We're driving from Chicago to Toronto and Niagara on the Lake this summer, and have heard that there can be long delays in both directions going across the border. Does anyone have information on this, or suggestions of which border crossings may be less busy than others?

Thanks in advance for any info!

We drove from Toronto to Buffalo and back last Saturday, across the Peace Bridge. We left Canada about 10 a.m. and had about a 15 minute wait and we returned at about 10 p.m. from the US to Canada and had no wait at all -- there were several car-less booths open . A lot depends on what time you go through.

Thanks! Do you know when it's more crowded so we can try to avoid those times?

Its all about the time of day and which day you cross... Holidays are the worst... on the start of and end of a weekend but normally the waits are short...

If you are not in a hurry and want a beautiful drive, cross at the Peace Bridge and drive the total length of your trip along the Niagara Parkway... it takes you along the Niagara River from Ft Erie, Ontario through Niagara Falls and continues to Niagara on the Lake... several great stops along the way... its about 35 miles to Niagara on the Lake...

If you are traveling at night,still cross at the Peace Bridge... just stay on the QEW highway to Niagara Falls...

There is major construction on the US side at Grand Island Bridge I-190 causing major delays... take the Peace Bridge in all scenerios.... the other border bridges may not delay you, but the Bridge construction will... have fun!

sorry, eliz, I don't know the more congested times. This link might help.
http://niagarafallsbridges.com/

Thanks for all this great info! Do you know anything about crossing at Detroit/Windsor or Port Edward on the north? We're considering those routes as well.

Sorry, no I don't know about that crossing.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/times/menu-e.html

Gary has given you excellent advice. The drive from Fort Erie along the Niagara Parkway is beautiful.
I usually cross at the Peace Bridge at Fort Erie. I find it's usually far less crowded that the others.
When ever I cross at Lewiston, I'm always kicking myself as I sit in the line up.

As for Windsor/Detroit, it can be a nightmare. So many trucks crossing there. I was warned to stay away from there, and I was sorry I didn't listen.

Sarnia/Port Huron is a nice crossing.

I totally agree with Kodi, there is always a ton of traffic at the Detroit/Windsor crossing. Port Huron (MI)/Sarnia (ON) is pleasant and far less crowded.

Enjoy your trip!

BC

Definitely in agreement with crossing at either Buffalo/Fort Erie (Peace) or Port Huron/Sarnia (Blue Water) -- least potential for long waits.
Lewiston, although closer to NOL is currently infamous for long waits and Detroit/Windsor whether bridge or tunnel can be downright irritating.

Just a few notes of a practical nature, particularly for the Port Huron crossing. Once you cross into Ontario there are NO services on Hwy 402 until you reach the Flying J on Hwy. 401 at London, which is approx 1.5 hrs drive time.

Having done that stretch a few times wishing we'd stopped ... highly recommend a bathroom break prior to crossing in case of back-ups. Washrooms at I-69/94 exit 274 (tourist info) or at Duty Free shop. (Pine Grove exit)

Also if taking on I-90 eastbound toward Buffalo, your last service centre is at Angola -- about 20 minutes from Buffalo. Middle of the highway so you don't have to go through toll booths. Nothing worse than feeling irritable when dealing with Customs. LOL

Thank you everyone for all the great tips -- we're looking forward to our first trip to Toronto! (now just have to find a hotel, but that's another post...