Adey,
A consideration you might look into is to get an International Driver's License before coming over here. The good part about them is that most cops will think you are related to some sort of diplomat and it can get you out of tickets. Not that you would violate any of our speed/hemlet/underage girls laws anyway.
You should also check into wether or not you might need a visa to get from USA into Canada and back into USA. A friend came over from Australia once and it was almost a catastrophy when he tried to get back into the US. But he paid a "re-entry fee" of $350US and they let him back in a day later.

A word to the wise is not necessary. It is the stupid ones who need the advice. Pat