Toll roads and Canada/border crossings

[Rocketman]

I'm looking at crossing into Canada at Niagara Falls on our way to Inzane.  Google Maps shows it as being a "partial toll road" both at the eastern crossing (rainbow bridge), and western side (ON-402 and Bluewater Bridge)
The question(s) are:
Do I need Canadian money for the tolls?  How much are they?
Any comments about the border crossings?  (i.e.: No, don't go there, you'll sit for 6 hours waiting!)

Any other tips for passing through Canada?  (I know about passports and firearms.  That's covered)

Mark

[ptgb]

At border areas, both Canadian and US money is good... even at restaurants, stores, etc.

I have never had a problem at Rainbow Bridge, either coming or going... wait was reasonable and the border guys usually aren't nazis (the Peace Bridge on the other hand...  ). Never crossed at the Bluewater, so I can't help you there, sorry.

As far a travel through Canada... should be smooth sailing; you won't be anywhere near Toronto highways, that is the only real problem spot. As far as the people, I have never met a un-nice Canadian.

Ride safe 

[~ Timbrwolf]

....Chili just crossed the border into Canada and back out Friday on the way to visit her mom in Pennsylvania....said she encountered hour and half down time getting through both...

[the inspector]

Rocketman....if your going to have a laptop with you or have internet connection check out this link as you get close to the borders. I would also tell you if it's a Holiday (American or Canadian) change your plans to an off Holiday time. During special times the wait could be hours, and if on a bike in the hot sun you'll fry.

"the inspector"

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

[the inspector]

And this one two....

"the inspector"


http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/index.asp

ps....have fun too!!!!

[Rocketman]

Thanks for the responses, especially the websites. I'll check those whenever I can.  I see there's minimal, if any delay listed today.  I am assuming that the US site is for entering the US, and vice versa.

As for the money issue, we'll be crossing through, so I'm assuming that I can use my debit card just fine at fuel stations without having to change any money.  It was toll booths and other "cash only" type places that I was worried about.  Sound right?

Mark

[bassman]

Mark,

Cash only at the bridges - no credit, debit or checks as you said.....the listing of "no delays" is probably because it is early but there's a GOOD chance the traffic will pick up as the day goes on and then reduce later in the evening.  Just to be safe, make sure your gas tank is full and your bladder is empty BEFORE you get to the bridge.  I worked the toll booth on the U.S. side in Port Huron the last two years (not this year) and it can be pretty much a crapshoot regarding traffic delays.  I've seen folks zip across and also seen multi-hour delays going both directions.  If I were to cross it would be early morning (typically before 9:00am) or late evening (after 10pm) but even that is not guarantee.  NOT trying to scare you just want you to be informed with no surprises.

Good luck, safe winds and see you at Inzane....

[ptgb]

Yep... debit cards work... my bank charges me a "foreign transaction fee" of like $1 per transaction. So they get their pound of flesh from you that way too. 

[Chili Pepper]

Yes, they take either Canadian or US money for the bridge tolls. Coming into Niagara there is some back-up on 290 northbound at the bridge (one dollar toll) going onto Grand Island because of the rough road surface on the bridge (construction but they keep both lanes open during the day)...just be glad you're not a truck. You'll see what I mean.  It's high tourist season so I would (and did) avoid the Rainbow and Peace Bridges. Still a little delay at the Lewiston bridge crossing (ummmm...about 20-30 minutes wait) but it's a better bet to swing up 190 and cross there. Fastest way thru after that is superslab it on QEW thru Hamilton to 403 > 401 > London and 402 to Sarnia. Bluewater bridge toll is $3.25 plus some for every additional axle. I went thru about 6 PM yesterday and had a 30-45 minute wait.

Your credit or debit will work just fine in Canada for anything else but tolls