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Montreal Border Crossing

Started by realjd, January 09, 2012, 11:00:15 AM

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realjd

My wife and I are thinking of going to Montreal for a weekend this summer. Looking at plane tickets, flying into YUL is about $500 more per ticket than flying into BTV. It doesn't look like Burlington is a long drive from Montreal. How is the border crossing on I-89? Are there long lines? We have Global Entry which allows us to use the Nexus lanes returning back into the US (but not going into Canada). Would the best route be I-89 to Quebec 133 to 35 to 10? It looks like I-89 doesn't transition directly to a freeway in Canada but rather to small back roads.


NE2

pre-1945 Florida route log

I accept and respect your identity as long as it's not dumb shit like "identifying as a vaccinated attack helicopter".

Stephane Dumas

Quote from: NE2 on January 09, 2012, 11:06:50 AM
133 is a decent-quality road.

Yes, it's decent but get lots of traffic especially in summer with the tourists traffics, PQ A-35 is finally in construction from St-Jean to the border. http://www.montrealroads.com/roads/A-35/
Also, here some pictures from a French blog showing the construction progress
http://richard3.net/2010/07/29/a-35-en-2010-lentement-mais-surement/
http://richard3.net/2011/10/28/a-35-2011-ca-avance-un-peu/

Duke87

The time I crossed back into the US at I-89 last spring, there was a bit of a line, but it moved quickly and my questioning was brief. This was on a Sunday morning.
If you're both American citizens, the US Border Patrol will likely give you more trouble than the Canadian Border Patrol.


You've got the best route down, and it's a pretty easy drive with one exception: Pont Champlain. Expect traffic there if it's anywhere near rush hour.
No traffic, the drive is a couple hours.


If you always take the same road, you will never see anything new.

realjd

Quote from: Duke87 on January 09, 2012, 06:30:04 PM
The time I crossed back into the US at I-89 last spring, there was a bit of a line, but it moved quickly and my questioning was brief. This was on a Sunday morning.
If you're both American citizens, the US Border Patrol will likely give you more trouble than the Canadian Border Patrol.

You've got the best route down, and it's a pretty easy drive with one exception: Pont Champlain. Expect traffic there if it's anywhere near rush hour.
No traffic, the drive is a couple hours.

I've always had the opposite experience with other US/Canadian immigration - Canadian immigration officers tend to be huge jerks, Bo at land borders and airports. I've never had any issues coming back into the US. This will be my first time at a land border with Global Entry since they started accepting it at US Nexus lanes and I don't expect US CBP to do much more than check our IDs and ask if we have anything to declare.

What kind of hassle have you experienced coming back into the US? You have a constitutional right to be in the US so they can't exactly keep you out.

Alps

Lately, Canada has given me more trouble than the USA, that's a recent development. I would suggest returning to Burlington via A-15/I-87, US 11 north, US 2 east through North Hero and Grand Island. It's a very scenic drive and you won't lose much time on it.

oscar

#6
Quote from: realjd on January 09, 2012, 07:17:58 PM
[What kind of hassle have you experienced coming back into the US? You have a constitutional right to be in the US so they can't exactly keep you out.

My worst experience (recounted in another recent topic) was a half-hour, thorough (including picking through my dirty laundry, and maybe a quick scan of the data on my laptop, cellphone, etc.), and unexplained full vehicle search, crossing back into the U.S. at the MB 75/I-29 border crossing after a short visit to Winnipeg.  In about two dozen crossings into Canada, I've had two vehicle searches where I was pulled out of line (and on another crossing, a quick peek into my trunk while I was still in line), but they were quicker, less intrusive, and friendlier.

But I'd add that the unpleasantry coming back from Winnipeg in 2008 didn't stop me from making one or two round trips across the Canadian border in 2009, two or three in 2010, and three in 2011.
my Hot Springs and Highways pages, with links to my roads sites:
http://www.alaskaroads.com/home.html


realjd

Quote from: oscar on January 09, 2012, 08:38:33 PM
Quote from: realjd on January 09, 2012, 07:17:58 PM
[What kind of hassle have you experienced coming back into the US? You have a constitutional right to be in the US so they can't exactly keep you out.

