Border crossing into Canada from USA

[worldbound4now]

I'm working out a tentative trip in August where I plan on heading from TX northeast and on into Canada just south of Montreal mid-week. I'll then back into the USA at Sault Ste Marie the next day. I'd like to avoid border crossing delays and congestion. Which US/Canada border crossing will provide me with the fastest route into Canada from either NY, VT, or NH on the FJR? Are the border crossings open 24/7 or do the low volume ones shut down at night?

Regards,

worldbound4now

 

[101stpathfinder]

Many sites to choose from, study the following site:

US, Canada & Mexico Border Crossing Wait Times

I have found that timing is everything.

 

[worldbound4now]

I thought of one additional question. Would it be better to head east from Sault Ste. Marie towards Montreal or west from Montreal area to Sault Ste. Marie?

 

[101stpathfinder]

"Bungie" on the forum could have a much better knowledge base of this subject, but considering the SSM crossing is fed from a less populated area (On both sides)

I would think it would be your better choice. I had no issues there during rides. The eastern US is full of congestion and Tolls and Michigan north to SSM is a hassle-free

ride with the bridge being your only toll. All depends on your riding preferences. IMO (Night crossings rock!)

 

[Bungie]

SSM isn't bad, but the damn bridge seems to be constantly under construction (1 lane).

When crossing on the easterly part of your route, I always seem to end up crossing at Cornwall. Never any big delays there except once where my ticket got drawn and that ******* yammered and probed me for a good 20 minutes. (Looking at my IBA plate frame - "I thought you said you weren't in a bike gang?")

BTW, Montreal to SSM in a day is bit of a haul. Let see SSM to Sudbury is 3 hrs. Sudbury to Ottawa is 5. Ottawa to Montreal is another 2... assuming no traffic (in Montreal? HAHAHAHA!)

If you have time, loop on over the north shore of Superior and cross at Duluth. That is a VERY nice ride.

 

[ionbeam]

...assuming no traffic (in Montreal? HAHAHAHA!)...

Such fond memories of driving through Montreal. Look at the following pictures of Montreal, there, now you don't need to go to Montreal and can find another nice place to visit instead.

If you think there is a way to go around Montreal or find a way to use secondary streets, I must quote Bungie, "HAHAHAHA!"

 

[worldbound4now]

I really have no desire to head into Montreal. Cornwall to Sudbury and off to SSM with an overnight camp somewhere along that route sounds workable. I'll just pray that the bears leave me alone and the mosquitoes don't carry me away if I sleep in a small bivy sack.

 

[Canadian FJR]

New(ish) highway will let you avoid riding thru Montreal. #30 if I remember correctly.

Canadian FJR

 

[TouringRider]

New(ish) highway will let you avoid riding thru Montreal. #30 if I remember correctly.

Canadian FJR

https://goo.gl/maps/wNHB5

 

[Bungie]

I really have no desire to head into Montreal. Cornwall to Sudbury and off to SSM with an overnight camp somewhere along that route sounds workable. I'll just pray that the bears leave me alone and the mosquitoes don't carry me away if I sleep in a small bivy sack.

When are you planning on doing this. We are just entering black fly and mosquito season. Depending on when your coming through, you can conk the night here, I've got a spare bedroom.

Nevermind, I just reread your first msg. August.

You'll be well past bug season. I currently don't have anything set in stone for August. So the offer of a bed to conk in is open.

 

[PhilJet09]

Just a note, not necessarily for the OP, the Canadians have been particularly critical and denying access for people with any criminal history, including a DUI or related offense. This isn't really new, but worth mentioning anyway.

 

[Jim Morrison]

Have to agree with Phii..... Went on a ride up through Sault Ste Marie with a bunch of guys from the place I used to work at, one of the guys had a DUI back in 95 and they wouldnt let him enter...

 

[JR'SFJR]

I guess I've been lucky over the years, never having to wait more than a few mins. at any of the crossings. Been through SSM several times without any hold ups. Montreal had a lot of traffic, but no issues other than the traffic signs only being in French.

 

[ionbeam]

On our way to New Brunswick we met another FJR guy that chose to tag along. At the border he told them that he had nothing to declare. As the agents went through his stuff they found pepper spray that he brings when he camps. Let me tell ya, that is the equivalent of them finding a gun. He was hauled off for interrogation and given 50 lbs of forms to fill out. Then they found out that he had been arrested in the '60s and convicted of having a roach in his pocket, now things got really ugly. After a lloonngg time and calls to the US government they finally did let him pass.

Anyone that is going into Canada for the first time should take the time to read about border crossing and then follow the rules right down to the radar detector ban in most provinces.

 

[canucklehead-biker]

If you're coming in from VT, the crossing into Quebec at Phillipsburg (North of St Albans) or Noyen (North of Alburg) are both (usually) pretty quiet. From there, you can follow the river north to Hwy 202 to cross the Richelieu westbound, then take some back roads over towards Valleyfield on the south shore to avoid the Montreal highways and associated crap. From there, you're practically in Ontario, and then you can start angling north towards Ottawa.

On the NY side of the Richelieu I'd try to cross near Hemingford rather than on the interstate at Champlain, which sees a lot of truck traffic. Check though.... there may be limited hours at any of the small (ie, quiet) border posts.

Griff

 

[TouringRider]

Just a note, not necessarily for the OP, the Canadians have been particularly critical and denying access for people with any criminal history, including a DUI or related offense. This isn't really new, but worth mentioning anyway.

Have to agree with Phii..... Went on a ride up through Sault Ste Marie with a bunch of guys from the place I used to work at, one of the guys had a DUI back in 95 and they wouldnt let him enter...

Same issue for Canadians crossing the border into the US.

 

[PhilJet09]

Just a note, not necessarily for the OP, the Canadians have been particularly critical and denying access for people with any criminal history, including a DUI or related offense. This isn't really new, but worth mentioning anyway.

Have to agree with Phii..... Went on a ride up through Sault Ste Marie with a bunch of guys from the place I used to work at, one of the guys had a DUI back in 95 and they wouldnt let him enter...

Same issue for Canadians crossing the border into the US.

Sorry, good point. Crossing the border, either direction,can be sticky if you have any criminal history, including non-violent offenses.

 

[JR'SFJR]

I always let them know I'm carrying a big can of bear spray and they haven't even asked to see it.

 

[jjp4674]

If you don't mind a potential wait (though I've never had any problems crossing over, myself) you could head up to Buffalo, NY and cross over at Niagara. Allow you to see the falls along your way if you've never been. A good sight.