Forum Discussion

rvingprincess's avatar
Jun 05, 2013

Border crossings which one is the best

We will be driving from Brampton. ONT. GOING TO THE Good Sam Rally in Syracuse NY next week and was wondering which border crossing is the easiest to maneuver through. Deciding between Queenston-Lewiston, Buffalo or Thousand Islands need your input.

Caren

8 Replies

  • VE3ESN wrote:
    I think I would cross at Niagara Falls (generally quicker than Queenston- Lewiston or the Peace Bridge as no trucks are allowed, and then take I-90 east if for no other reason than gas is quite a bit cheaper in the states. The cheaper gas will easily pay for the toll(s) and give you some $ left over. Just my 2 cents worth.


    Plus you don't have the hassle of going through Toronto!
    We are crossing at Queenston/Lewiston to fill up with gas at the native station and take the leisurely route to Rochester then I-90 to the Rally.

    I wonder how many are going. We have just attended two rallies in Ontario and at least a dozen rigs were going on to Syracuse. Could be a big turnout - but then the price was right for a lot of folks.
  • If you decide to go via Buffalo/NF, then call the border by the time you get to Grimsby, and make your final choice depending on wait times at each crossing.
  • I think I would cross at Niagara Falls (generally quicker than Queenston- Lewiston or the Peace Bridge as no trucks are allowed, and then take I-90 east if for no other reason than gas is quite a bit cheaper in the states. The cheaper gas will easily pay for the toll(s) and give you some $ left over. Just my 2 cents worth.
  • Of your options, Thousand Islands is best. I avoid it because it's much busier than the one I always take (Prescott/Odgensburg), but that one is even further out of your way.

    If you want to pick up supplies before reaching Syracuse, get off the 81 in Watertown (Arsenal St.) and take a right - Wally World is 2 lights up, easy in and out and back on the highway. If you prefer a real grocery store, take a left instead and Price Choppers will be on the right side after you go over the 81.
  • Community Alumni's avatar
    Community Alumni
    AYRTIME wrote:
    X2 for 1000 islands.
    I90 Buffalo to Syracuse is toll, straight and boring.
    401 believe it or not is much more interesting.
    401 rough and under construction, Napanee to Kingston. You may want to take 49 south toward Picton and pick up #2. Cheap "Native" fuel 3km S on 49. #2 is slow through Napanee however.

    Sorry, I meant to quote your post, not edit it. :o

    X3 for 1000 Islands, done it several times, it's also a scenic drive. :C
  • X2 for 1000 islands.
    I90 Buffalo to Syracuse is toll, straight and boring.
    401 believe it or not is much more interesting.
    401 rough and under construction, Napanee to Kingston. You may want to take 49 south toward Picton and pick up #2. Cheap "Native" fuel 3km S on 49. #2 is slow through Napanee however.
    X3 for 1000 Islands, done it several times, it's also a scenic drive. :C
  • Been through the 1000 Islands crossing a number of times, no issues with the HDT & fiver.

    Smaller, less traffic, plus you will come down 81, again less traffic, and you avoid the tolls on I-90. That's the way I would go.

    Looks like it is only 65 miles more.