My worst experience (recounted in another recent topic) was a half-hour, thorough (including picking through my dirty laundry, and maybe a quick scan of the data on my laptop, cellphone, etc.), and unexplained full vehicle search, crossing back into the U.S. at the MB 75/I-29 border crossing after a short visit to Winnipeg.  In about two dozen crossings into Canada, I've had two vehicle searches where I was pulled out of line (and on another crossing, a quick peek into my trunk while I was still in line), but they were quicker, less intrusive, and friendlier.

But I'd add that the unpleasantry coming back from Winnipeg in 2008 didn't stop me from making one or two round trips across the Canadian border in 2009, two or three in 2010, and three in 2011.

That sucks. Like I said, I've never had any real problems with US CBP on land borders or at airports. I do know that they'll do random secondary inspections even of Global Entry/Nexus/Sentri trusted travelers (I heard 3% somewhere, don't remember where though) so maybe you were just unlucky.

I've never been searched going into Canada either, just hassled by the CBSA agents. They basically made it sound like they were doing me a favor by letting me in.

I like the way the rest of the world does it where immigration and customs are separate functions handled by separate people. It seems to make things more pleasant.

Duke87

I got searched at the NY 22 crossing entering the US. Border guards wondered why I was driving so much out of my way on a backroads crossing, and didn't buy "I'm taking the scenic route". Though, in their defense, I was worried about being given trouble there and was visibly nervous when I pulled up to the checkpoint. That implies that you've got something to be nervous about and tends to make them want to check you out.
If you always take the same road, you will never see anything new.

realjd

Quote from: Duke87 on January 10, 2012, 07:20:09 PM
I got searched at the NY 22 crossing entering the US. Border guards wondered why I was driving so much out of my way on a backroads crossing, and didn't buy "I'm taking the scenic route". Though, in their defense, I was worried about being given trouble there and was visibly nervous when I pulled up to the checkpoint. That implies that you've got something to be nervous about and tends to make them want to check you out.

Nothing to be worried about coming back. Unlike going into a foreign country (like crossing into Canada), CBP can't legally deny you entry if you're a US citizen. The worst they can do is hassle you and search you before letting you go.

1995hoo

Quote from: realjd on January 11, 2012, 01:25:37 PM
Quote from: Duke87 on January 10, 2012, 07:20:09 PM
I got searched at the NY 22 crossing entering the US. Border guards wondered why I was driving so much out of my way on a backroads crossing, and didn't buy "I'm taking the scenic route". Though, in their defense, I was worried about being given trouble there and was visibly nervous when I pulled up to the checkpoint. That implies that you've got something to be nervous about and tends to make them want to check you out.

Nothing to be worried about coming back. Unlike going into a foreign country (like crossing into Canada), CBP can't legally deny you entry if you're a US citizen. The worst they can do is hassle you and search you before letting you go.

As long as you have your passport with you, of course! Surprisingly, there are still a lot of Americans who don't know that a passport is now required to return to the US when you travel to Canada by car (or foot or bike).
"You know, you never have a guaranteed spot until you have a spot guaranteed."
—Olaf Kolzig, as quoted in the Washington Times on March 28, 2003,
commenting on the Capitals clinching a playoff spot.

"That sounded stupid, didn't it?"
—Kolzig, to the same reporter a few seconds later.

Duke87

Yes, well, being denied entry is not my worry. My worry is about getting hassled. Border guards, like police, freak me out and I would rather keep my dealings with them as brief as possible.
If you always take the same road, you will never see anything new.

realjd

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 11, 2012, 03:23:15 PM
As long as you have your passport with you, of course! Surprisingly, there are still a lot of Americans who don't know that a passport is now required to return to the US when you travel to Canada by car (or foot or bike).

Even without a passport, they can't stop an American citizen from entering. It may just take a long, long time for them to make that determination as to your citizenship!

