HTHM Posted November 19, 2011 Report Posted November 19, 2011 I may be going to Philly at the end of the month for work, along the Niagara area, which is the most friendly border crossing going into US? And what is the best way to go over without any hassle from the US border guards?
bigugli Posted November 19, 2011 Report Posted November 19, 2011 Fort Erie. Worst Crossing point from Ontario to U.S. is Sarnia/Pt Huron
Roy Posted November 19, 2011 Report Posted November 19, 2011 They're not all about the same? Do you mean for traffic or for officer type hassles?
Roy Posted November 19, 2011 Report Posted November 19, 2011 Well I don't know about that. I guess you'd have to cross several times at various places to get used to the people who are working there. I guess our best bet is to give them as few hassles as possible.
bigugli Posted November 19, 2011 Report Posted November 19, 2011 Sarnia/Pt Huron was listed as the worst because Pt Huron is a training facility for the US border service. It's like driving down a street lined with police cadets armed with shiny new ticket books.
Pikeslayer8 Posted November 19, 2011 Report Posted November 19, 2011 Sarnia/Pt Huron was listed as the worst because Pt Huron is a training facility for the US border service. It's like driving down a street lined with police cadets armed with shiny new ticket books. A warm fuzzy gauntlet
Rattletrap2 Posted November 20, 2011 Report Posted November 20, 2011 Take your pick! As long as I'm not in the seat beside ya, you should be fine! LOL
Musky or Specks Posted November 20, 2011 Report Posted November 20, 2011 best no hassle one I ever did was a ferry over the St Clair river between the US and Port Lampton
bassman87 Posted November 20, 2011 Report Posted November 20, 2011 5 of the last 6 times i went through the rainbow bridge i got pulled over and checked.
woodenboater Posted November 20, 2011 Report Posted November 20, 2011 (edited) Years ago first time crossing the Peace, US border guy has me out of the car, into the office and singing O Canada. My colleague was not amused and rather pissed off. Last trip over the Peace this August was fine, just make sure all your paperwork is in order if you're going over to work for a US client. This is a very fine point they will grill you on. My wife 'landed' at Thousand Islands and the border there was painless as well. Guess blondes from Australia don't raise any red flags Did I mention making sure your paperwork is clean ? Good luck Edited November 20, 2011 by woodenboater
Rich Nelson Posted November 20, 2011 Report Posted November 20, 2011 Had a couple bad experiences at ft. Erie... Got detained for 2 hrs ( no explaination besides laughter from the border guard) many ppl came in and left as we sat waiting for an explanation. My bro finally lost it, and surprisingly we were given our passports back and sent on our way. In the end, we missed our flight to Florida (fishing trip) and couldnt get another one for 3 day because it was a long weekend. Still pissed about it. 100% positive the guard we got was just having fun by ruining our vacation! All you can do is have your papers in order, say yes sir, no sir, and hope for the best....
danc Posted November 20, 2011 Report Posted November 20, 2011 Pidgeon River south of Thunder Bay, rarely a problem. Show your documents and away you go.
fishing n autograph Posted November 20, 2011 Report Posted November 20, 2011 Never had a problem crossing at the peace, queenston or ft erie. Only time I've ever been grilled and searched was in cornwall...I understand why and I don't fault the boarder guard now, but at the time I was pissed
Dutchy Posted November 20, 2011 Report Posted November 20, 2011 (edited) Queenston/Lewiston I have had less hassle. Truth is it don't matter. If the officer you get is in a pissy mood, you're screwed. When I was getting my PR, I had to "leave" Canada and come back in, so I went across at Niagara Falls. The Canadian Border guards were cool told me what to do. I went across, you tell the US border guards about getting your PR, they send you back after unofficially refusing you entry. You get a piece of paper for the Canadian guards and your done. This happens every day. The US border guard kept me for over an hour for no reason other than he could, I didn't even want to enter the US. They are complete :asshat: Thats all I have to say about it. I should add that I was the only person there. He kept my passport and spent all his time organizing a trip to see the Detroit Tigers. I go to the US only if I absolutely have to and nothing is going to change my view on that. That said my friends in the US said they get treated just as badly when the reenter the US from business trips. Edited November 20, 2011 by Dutchy
Bondar Posted November 20, 2011 Report Posted November 20, 2011 Ive never had a problem crossing any of the bridges here but almost always cross the rainbow it's the shortest bridge and seems to move the quickest , queenston always seems busy not sure why maybe that's the first one a gps points out to you ......
Skipper D Posted November 20, 2011 Report Posted November 20, 2011 (edited) I belieive the stakes are already set , its a daily gamble no matter where you cross . Be at your up most and ready to kiss .....and you'll be fine . Under that uniform some where is another person just like you . Edited November 20, 2011 by Skipper " D "
skeeter Posted November 20, 2011 Report Posted November 20, 2011 It all depends on the mood of the guard, and how you answer the questions they ask. Ft Erie is the best one. Queenston is a training facility, and they love showing the trainees how to search.
HTHM Posted November 20, 2011 Author Report Posted November 20, 2011 Thanks for the input. I guess I should budget an extra hour into this trip.
express168 Posted November 21, 2011 Report Posted November 21, 2011 I crossed at least 10 times this year, usually Rainbow or Peace Bridge. I have had no issues ever, I have never been detained. Like said have your paperwork in order and be polite and there shouldn't be any issues.
BillM Posted November 21, 2011 Report Posted November 21, 2011 If you are going for work make sure you get something from your HR department at work. They'll be able to whip something up for you that will cause zero hassles at the border.
MJL Posted November 21, 2011 Report Posted November 21, 2011 You could always just tell them you're just going over for the fishing... I remember the first time crossing over the border with 80lbs of corn, 50lbs worth of hemp seeds, 40lbs of boilies and a whole bunch of other things for a carp tourney...Never had a problem crossing any border yet (knock on wood)...Only once did the border guard pop the trunk open and look into a couple of our bags...Good thing they didn't find my 'Kreature' baits Like Bill said, it's probably best if you get something from your HR department.
blaque Posted November 21, 2011 Report Posted November 21, 2011 I agree with most. Its a crap shoot if ya ask me....Ive seen it all. As a U.S. citizen, i've even encountered serious attitude coming back into the states. Going up isnt always a pleasure either. Its a case by case situation in my opinion.
sirfish Posted November 21, 2011 Report Posted November 21, 2011 Coming from one who crosses at least 2X a week I would stay away from Queenston..they are by far the slowest due to the fact they dont have as many booths as the other 2 and they are a major truck entry point,and they take thier sweet old time.Now that the tourist season has wrapped up the rainbow is not that busy and you breeze through in about 10min or less...provided you have your passport and detailed info from your HR dept. The Peace bridge in Fort Erie is your best and easiest if you are headed for P.A. count on 10min or less in the early morn..less throughout the day but prob about 20 to 30 from 5 to 7 as workers are headed home..Good luck P.S ..I saw the same movie about having to sing the national anthem...and yes it ONLY happens in movies..lolol
Raf Posted November 21, 2011 Report Posted November 21, 2011 i find the ON/PQ border fairly easy going.
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