We are moving from Winnipeg to Toronto. Driving through states. Are we going to be allowed to cross?

Question

We REALLY want to drive through the states rather then northern Ontario so we can do some shopping and have a bit more interesting drive. Are we going to get hasseled at the border? Our car is going to be full of belongings.. will they have to empty the car and check everything? Is there anything I can do to avoid this? (IE. a letter from my landlord in Toronto stating that we are infact moving from Winnipeg and have a residence in Toronto)

Answer 1

Google and Yahoo! Maps both estimate the time from Winnipeg to Toronto as being just over 21hrs if you go through the USA, through St. Paul, Chicago, and Detroit area. But you have to add at least 30 minutes at each of the borders, one going into USA and then another time crossing between Detroit and Windsor.

It takes a bit longer to go around by the northern side of the great lakes (via Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, and Sudbury) but you do not have to worry about customs issues, you pretty much take one highway all the way (TransCanada), and there are rest stops and hotels along the way.

As for wanting to do shopping in USA, keep in mind that you will have to declare whatever you bought in USA and pay duty on anything over the legal amount you are allowed for a stay of about 24hrs.

If you do not declare what you bought, and they decide to take a peek because of all the belongings in the car, if they find stuff you did not declare or looks like you bought in USA, they will take you aside for a more thorough check, which could mean hours of delays proving that the stuff in the car is things you had upon leaving Winnipeg, and not something that was bought along the way.

I"m not saying that will happen, as more an likely they will wave you on through with only a brief inspection (if any), but I can tell you I am a person who is easily frustrated with unnecessary delays and with crowds. A long lineup at the border and spending a few hours at an inspection station would raise my blood pressure way too much. If you are comfortable with the possibility of that happening, then go the US route and havea good shopping day  ;-)

Answer 2

you wont have a problem as long as everyone in the car has their ID and birth certificate. I consider driving through northern ON instead the scenic route, much more beautiful. Only thing good about driving through the states is Chicago. Otherwise its just a whole lot of freeway. Have fun. I recommend going for pizza in chicago and getting some Garret's popcorn, The best ever made.

Answer 3

Border crossing regulations have changed radically recently. The customs agents can & do use their discretion as far as examination of contents is concerned. The other issue is the necessity of passports/travel documents for ALL people in the vehicles.

Answer 4

You will NOT have any problem.

I have done it as recently as three years ago