Niagara Border Crossing Times on Black Friday experiences

[Deevusone]

If you have previously crossed the border through the Niagara bridges, what were you experiences? How long did you have to wait to cross over to the US? Which bridge? Any hassles from US Customs?

[Ebola]

depends on if you're someone who needs hasslin'

[CSK'sMom]

The Q-L is by far the worst for delays, especially on BF. We put it down to GPS units route everyone to that crossing. We cross Rainbow by 4am and the wait is nill to minimal. Q-L can be delayed significantly beginning the Thursday from about noon onwards...

[Hairball]

The Q-L is by far the worst for delays, especially on BF. We put it down to GPS units route everyone to that crossing. We cross Rainbow by 4am and the wait is nill to minimal. Q-L can be delayed significantly beginning the Thursday from about noon onwards...

I guess that is a good reasoning. I've taken it one time on that bridge, but in subsequent trips I just avoid it and drive on the QEW to either Buffalo or Niagara Falls, and at least there aren't highway tolls. I found the Rainbow or Peace Bridges are much faster.

[lekkel]

before you go, check the border status by calling 1800-715-6722. I do it everytime I go across.

[nutttbar]

before you go, check the border status by calling 1800-715-6722. I do it everytime I go across.

+1....we dont cross the border at any time without calling that number first & finding out which bridge has the shortest wait time.

[m4gician]

Just as an aside, what's the daily spending limit per person?

[Hairball]

Just as an aside, what's the daily spending limit per person?

$0 for a trip under 24 hours.

... but depends on the border officer though, if it's small amounts say under $100 a person I doubt they would really care. They have discretion.

[mannyb]

I book mark this link on my PDA and I check it when I get within 30 mins of the boarder: http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/index.asp

[XxXSnake23XxX]

Last year... left my house at 8 (live in oakville) so it takes about 45 min to get to the border.. I reached the Fashion outlet at around 1:30... yeahh! Luckily the "rush" didn't start untill 4 am. But it was good that we got there early... u can call it that since there was still some good selection left most of the "timed" sales start around 2:30am and run untill 6am

^^ ex. 2:30-4:30 40% off etc

[tigger03]

Just as an aside, what's the daily spending limit per person?

Canadians returning to Canada from the U.S.,

After each absence of 24 hours or more:
You can claim up to CAN$50 worth of goods without paying any duties. This is your personal exemption. You must have the goods with you when you arrive and you cannot include tobacco products or alcoholic beverages in this exemption. If the goods you bring in are worth more than CAN$50 in total, you cannot claim this exemption. Instead you have to pay full duties on all goods you bring in.

After each absence of 48 hours or more:
You can claim up to CAN$400 worth of goods without paying any duties. You must have the goods with you when you arrive. Although you can include some tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, a partial exemption may apply to cigarettes, tobacco products or manufactured tobacco.

After each absence of 7 days or more:
You can claim up to CAN$750 worth of goods without paying any duties. Although you can include some tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, a partial exemption may apply to cigarettes, tobacco products or manufactured tobacco. See the section called "Alcohol and tobacco" for more details. With the exception of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, you do not need to have the goods with you when you arrive.

Source: http://www.visitwindsor.com/before%20you%20go/customs%20and%20immigration.htm

[CSK'sMom]

Last year... left my house at 8 (live in oakville) so it takes about 45 min to get to the border.. I reached the Fashion outlet at around 1:30... yeahh! Luckily the "rush" didn't start untill 4 am. But it was good that we got there early... u can call it that since there was still some good selection left most of the "timed" sales start around 2:30am and run untill 6am

^^ ex. 2:30-4:30 40% off etc

Then take my advice, DO NOT cross at Q-L! Rainbow was never more than a 20 minute wait at any point last year leading up to or on BF. ;) And to boot, it's quicker going through NF,NY and going in the "back way" than dealing with the chaos at the Porter/Packard exit.