ejpsmith

Someone touched on the traffic at the bridges (Rainbow & Peace Bridges), but does anyone have any additional suggestions? I've been hearing dreadful stories from visitors earlier this year.

We are leaving from Cols. Ohio this Friday for the weekend in Niagara Falls. With the new casino opening on Thursday, I have a feeling we might be in danger of missing our 7:30 pm dinner reservations!!

How consistant is the website: http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt ??

Thank you in advance for any recommendations.
Liz

djkbooks

We usually head a few miles north and cross via the Whirlpool or Queenston-Lewiston bridge if we see the traffic backed up at Peace or Rainbow. We've never run into a backup on the Queenston-Lewiston bridge.

Does that website mention the last time it was updated? Even 1/2 an hour can make a huge difference.

The bridges are probably their very busiest around 5PM on Friday nights, so, if possible, you'd want to allow extra time.

waltd

As unusual as it may sound at first, you might consider driving north and entering Canada at Detroit. The Canadian expressway (I forget its designation) which runs along the shore (more or less) of Lake Erie is fast and fairly scenic. I used to drive it from Buffalo on business and found it faster than driving to Detroit from the US side. As you approach Buffalo you'll see the signs to NF.
If that doesn't suit you, drive to Buffalo and watch the signs for the Peace Bridge port of entry, the closest crossing point from the west. It has numerous lines for traffic and is usually much quicker than the entry points to the east. NF is less than 30 minutes once you cross into Canada. As for the website, I've no idea how often it's updated.

rkkwan

From Columbus, OH to Niagara Falls, going through Detroit would mean an extra 100 miles (~450 miles vs 350). And there's no scenic expressway that runs along Lake Erie to Niagara Falls.

The only expressway is the 401, and it's fast and straight, but nothing to see except farmlands. Highway 3 runs along the shore more-or-less, but is much slower.

garyt22

I live less than 10 minutes from the bridges and in the last two weeks there have been no major delays for regular traffic. There was an unusual accident on the Lewiston-Queenston that closed the bridge for several hours last week, however that is extremely rare.
Remember to bring your birth certificates and picture ID and even better, a passport if you have one, to speed your passing. The dreadful stories from earlier this year were the result of the combination of construction on the bridges, a work slowdown by the customs people, and the increased threat of terrorism... things seem to have relaxed since...

The longest delay I would anticipate is 30 minutes, but if you build that in to your schedule, you will probably be early for dinner... also don't worry about which bridge to take, I would suggest the Rainbow, the most scenic and direct into the falls...have fun!