My Global Entry card is a WHTI-certified travel doc so it's good at land borders in place of a passport. Nexus and Sentri cards are as well. A few states issue "enhanced drivers licenses" that are also. I still plan on taking my passport though since I don't like the idea of being outside the US without it. Even on cruises where the cruise line strongly encourages people to leave their passports in their rooms when in port, I take it with me.

oscar

Quote from: Duke87 on January 10, 2012, 07:20:09 PM
I got searched at the NY 22 crossing entering the US. Border guards wondered why I was driving so much out of my way on a backroads crossing, and didn't buy "I'm taking the scenic route". Though, in their defense, I was worried about being given trouble there and was visibly nervous when I pulled up to the checkpoint. That implies that you've got something to be nervous about and tends to make them want to check you out.

In 2009, I reentered the U.S. at another lonely New York crossing, US 11 a few miles east of I-87.  The customs agent asked why was using that port of entry rather than I-87.  I told him I wanted a change of pace from the Interstates, was "shunpiking" my way back home including a lot of US 11, and wanted to start that trip at the north end of US 11.  The agent seemed to get it, no search, just a minute or two of the usual routine questions before I was allowed to go on my way.

It may have helped that my excuse was true.  I did end up staying on US 11 all the way to I-81 in Watertown NY, got back on US 11 in Scranton, and didn't return to the Interstates until just north of Hagerstown MD.  
my Hot Springs and Highways pages, with links to my roads sites:
http://www.alaskaroads.com/home.html

Brandon

Rule 1: Don't ever offer the border guard any more information than he/she asks for.
Rule 2: Be polite.
"If you think this has a happy ending, you haven't been paying attention." - Ramsay Bolton

"Symbolic of his struggle against reality." - Reg

nds76

#16
I have been to Ontario 4 times...

1. With my family, no problems

2. Went alone, no problems

3. Went alone, questioned and searched, both ways

4. Went alone, not only questioned and searched both ways, but was threatened with prison, escorted into both US and Canadian customs buildings. They didn't buy my story of why I was there, and more drama. They sounded an alarm and border agents came out to the booth and I was escorted into a garage and escorted upstairs where I waited until my car was searched. Talk about a hassle to cross! Anyone who knows me knows I take random trips just because. Doesn't go over well with them.

So all this happened in Michigan at the International Bridge in Sault Ste. Marie. US Customs were total jerks coming back from Canada. And just for the record, on the last trip I did have an Enhanced Michigan Drivers License with the RFID chip.

Dr Frankenstein

As a frequent crosser (and crossing into the US tomorrow morning in fact) I've never had to get through anything more than (relatively rare) car searches (once by the CBP, twice by the CBSA, in a few years). But almost all of the times it's nothing more than "Where are you from, where are you going, why, anything to declare?" and on some occasions, "Open your trunk, please unzip the bag that's on your rear seat." Still, 85% of the time it's a 2-minute business for me, each way, even when I do have something to declare. On one occasion a CBSA agent didn't even take my passport out of my hand. Perhaps I've gotten used to it and generally don't look nervous or suspicious (although some may say otherwise from my hair and occasional unshaven beard.)

I cross at various places between the Thousands Islands (ON/NY) and Stanstead/Derby Line (QC/VT) depending on my destination (I've probably been through more than ten different crossings by now), but most of the time it's in Lacolle or Hemmingford, QC (Champlain, NY).

nds76, I'm amazed, I really have no idea what actually happened with you. I've never even been close to getting something like that. :/

Duke87

Saying "I'm going nowhere in particular for no particular reason" is a great way to raise red flags. Because, even if it's completely honest, it makes you look very suspicious since it's strange. Ordinarily, people don't do such things, so they assume you're trying to hide something. What you need to do is have a destination in mind and have an excuse for going there before you cross the border. Or, if you can't do that, simply avoid crossing the border if you don't have a reason to.
If you always take the same road, you will never see anything new.

AsphaltPlanet

I have crossed a number of times over the years, and have been searched by both US and Canadian officials a few times. Typically these days I just say that I am going to visit friends or will be shopping.

