As our summer travels are winding up, I'm beginning to think ahead to next year's plans (due to work restrictions we have to plan 2019 within the next 4-6 weeks). At one point, we are going to be traveling from SE Michigan to New England. Depending on the order of things, a route through Canada will save us between 125-200 miles of distance, but would add the two border crossings, hassles with perishables (don't even know all those rules), etc...I've driven through Canada in the past, but never towed our camper across the boarder. Is the saved distance worth the hassle, or is the risk of border delays and frustrations too high and you are better off simply staying within the US? I'd welcome the input of those with more experience going in and through Canada!

I can't offer any input based off experience but the time spent at the border crossings and the cost of fuel in Canada would make my decision easy.

RobWNY wrote:I can't offer any input based off experience but the time spent at the border crossings and the cost of fuel in Canada would make my decision easy.I agree, especially if you're only saving 125-200 miles. I'm sure others will disagree.Just the hassle of the border crossing is enough for me. Plus, depending where you cross there could be a long wait. How much time will you really save?

I think it's well worth it. In general there are not big hassles at the border crossings, though of course there's no guarantee of that. Refueling in the US before crossing into Canada should eliminate any extra fuel costs, assuming you're going through southern Ontario from the lower peninsula of Michigan to Niagara Falls...it's easily doable in a single tank of fuel for most vehicles. Usually the border crossings don't add two hours to the travel time, even when there are some moderate delays.Going through Canada also avoids the tolls on those sections of the Ohio Turnpike and the New York Thruway.

Are you just driving straight through? If so, then it probably isn't worth it.But if you can make a few stops, then it is very much worth it. Niagara Falls, Niagara on the Lake, Kingston, Montreal, and so on. Gorgeous scenery, wonderful people, great food, and interesting sites.

We just crossed the border 2 days ago from Canada back into Maine. We were pulled aside and had to wait 1 hour while border patrol went through the MH including having me unlock safes. The also went through all the bays and looked in the engine compartment. It was the wife and 2 of our grandkids. They did confiscate a couple of tomato's and kiwis.A few years ago we went from Buffalo to Sarnia to save the trip around the lake. This time the Canadians took 1 hour to go through the MH.90% of the time though they ask a few questions and we're on our way. It's a **** shoot. But I'd agree with those that consider the time savings and expensive fuel to make it not worth doing.

Towing through Canada, worth it? | Good Sam Community

toedtoes
Explorer III
Aug 21, 2018
Are you just driving straight through? If so, then it probably isn't worth it.

But if you can make a few stops, then it is very much worth it. Niagara Falls, Niagara on the Lake, Kingston, Montreal, and so on. Gorgeous scenery, wonderful people, great food, and interesting sites.
DrewE
Explorer II
Aug 21, 2018
I think it's well worth it. In general there are not big hassles at the border crossings, though of course there's no guarantee of that. Refueling in the US before crossing into Canada should eliminate any extra fuel costs, assuming you're going through southern Ontario from the lower peninsula of Michigan to Niagara Falls...it's easily doable in a single tank of fuel for most vehicles. Usually the border crossings don't add two hours to the travel time, even when there are some moderate delays.

Going through Canada also avoids the tolls on those sections of the Ohio Turnpike and the New York Thruway.
gbopp
Explorer
Aug 21, 2018
RobWNY wrote:
I can't offer any input based off experience but the time spent at the border crossings and the cost of fuel in Canada would make my decision easy.

I agree, especially if you're only saving 125-200 miles. I'm sure others will disagree.

Just the hassle of the border crossing is enough for me. Plus, depending where you cross there could be a long wait. How much time will you really save?
RobWNY
Explorer
Aug 21, 2018
I can't offer any input based off experience but the time spent at the border crossings and the cost of fuel in Canada would make my decision easy.

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