crossing canada

A few things:
1) re bringing a gun: just to clarify a little more than just don't bring it, bringing a gun to Canada and not declaring it, or being pulled over while in Canada with it will result in an extended stay in one of our finer 1 star federal hotels with barred windows and doors.
2) Port Huron crossing is not too busy, Most of the Niagara crossings are usually very busy, Fort Erie is probably the least busy in the Niagara area.
3) the drive along the 402-401-403 Between Port Huron and Niagara is an easy drive with very little traffic
4) bringing food into Canada is the easy part, we shop in Port Huron all the time and have never had issues bringing it back. The hard part will be bringing food back to the USA. The rules are complex and seem to change daily. Rule of Thumb seems to be anything perishable is likely to be a problem going into the USA.

As stated, there are no exceptions to the rules based on the "I'm passing straight through, not stopping" argument.

The gun is a no-go. The rest can be worked out.

I've never had much of a delay entering Canada at Sarnia/Port Huron. But that's no guarantee.

You may also want to check what the average wait times are at the border too. Could easily burn a couple hours at each end to get through customs at each end Making going around the lake a better choice.

Also, on food what canada lets in, the US on the other side may not--up to the guard and rules at the time. Had to make an arguement bringing beef from the US back into the US when we went to Alaska this year. Luckily it was still sealed in a wrapper stamped with our local market and had IOWA on it.

The drive that you say is only about 4 hrs........To drive under Lake Erie would only take about 5 hrs.....With the pet and gun, probably not worth your while

You can read USA Embassy on Bringing weapons into Canada

Pets will require vaccinations papers and for food, fruits and vegetables are usually not accepted but be advised you will encounter the same regulations when returning back into the USA.

yrusoslo wrote:
Better check on the handgun. might have to be in a gun safe

Handguns are not allowed in Canada. Period. You'll need to account for this in your planning.

For dogs you should have immunization records if they ask.

For food it changes day to day, month to month so check the Canadian customs web sites for the latest info...

p.s. don't forget your passport

Better check on the handgun. might have to be in a gun safe