cheerful

We are planning a trip to Glacier NP and would want to visit Waterton Lake NP if possible.

What's the best route to cross the border? Route 17 or 89?

How long does it take to cross the border?

Thanks!

sludick

We came into Waterton via Glacier, through Chief Mountain, I think. Very nice to see a monument honoring the international nature of these two adjoining parks. That's 17, isn't it? It was very isolated (September), and we loved that. But you won't have stops for gas or food, so do note that.

Waterton is lovely.

Ackislander

17 is fast for customs (unless you get unlucky) and a pretty route.

In general, you want to stay well fuelled in this part of the country since fillups could be a good distance apart. There is certainly plenty to eat in Waterton, so unless you are starting from very far away, places to eat enroute shouldn't be a problem.

sludick

Yes, it was quite the isolated border crossing, and we were the only ones at the time. Believe this crossing is closed at some point at night? Or was, when we were there; so do check against your schedule.

It was a very nice drive, we remember it fondly.

cheerful

I have not cross the border on land. How long does the immigration process take? Thanks

spirobulldog

Anywhere from 2 minutes to an hour.

cheerful

If, as the above poster said, you are the only guy there, how much time would it take? Could it still take an hour? Thanks!

Ackislander

Only if you are suspicious, Cheerful, and that will depend on which direction you are going in and your age and appearance, sad to say. Immigration/customs officers are trained to profile, which is a 'no-no' in standard police work in the US, though of course done all the time.

If you are 65 years old and driving a Buick, you are quite likely to sail right through. If you are 25 and have a lot of tattoos, it could take longer.

I am sure that both sides conduct random searches (every eighth vehicle or something like that), which is why I spoke of luck above.

When we used this crossing, I declared "five bottles of beer and a wedding cake" to the Canadians and said I thought the beers would be personally consumed by us before the afternoon was over. We got a laugh and a wave.

sludick

Yep. Just be sure to be polite, respectful, and honest. Never, ever lie to a border officer. You might find they engage you in conversation - some of that is listening to your accent and comparing that to your license plate and driver's license. That's part of their training, so do not be surprised if you have a rental car and that comes up. Just part of their job.

Canadian customs personnel are much friendlier than you might encounter coming back into the U.S., unfortunately. Same rules apply there also. And be sure you have a passport, of course.

cheerful

Thanks, guys. That opens the option to visit Waterton Lake. The plan will then be entering the park from the West and travel East. If we have time left, will then try going up to Waterton Lake.

Connie

Waterton Lake is certainly worth your time--very pretty, small town. Just north of town near the campground is a good place to spot bears eating berries close to the road.

You'll want to visit the beautiful Prince of Wales Hotel. They do high tea in the afternoon, if you are interested.

It's never taken us more than a few minutes to get through border patrol. We did have to throw our U.S. firewood (we were camping) into their trash bin--they don't allow it into Canada.

On your way up or back down, be sure to drive into Many Glacier Lodge in Glacier N.P. Neat old lodge with beautiful scenery. Some of the best hiking trails start here too.