You came to Canada for the mountains.  

You may be going home with a painting of them.  

Every year, American travellers visit Whistler, Banff, Jasper and Victoria, and discovering Canadian art can become an unexpected part of the trip.  

But once you find something you love, there are usually a few practical questions.  

Can an American buy art in Canada? Can you ship it to the United States? Will you pay duty? What happens at customs?  

Here’s what U.S. collectors should know when purchasing artwork in Canada.

Can Americans Buy Art in Canada?

Yes.  

U.S. residents can purchase artwork from Canadian galleries while travelling in Canada or remotely after returning home.  

At Mountain Galleries, we work with collectors visiting our locations in Whistler, Banff, Jasper and Victoria, as well as collectors purchasing from outside Canada.  

You can discover a work during your trip and take it with you, arrange to have it shipped home, or continue working with an Art Consultant once you're back in the United States.  

Where Can I Buy Original Canadian Art While Visiting Canada?

Mountain Galleries has locations in four major Canadian destinations:  

Whistler, British Columbia 

Victoria, British Columbia 

Banff, Alberta 

Jasper, Alberta  

Our galleries focus heavily on original Canadian and contemporary art, making them particularly relevant for travellers looking for artwork connected to the landscapes, culture and artists of Canada.  

You may arrive looking for a Canadian landscape.  

You may leave obsessed with an abstract.  

We don't make the rules.

Can I Take Artwork Purchased in Canada Back to the United States?

Yes, although merchandise acquired abroad generally needs to be declared when entering the United States. CBP requires travellers to declare articles purchased abroad when returning to the country.  

Whether taking the artwork with you makes sense depends largely on the piece.  

A smaller painting may be relatively easy to transport. A substantial sculpture or large canvas is another story.  

In those cases, having the artwork professionally packed and shipped can make the experience much simpler.  

Do Americans Pay U.S. Duty on Original Art Purchased in Canada?

Not necessarily. 

The current U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule lists qualifying original paintings, drawings and pastels; original engravings, prints and lithographs; and original sculptures under Chapter 97 with a general duty rate of Free.  

That does not mean every object marketed as artwork automatically enters the United States without charges.  

Classification depends on the individual work, and customs requirements, fees or other tariff provisions can vary. U.S. tariff rules can also change, so collectors making a significant purchase should confirm the current treatment applicable to their particular artwork.

Can a Canadian Gallery Ship Artwork to the United States?

Yes.  

Buying a painting in Banff does not mean figuring out how to get it through the airport yourself.  

Mountain Galleries can assist collectors purchasing from the United States with the logistics of getting their artwork home.  

This is particularly useful for larger paintings, sculptures and fragile works that require professional packing.  

You enjoy the rest of the trip.  

The artwork can take a more practical route home.

What Happens at Customs?

Artwork entering the United States needs to be properly identified and classified.  

The U.S. tariff schedule has specific categories for qualifying original paintings and drawings, original prints and lithographs, and original sculptures. Those categories currently carry a free general rate of duty.  

The exact treatment depends on the artwork, so the process isn't quite as simple as saying “all art is duty free.”  

Customs authorities ultimately determine classification and entry requirements.  

Can I Buy Art in Canada and Decide After I Get Home?

Of course.  

Sometimes seeing a work while travelling starts the conversation rather than finishes it.  

If you're unsure about dimensions, placement or how a piece will work within your home, our Art Consultants can continue assisting you remotely after your trip.  

Depending on the artwork, we can provide additional photographs, measurements and information so you can make the decision without being physically in the gallery.  

That means you can discover a painting in Banff on Tuesday and still be talking about it from California on Friday.

Can Mountain Galleries Work With U.S. Collectors Remotely?

Yes.  

You don't have to be visiting Canada to purchase through Mountain Galleries.  

Collectors can explore available artwork online and contact our team for information about particular artists or pieces.  

If you visited one of our galleries while travelling and are trying to find a work you saw, tell us what you remember. Artist, subject, size, colour, gallery location or even approximately where it was hanging can help us identify it.

Why Buy Canadian Art While Visiting Canada?

There is something different about discovering artwork in the place that inspired it.  

A painting of the Rockies feels particularly immediate when you've spent the morning looking at those mountains. The same is true of coastal British Columbia, wildlife and the many other subjects explored by Canadian artists.  

But you don't need to buy art because it is Canadian.  

Buy it because you want to keep looking at it.  

The story of discovering it during your travels is simply a very good bonus.

Visit Mountain Galleries in Canada

American collectors can visit Mountain Galleries in Whistler, Victoria, Banff and Jasper to discover original Canadian and contemporary artwork in person.  

If you find something you love, our Art Consultants can help you understand the next steps, whether you're taking the piece home yourself, having it shipped to the United States or continuing the conversation after your trip.  

Explore available artwork online or visit Mountain Galleries during your next trip to Canada.