Crossing Canadian border

bczoom · May 18, 2005

I need to make a trip from the general areas of:
Pittsburgh to Detroit (western suburbs)
Detroit to Buffalo (south east suburbs)
Buffalo to Pittsburgh

No problems on the first and third leg of the trip but from Detroit to Buffalo, the shortest route is to cut through Canada.

I haven't been across the border into CA in a few years (pre 9/11) and wondering if the 75 mile savings is worth the potental delays crossing the border twice (as well as tolls). In the back of the truck will also be a York rake and Farmi logging winch. Think I'll get any hastles?

Thoughts/suggestions?

Brian

PS. The Detroit to Buffalo will be done mid-day. I won't be hitting rush-hour in any cities (Akron, Cleveland, Erie... on the southern route, Detroit, Burlington, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls & Buffalo on the northern route)

DocHeb · May 18, 2005

Getting into Canada won't be a problem, getting out might be. You must have a birth certificate or passport for all persons in the car to return to the US.

We go to Canada frequently through the Blue-Water Bridge in Port Huron/Sarnia, and the tunnel in Detroit. The last time we came back through Sarnia we were in a 2 hour traffic jam waiting to clear US Customs. With my wife and two kids in our 1997 Aerostar, everybody gets the third degree, including pulling my 12 year old daughter from the back and the agent asking her questions directly. Ten minute interrogation and then he does us the favor of letting us back in. I guess we looked scary.

I wouldn't take a truck/trailer through the Detroit/Windsor Tunnel - it is right in the city and there are too many tight turns. If traffic is heavy, you could be sucking exhaust in the tunnel for an hour.

The Ambassador Bridge (Southwest Detroit to South Windsor) is the major truck route, and the delays on the bridge are part of our routine traffic reports. A 40 - 60 minute wait is typical.

For an extra hour of road time, I would stick to the US. Just watch out for those troopers on the Ohio Turnpike.

frank_f15 · May 18, 2005

BRIAN: DocHeb gave VERY SOUND advise. i cna't speak of the Detroit crossing but i do know that sometimes the traffic tie up on the PEACE BRIDGE can be quit long. Also with the equiptment you will have , they might give you a hassel.

ronjhall · May 18, 2005

I have made several trip across the border the last 2 weeks getting my boat ready for fishing. You will need a picture ID and a birth certificate to get across both the Canadian and American check points.
I have been making the return trip back to US about 2:00 pm each trip. Not a problem. There has only been about 3 to 4 cars ahead of me.
In Canada the 401 is cut down to 1 lane about 30 miles out of Windsor. Backup can be about 2 to 3 miles if you hit it at the wrong time.
Going across at Port Huron is shorter than going across at Windsor.
In Ohio there are all kinds of backups around Toledo. If you are going to the Detroit Western Suburbs take US23 to avoid the congestion of I75 and and I280.
 Think I'll get any hassles? 
Taking the stuff you have across the boarder can be a problem. Then the next time it will not be. To get the stuff back into the US may require you to stop at the US side and declare it.
You did not state when you are making this trip. This weekend is a Canadian Holiday. Expect delays at the border Friday thru Monday.
Tolls are $1.50 at Port Huron, $2.75 Detroit, and if my memory is correct its $2.50 at Buffalo.
Toll on Turnpike is about $7.00 each way.

bczoom · May 18, 2005

Thanks everyone.

Sounds like I'll stay south of the lakes.

$2.50 at Buffalo (Peace Bridge)?!?!??! I remember 35 cents.

In my past trips, I've gotten through Toledo pretty easily. I try to schedule for either 10am or 2pm but will look at the US23 option.

Frank - I'll be driving past your place a week from Thursday. I'll beep the horn at you.

Brian

slowzuki · May 18, 2005

I think the biggest problem will be explaining the stuff in the back of your truck, many people try to sneak stuff in to avoid paying duty/tax and they are pretty tough on that now.

ronjhall · May 18, 2005

$2.50 at Buffalo (Peace Bridge)?!?!??! I remember 35 cents. 
My memory is not as bad as I thought. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
peacebridge.com/tolls
Just to get my mind clear. What does a person from PA consider the west suburbs. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

bczoom · May 18, 2005

( $2.50 at Buffalo (Peace Bridge)?!?!??! I remember 35 cents. 
My memory is not as bad as I thought. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
peacebridge.com/tolls
Just to get my mind clear. What does a person from PA consider the west suburbs. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif )

I used to go across the border to buy gas back in the early 80's since it was cheaper. It was 35 cents (and if I recall, you only paid coming back into the States).

I'm headed for Farmington Hills. I don't have a picture map but thought I recalled it being just to the west of Detroit. Am I correct?

Brian

ronjhall · May 18, 2005

Your right.
But more North West. I live about 5 miles from there.
Got time for a coffe break?
Have a safe trip.

bczoom · May 18, 2005

Ron,

I believe I would have time for coffee next Thursday morning as I wait for rush-hour traffic to clear out before heading to Buffalo.

I'll be staying at the Marriott Courtyard on 12 Mile Rd. just off the intersection of Orchard Lake Rd.

Want to get some coffee? Do you have a TBN "get together" group for that area to see if any others want to have an impromptu meeting?

Brian