Canadian Border Crossings

[cruiser]

We're going to be starting a spring trip in two months from Florida, headed to northern Michigan. We'll be heading out from eastern PA and I'm debating on going thru Canada from NY to MI. I was wondering if anybody knows how much of a hassle it is going thru customs on both sides of the border if we have valid drivers licenses and birth certificates. Needless to say, we won't be carrying guns or anything illegal. Our other option is to go thru Ohio, but the mileage is about the same and Canada seems like more fun. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[roadrunner70]

My wife and I will be crossing the boarder to Canada at Buffalo,NY or our way to Michigan. We wil be coming up out of VA. around the 8 or 9 of May and all you will need is your Drivers License.

[gymbabe]

Hello from Vancouver, Canada.
I don't know about that particular border but I cross the one going from Vancouver to Washington state all the time with my driver's license and my birth certificate and it's a piece of cake. I have been doing it for 20 years and have NEVER (touch wood) had any problem. Depending on the time of day and whether it's a weekend or not, it could take up to a couple of hours though.
Lucy

[vulcanmomma]

We crossed last summer into Alberta, didn't really have any problems, and birth certificates, and animal records ready, along with insurance cards. However they did ask us for any meats and eggs brought in. So leave the shopping til inside the country, on either side.

[danpence]

It is much easier and quicker if you have a passport which may be required, better check with immigration.

[stampgirl]

We traveled from MI to Canada via Blue Water Bridge last year (Port Huron, MI) on our way to Niagara Falls...they asked a few questions and that was it. Though I have read to have Driver's License and Birth Certificate handy...just in case.

[buckeyechuck]

I have read threads in another forum that you could have to surrender any raw meat, eggs, and vegetables at the border.

It might be a good idea to buy those items once there. Passports are not required, but are recommended. They will be required for reentry to the U.S. in 2008. Gas prices will me higher in Canada. The wait at the border upon leaving and reentering the U.S. can be hours.

If you have the time it might be better to travel through Ohio and Lower Michigan. The Ohio Turnpike is very nice and six lanes for miles. Both the Lake Michigan and the Lake Huron coasts of Michigan are beautiful. You won't regret the trip.

Good luck and have fun,

-BC-

[trekkertaylor]

they are allegedly going to be requiring passports soon so call first.
Otherwise you may suffer the wrath of..., "The Canadian Inquisition!"
Questions like
Why did the Canadian cross the border?
and
Why did the chicken cross the road?
and
What if the chicken was canadian and the road was on the border... then why didn't he look both ways for cars???

I'm not sure what they'd do if you didn't have it but... have you ever been detained at the Canadian/US border? All they need for that circus is a clown weilding cream pies!

Even worse, what if Canada lets you weasel in w/o a passport and the US won't let you back in w/o it???

I'd make a call first.

[tiggerv9l]

they are allegedly going to be requiring passports soon so call first.
Otherwise you may suffer the wrath of..., "The Canadian Inquisition!"
Questions like
Why did the Canadian cross the border?
and
Why did the chicken cross the road?
and
What if the chicken was canadian and the road was on the border... then why didn't he look both ways for cars???

I'm not sure what they'd do if you didn't have it but... have you ever been detained at the Canadian/US border? All they need for that circus is a clown weilding cream pies!

Even worse, what if Canada lets you weasel in w/o a passport and the US won't let you back in w/o it???

I'd make a call first.

I think we as Canadians feel insulted by this post. What are you trying to say we are a bunch of idiots in Canada.