Question's regarding route taking to INZANE (border crossings)

[Cliff]

On the way to INZANE from New Hampshire we are considering crossing into Canada Just north of Niagra falls where US I-190 becomes CA 405 continuing west and crossing back into the US at Point Edward.  Is there anything we need to be concerned with at these crossings?  We have current U.S. passports and aren't carrying any firearms.

[Cleaver]

With a Passport and no fire arms you should be good to go.  Plan some extra time for your travel, as there may be a wait at the boader crossing.

[RTaz]

Hi Cliff....if your crossing back into Michigan at either Port Huron bridge or in Detroit expect a two hour delay on entry...up in the Soo is less time ...Bassman would have the best info. last I heard Neil was a Toll taker at the Bridge in Port Huron.

[Cliff]

With a Passport and no fire arms you should be good to go.  Plan some extra time for your travel, as there may be a wait at the boader crossing.

On googlemaps going north over Lake Erie vs South (staying in the US) saves about 1.5 hours in travel,,, BUT now I wonder if the border wait might negate the savings??

[Daniel Meyer]

Ask your insurance provider for a Canadian liability insurance card. It's free. Your liability insurance is good in Canada, your liability insurance card is not.

Not a problem at the border, but if you get stopped or involved in an accident in Canada, it can be an issue.

[sandy]

I crossed there and had very short waits and no problems. Many businesses won't convert money rates and therefore overcharge for things. I bought fuel there. If you put the purchase on a credit card, your card carrier will convert it for you. Saves money.

[RTaz]

With a Passport and no fire arms you should be good to go.  Plan some extra time for your travel, as there may be a wait at the boader crossing.

On googlemaps going north over Lake Erie vs South (staying in the US) saves about 1.5 hours in travel,,, BUT now I wonder if the border wait might negate the savings??

some friends of mine just went through the crossing and said next time they would take the US route...they said there was alot of large truck traffic on the roads because it is a main enter point for commerce...so they really didn't save any time.  Just thought I would pass that on....

[Willow]

Just my two cents, but I would cross at Cornwall to Sault St. Marie.  It's a nice ride if you haven't been that way.

Passport and no weapons; you should be fine.

[Oss]

canada lists wait times

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html

however there is some stuff going on crossing into USA there

The Cornwall Standard Freeholder

    *
Border crossing upgrades begin
Posted By MICHAEL PEELING
Posted 7 hours ago
   

Some major changes to the border crossing in Cornwall are about to get under way.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has plans to replace a primary inspection booth at the interim port of entry tonight.

Consequently, the CBSA is warning travellers they may experience increased wait times tonight and Friday morning.

The other two lanes will remain open while the work is done.

Other improvements on tap for the port of entry include permanent signage, installation of wood fencing instead of privacy screening, construction of a canopy, permanent lighting, variable messaging signs, traffic control gates, licence plate readers, a security camera system, and speed bumps.

The secondary examination zone will also get a canopy, improvements to the staff trailer and security cameras.

A statement from the CBSA said there has been an increase in traffic over the past few months that has had an impact on border wait times.

Meanwhile, the CBSA has said they continue to look at long-term solutions for where to locate the port of entry since its original location on Cornwall Island was closed during a protest by Akwesasne residents more than a year ago.

CBSA spokesperson Esme Bailey said "we do not anticipate a decision on the location of the port of entry to take place before the end of summer 2010."

However, CBSA officials told Cornwall city council during a recent meeting they are hoping to propose a long-term solution in August.

Bailey also said CBSA senior management has met with Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) Grand Chief Mike Mitchell on four occasions to discuss issues since the beginning of the year, including a meeting on May 18 with the entire council.


just sayin check the google before you leave

Myself I try to stay away from borders when possible YMMV

Never had a fast canada us transit and even going to canada have spent an hour on 87 walking the valk

[bassman]

MY 2 cents - for whatever THAT's worth !!

All good info above...as RTaz stated I worked the Toll Collection booth on the American side of the Blue Water Bridge between Port Huron, MI and Sarnia, Ontario for the last two summers (not this year however).  Crossing this bridge can be a real crapshoot at best relative to traffic flow going both ways.  I have seen backups 3+ hours in either direction depending on day and time (usually holidays).  In GENERAL, if "I" were to cross, I would try to do it early in the day (before 9:00am) or later in the evening (after 10:00pm) during the week.  On weekends, early Sat or Sun monrings (before noon) and much later at night - especially on Sunday.  It seems Canadians have Fridays off of work and many travel to the US to shop/vacation and return on Sundays beginning around noonish.  This can all change if the weather is bad (rainy) and they just want to get home and will leave earlier.  Lots of US folks travel through Canada as a shortcut to northeast US rather than going through Ohio and PA.

Again, this is all crapshoot and could change is a moments notice.  Be sure you have a full tank of gas and an empty bladder before you attempt to cross during peak times.  A couple of the favorite questions asked of drivers while waiting in backed up traffic are:  "Is there gas on the bridge?" and Are there bathrooms on the bridge?"  No to both.

Also, the Border Patrol folks tend to take their jobs pretty seriously and don't like jokes.  If you can, turn off the bike, take off the cool looking shades and answer their  questions respectfully.  They want to see your eyes and how you answer their questions regardless of how silly they may seem to you.

Good luck - have a safe trip - and see you at INZX !!! 

[Trynt]

It is my understanding that a DWI conviction is a felony in Canada. If you or anyone you are traveling with has had one in the past ten year, they maybe denied entry.

[KW]

Once upon a time, didn't canada BAN CB radios and radar detectors?

[MP]

Radar detectors yes, not CB's, at least that I am aware of.  Ran truck into there, no problem with the CB, but the detector got put under the bed!
They will take it.
MP

[Cliff]

Ask your insurance provider for a Canadian liability insurance card. It's free. Your liability insurance is good in Canada, your liability insurance card is not.

Not a problem at the border, but if you get stopped or involved in an accident in Canada, it can be an issue.

Daniel >>> Thanks for the heads up on this one,,, just called my insurance agent and the card is being mailed out to me today.