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2nomads's avatar
2nomads
Explorer
Apr 17, 2019

Port Huron, MI Border Crossing into Canada

We are heading to Niagara Falls, Ontario, in late May to meet up with a caravan. We're coming cross country from Oregon. We plan to travel Interstate 80 most of the way, originally planning to cross the border in the Detroit area. But we now think it would be better to go up through Lansing and Flint, MI and cross the border at Port Huron. We've never been to this area any farther than Elkhart, IN. Any advice or comments about that choice of border crossing point?

18 Replies

  • We use the Sarnia/Port Huron crossing both ways each year when we go South for the winter with our trailer. It is a good crossing with lots of room at the Border Control booths.
  • Tripalot wrote:
    Maybe someone else can confirm this - we have not crossed into Michigan for a couple of years and we would often use both Windsor and Sarnia crossings. I think there is a gas station that is duty free before you cross into Canada at the Port Huron/Sarnia crossing. The savings were good. You will get sticker shock when you fill up in Canada.
    Have not found that one and have made that crossing hundreds of times. But there are several gas stations on the US side. I recommend topping up before you cross. I will be heading over again this weekend.

    Interestingly enough (and I was in Ontario a week ago) their gas has not taken the huge jump we have seen in Michigan. Last I saw was CD$1.16/liter, which converts to US$3.29/gal, not dramatically more than the $2.99 we are seeing in Michigan right now.

    As far as crossing Port Huron to Sarnia is concerned I MUCH prefer that crossing to the Detroit/Windsor one. Not as crowded and much more room for traffic. It is also cheaper - US$3.25 or CDN$4.25. (without a trailer).
  • Maybe someone else can confirm this - we have not crossed into Michigan for a couple of years and we would often use both Windsor and Sarnia crossings. I think there is a gas station that is duty free before you cross into Canada at the Port Huron/Sarnia crossing. The savings were good. You will get sticker shock when you fill up in Canada.
  • Thank you all so much. Relieves a little worry. It's always good to hear from folks who have been there. :)
  • I think your choice of crossing from Port Huron into Sarnia is a very good one. We crossed there last summer for the second time in less than five years. In fact, we stayed in the Port Huron campground so we could get an early and easy start. Glad we did, highly recommend it. We crossed with our dog in the back seat looking out the window at the agent. Even though we had all the proper documents, he never asked a word about the dog.
  • We crossed into Canada from Port Huron last Oct, easy peasy. Matter of fact I cross from Detroit quite a bit and like Port Huron better.
  • I often crossed into Windsor through Detroit for business. If you pick up I69 from I80, you'll find it a much more enjoyable ride and crossing. (road conditions, traffic, scenery, and crossing time should all be better)
  • Not a bad idea ... pickup I-69 and take it all the way to Port Huron, you avoid a bunch of construction and congestion around the Detroit Metro area.

    Either stay on the 80/90 toll road until it intersects directly with 69, or hop off at I-94

    As for the crossing itself, it's a major commercial crossing so it should be pretty efficient and easy to navigate, I haven't driven it myself in an RV.