[Therese's Mommy]

Hi, my family will be traveling from Sarnia, ON to Niagara Falls around Canada Day. Our travel date is flexible to some extent. The earliest we would want to travel would be June 29 (although I would much prefer waiting at least 1 more day) and we would want to avoid the 4th of July traffic in the US, so probably wouldn't want to travel after July 2. What day would you suggest we travel so as to hit the least amount of traffic? Thanks for any insight!!

Beth

 

[Cujobunny]

I would bet that June 30 would be pretty busy but the 29th would be ok. July 1 would probably not have much traffic, but most stores and stuff would be closed (if you're thinking of doing any stopping along the way). I bet the 2nd wouldn't be too bad either.

 

[eirual]

I don't think any amount of traffic you'll hit is worth re-scheduling for. It's going to be a fairly busy weekend regardless, but even in the thick of it you'd likely be hung up at the border for only an hour or two.

Are you going the American side of the The Falls? Otherwise, there's always back roads you can take if the QEW is by chance a parking lot (which it likely won't be).

 

[Therese's Mommy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by eirual I don't think any amount of traffic you'll hit is worth re-scheduling for. It's going to be a fairly busy weekend regardless, but even in the thick of it you'd likely be hung up at the border for only an hour or two. Are you going the American side of the The Falls? Otherwise, there's always back roads you can take if the QEW is by chance a parking lot (which it likely won't be).

We generally take the QEW to the 405 then cross over into the US. That bridge is often REALLY bad. I plan on researching some other routes, I know there are a bunch of other crossings. They tend to let you know on the QEW the wait times and our route always seems to have the worst crossing time. I don't care if it adds miles (and even time for that matter) to our trip to take a different route at the last minute. When traveling with kids the most important thing is to keep the car moving!

For the most part the QEW seems to move (and fast!), unless there is construction. We lose all our time at the crossings, usually.

Thanks for the info so far. I am thinking we will probably travel on the 1st.

Beth

 

[Irishmommy]

Queenston/Lewiston is generally slower than the other bridges - I think it's 'cos the shopping is right there. We were in the US once close to that bridge to come back. We saved almost an hour by driving down to Fort Erie and back up, rather than sitting in the line.

Anyway, Canada Day is a Wednesday this year, so some people will be off that day, some the Monday, some the Friday, depending. And the July 4 weekend going into the US shouldn't be bad. So basically, travel the day you want, and don't sweat it.

There is also an 800 number to call the border for recorded wait times, it's update every hour on the hour.

 

[eirual]

I have that number wrtitten in the car, I'll try to post it here when I find it.

Here's a nifty website that you might want to check before heading out http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/times/menu-e.html .

 

[Therese's Mommy]

Thanks alot for all the info. We will travel on 7/1 and I will have the 800 number with me to check on bridge times as we approach our crossing. I will also have the alternates mapped out so we won't be waiting at the worst crossing.