000 were there for ‘non-essential shopping.’
The vast majority – 87% – were Americans.
Border restrictions have been bilaterally extended multiple times and were last extended until 21 September.
The restrictions ban tourism and non-essential travel but freight movements between the countries are permitted.
"Every month when we evaluate that situation again, we’ll take into account what’s going on, on both sides of the border," said Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam.
Americans are allowed to drive into Canada if heading for Alaska but face hefty fines if they do not go there directly and decide to take non-essential side trips for sightseeing.
Many have used this ‘Alaska loophole’ to go sightseeing, and several Americans have been caught out and fined.
Written by Ray Montgomery, US editor
