Touring artists: any Americans touring Canada?

[Gladius Official]

If so, I would be very grateful for your insight, as I am trying to determine exactly what logistics do I need to be aware of as a US-based artist as far as:

-crossing the US / Canada borders (primarily in the US Northeast, by car)
- differences in crossing borders by car vs by plane that I need to be aware of
-playing shows in Canada
-getting back into the US (to continue touring)
-Do you need a Visa of any kind to go into Canada and play a few shows for a few days? If so, how does one go about that? Does it cost anything?
-Any other kinds of permits or applications or paperwork necessary? Taxes?
-Any hurdle over gear or what about merchandise?
-anything else I should know before I go? (cell phone service? Credit card / cash usage, paying for stuff...?)

Thanks!