Border crossing time

[mlb]

It has taken anywhere from an hour and a half to a little over two hours the last 2 years we've gone across at international falls. Just wondering what time everyone else has gone through and how the line was when you go across. trying to save a little wait time at the border. Thanks

[fishyguy]

We have crossed at all times of the day. Our best luck has been between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m.. Wait time has been about 5 - 10 minutes at that time of the day. Cheap motels to spend the night can be had if you plan ahead for those who don't want to drive all night to get to the border early.

[Redline]

I have gone to Canada through the Falls 11 or 12 times and never been pulled to the side for a search. We have been in and out in 15 mins most times.

[mlb]

I go through customs in 5 minutes, never been checked, but we've sat in International falls in line for up to 2 and a half hours just to get to customs.

[Ret-ro]

The border crossing at Baudette is usually very fast when we cross in June. It usually stacks up around noon.

[Hemlock]

I'd second the Baudette crossing if it makes sense logistically to where you are headed in Canada. It's much smaller and generally recieves less traffic. Times of the day will vary, but I'm not sure it's predictable.

[Wild Thing]

Avoid the Falls/Fort crossing in summer from noon Friday until about 3 p.m. Sunday - it's okay before and after that. Also avoid any holiday after about 10 a.m.

On the Thursday before Memorial day, at 8 p.m., there were ZERO cars in the Canada line! on the Tuesday after Memorial day at 3 p.m., the line into U.S. was two cars long! Last year, however, the line on the same day was over an hour. I think they are getting better, but still avoid Saturdays at all cost in the summer if you don't want to sit and watch boats on trailers.

Baudette/RRiver is faster, but you lose 30-60 minutes to most destinations.

[Double D]

If you are heading east at all and can utilize Pigeon River, do it. Have crossed there each of the last 2 summers and believe it or not none of the 3 vehicles in our group were delayed more than 4 minutes including waiting in line. The actual talking to the agent (very nice by the way) took no more than 45 seconds per vehicle and no one was pulled over. Now, that may have all changed since, but I am just passing along our experience.

Coming back home was also a breeze.

DD

[MrSenarighi]

Concur with the Pigeon River crossing, very quick. Just got back yesterday.

[Bubbadust]

We went through Int'l Falls into Canada on 5/28 and, including being searched, spent only about 10-15 minutes--that was around 1:30 pm. We came back on 6/3 and it took less than 5 minutes at about 3:30 pm.