When I was younger I would say that I wasn't going (or hadn't gone) for any particular reason and subsequently got searched. I recall getting a hard time coming back from Rochester about 5 years ago because in the customs officials mind the fact that it was 'a nice day' wasn't a great reason to have gone to New York State.
AsphaltPlanet.ca  Youtube -- Opinions expressed reflect the viewpoints of others.

nds76

I really didn't have a reason to go other than wanting to. I mean I was already in Soo, Michigan and the border is right there and since I had my newly issued EDL I thought I'd give it a try, what roadgeek wouldn't? I was nervous and apparently it showed. But in any case I was accused of lying about why I was going there. It was quite an ordeal for me and was hysterical all the way home after getting back to Michigan.

broadhurst04

Wow. I had thought it would be nice to drive up to Canada and take a tour of at least some of the country for maybe a couple of weeks or more (if I had the money and the time), but now I'm not so sure. Is it harder to cross the border now than it was before 9/11? Would it be easier to cross  if I had, say, copies of reservation confirmations at Canadian hotels to show the border guards that I have a legitimate, peaceful reason for crossing the border? I just don't want to have a frightening experience at the border which would leave me emotionally scarred and unable to enjoy my trip...

oscar

Quote from: broadhurst04 on January 22, 2012, 12:32:33 AM
Wow. I had thought it would be nice to drive up to Canada and take a tour of at least some of the country for maybe a couple of weeks or more (if I had the money and the time), but now I'm not so sure. Is it harder to cross the border now than it was before 9/11? Would it be easier to cross  if I had, say, copies of reservation confirmations at Canadian hotels to show the border guards that I have a legitimate, peaceful reason for crossing the border? I just don't want to have a frightening experience at the border which would leave me emotionally scarred and unable to enjoy my trip...

Sounds like a plan that would leave a fair amount of your money behind in Canada.  That should help with Customs Canada, especially if you mention some popular tourist destinations among the places you'll visit. 

I've sometimes been asked, crossing into Canada, about my first night's lodging reservations.  Once I supplied a specific location, but the customs agent then grilled me about why that particular place (not a typical tourist destination) before letting me go -- sometimes you just can't win.  Another time I told the customs agent where I was headed, and that I didn't have lodging reservations but would arrange them that afternoon depending on how much progress I made by then.  That answer satisfied the customs agent, though it helped that it was low season so it was unlikely I'd end up stuck overnight someplace with no lodgings.  As advised upthread, be prepared to answer the question at least generally, but don't volunteer details.
my Hot Springs and Highways pages, with links to my roads sites:
http://www.alaskaroads.com/home.html

ghYHZ

#23
Quote from: broadhurst04 on January 22, 2012, 12:32:33 AM
Wow. I had thought it would be nice to drive up to Canada and take a tour of at least some of the country for maybe a couple of weeks or more (if I had the money and the time)

33 Million vehicles cross the US/Canada border each year and that's just what a lot of these people are doing: touring and spending money.  Certainly nothing that will set of an alarm. Be honest and tell the border officer just that.

http://www.ezbordercrossing.com/the-inspection-experience/

http://www.ezbordercrossing.com/border-congestion/

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2009/05/11/f-border-by-the-numbers.html



realjd

#24
Quote from: broadhurst04 on January 22, 2012, 12:32:33 AM
Wow. I had thought it would be nice to drive up to Canada and take a tour of at least some of the country for maybe a couple of weeks or more (if I had the money and the time), but now I'm not so sure. Is it harder to cross the border now than it was before 9/11? Would it be easier to cross  if I had, say, copies of reservation confirmations at Canadian hotels to show the border guards that I have a legitimate, peaceful reason for crossing the border? I just don't want to have a frightening experience at the border which would leave me emotionally scarred and unable to enjoy my trip...

Yes, it's harder than before 9/11. But it's not worse than any other international trip by land or air. The border folks may give you a hard time if you're suspicious but they do eventually let you through in most cases. Don't let a few bad stories scare you from traveling internationally.

Like any time you travel internationally, having printed hotel reservations and printed return flight confirmations or other proof of ties to your home country will help things. They are primarily looking for contraband and for people who may overstay and/or be a burden on the government. Showing that you have a reason to go home makes them much friendlier. And even trusted travelers are subject to random searches chosen by the border agent's computer.

Having a specific destination and list of things to do also helps. If you fly to London and you can't answer when immigration agent asks what sights you wanted to see, that raises red flags. Same with entering Canada and the US.

Returning to the US, they MUST let you back in. It's the law. Worst you'll get is a car search and an interrogation (where you're not actually required to answer any of their questions if you don't want to).

Don't bring produce across in either direction. That's a big no-no.




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