Community Forums

reubenray · 07-11-2019, 05:21 AM

Looking at the Google map I see there are two sections for crossing the border. In the Google Street I see RV's in both of these. Which one will I take crossing into Canada in my motorhome plus toad?

Also is there a certain time of the day that will be easier (with less traffic) to cross over? I will be staying at the KOA in Port Huron and heading to Niagara Falls.

Winterbagoal · 07-11-2019, 05:52 AM

Unless you're driving a commercial vehicle, or have NEXUS, you'll be crossing the bridge in the leftmost lane. There are 2 NEXUS lanes at the right side of the non-commercial CBSA primary inspection kiosks. So, keep left. The lanes are also marked overhead on the bridge itself.

reubenray · 07-11-2019, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winterbagoal

Unless you're driving a commercial vehicle, or have NEXUS, you'll be crossing the bridge in the leftmost lane. There are 2 NEXUS lanes at the right side of the non-commercial CBSA primary inspection kiosks. So, keep left. The lanes are also marked overhead on the bridge itself.

Are all of the lanes wide enough for my motorhome? Also will the agent get our info from my window or from the door?

Winterbagoal · 07-11-2019, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reubenray

Are all of the lanes wide enough for my motorhome? Also will the agent get our info from my window or from the door?

I've seen and entered Canada there with our prior Sunstar 26HE, so I think they're tall enough, it was 12'2" - the lanes aren't the widest, so go slow and have your co-pilot spot your passenger side - mirrors will be close. Mine were.
If they think you'll have a problem, the CBSA agent will probably exit the booth (quickly) and stop you, so pay attention.

Primary inspection will speak to you through your driver's side window. If they have doubts about you, you'll be sent to secondary under the carport area ahead. They will request you disembark and will do whatever they feel is necessary. Stay cool, answer only what is asked honestly at primary, and you should have no problems. Have your id ready, passports/Nexus/EDLs. If you have any weapons, (you must do the required paperwork in advance on that) and tell them at primary what you have. You will be directed to secondary with firearms/weapons.

I see all shapes and sizes of RV staying at the Starlight Casino beside the bridge, so I think just about everything fits. It's a good place to stop, if you need some rest, and to regroup after a long drive.

grindstone01 · 07-11-2019, 07:03 AM

Crossing the Blue Water bridge is a crap shoot as far as timing. It all depends on how many booths are open at the time. I find it best to avoid the morning rush hour going into CN and evening rush hour back into the US. My guess is that noon +/- a hour would be best.
There is a nice walking park under the bridge along the river where you can park and observe the bridge back up traffic to see if it makes sense to cross or just relax and people/boat watch until traffic breaks up.

Winterbagoal · 07-11-2019, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grindstone01

Crossing the Blue Water bridge is a crap shoot as far as timing. It all depends on how many booths are open at the time. I find it best to avoid the morning rush hour going into CN and evening rush hour back into the US. My guess is that noon +/- a hour would be best.
There is a nice walking park under the bridge along the river where you can park and observe the bridge back up traffic to see if it makes sense to cross or just relax and people/boat watch until traffic breaks up.

All true. This time of year delays can be lengthy, as volume increases during the day, but the timing of the backups can vary. There is also on going bridge work on the US side towards Canada that can cause lane closures. That doesn't usually help.

F76Marion · 07-11-2019, 11:04 AM

Rubenray,

The way we travel, the navigator has a laptop linked to wire with a cell phone, so we bring up <https://www.ezbordercrossing.com/list-of-border-crossings/michigan/blue-water-bridge/traffic/> as soon as we approach a crossing either way. This makes the crossing wait predictable. Going into Canada is never an issue. I can't say that for getting into the US. Blue Water is better than Ambassador, but all have clearance for a full size coach.

Frank

Winterbagoal · 07-11-2019, 11:13 AM

Or, if you want realtime traffic info, just have a look.

The left camera is the Canadian toll plaza heading across the bridge to the US, the one on the right is approaching Canada Customs after crossing towards Canada from the US side.

https://www.bluewaterbridge.ca/tolls-and-traffic/

If you want a look at I-94 eastbound, these cams will give you that. The right side lanes are headed towards the Canada/US border at the Blue Water Bridge.

https://www.weatherbug.com/traffic-cam/

harris155 · 07-11-2019, 03:22 PM

If you just need a spot to stay the night after crossing the bridge and customs Sarnia Casino has a huge lot and allow free dry overnight parking, right under the bridge. We have waited longer to pay the bridge toll than the customs on occasions.

reubenray · 07-11-2019, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winterbagoal

Or, if you want realtime traffic info, just have a look.

The left camera is the Canadian toll plaza heading across the bridge to the US, the one on the right is approaching Canada Customs after crossing towards Canada from the US side.

https://www.bluewaterbridge.ca/tolls-and-traffic/

If you want a look at I-94 eastbound, these cams will give you that. The right side lanes are headed towards the Canada/US border at the Blue Water Bridge.

https://www.weatherbug.com/traffic-cam/

I reread this over and over. I read on another thread that there are no tolls from Port Huron to Niagara Falls.

Also are there any rest areas between Port Huron and Niagara Falls?

grindstone01 · 07-11-2019, 05:25 PM

Correct, no tolls anywhere in Canada that I know of except for international bridges. There are plazas on 401 that serve as rest stops. Fuel prices are higher and sold by the Liter, so enter Canada with a full fuel tank.
402 is a lonely stretch of highway that frequently gets shut down for blowing snow and white out conditions. You are going through there at a good time of year, month of July. Avoid the other 11 months!

reubenray · 07-11-2019, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grindstone01

Correct, no tolls anywhere in Canada that I know of except for international bridges. There are plazas on 401 that serve as rest stops. Fuel prices are higher and sold by the Liter, so enter Canada with a full fuel tank.
402 is a lonely stretch of highway that frequently gets shut down for blowing snow and white out conditions. You are going through there at a good time of year, month of July. Avoid the other 11 months!

I actually will be going the first week of October.

Winterbagoal · 07-11-2019, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harris155

If you just need a spot to stay the night after crossing the bridge and customs Sarnia Casino has a huge lot and allow free dry overnight parking, right under the bridge. We have waited longer to pay the bridge toll than the customs on occasions.

Already mentioned about 8 posts back, and it's the "Starlight Casino Point Edward". The Buffet is supposed to be great.

2 night max as of May 2019, due to abuse. If you're regularly in the casino spending money, you may get some lenience on the limit.

No more parking in early April and waiting for your Ontario summer c/g to open in May. Or parking for 3 weeks in October for your Florida winter home to open in November. They decided it's a parking lot, not a campground, after all.

Winterbagoal · 07-11-2019, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reubenray

I actually will be going the first week of October.

You should be OK then. It doesn't usually get ugly (if at all) until December towards end of March. Although this Spring was long, cold, and wetter than a dog's nose.

The 402 was shut down for a few days in December 2010, when we got hit with a freak snowstorm. Police/military said around 300 cars/trucks were abandoned but no one was seriously hurt or died. They got some military choppers to help with the evacuations, and set up warming centers along the side roads. Some folks were rescued by local villagers on snow machines.