Opening Hours
Standard Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all types of vehicles
Seasonal Adjustments: NEXUS lanes into Canada operate from 07:00 to 22:00 daily
Holiday Closures: U.S.-bound FAST lane and booth close on weekends and statutory holidays
Wait Time & Traffic
Average Wait:
- Passenger Vehicles: 4-12 minutes during non-peak periods, 25+ minutes at rush hour
- Commercial Trucks: 8-15 minutes for FAST-approved carriers, 20-45 minutes for standard processing
Peak Times:
- Weekday rush hours (7:00-9:00 AM and 4:00-6:00 PM)
- Weekend holidays (Memorial Day, Canada Day, Labor Day)
- Pre-Christmas freight surges (mid-November to mid-December)
Express Options:
- NEXUS program for pre-approved travelers (operating 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM)
- FAST program for commercial carriers (24-hour service on weekdays)
- Mobile apps from CBSA and CBP provide real-time wait information for planning
Border Facilities
Immigration Processing: Available (fully staffed during peak hours; limited personnel after 10:00 PM)
Customs Processing: Available (24-hour service with potential reduced capacity overnight)
Health Screening: Available (enhanced during public health emergencies)
Services:
Restrooms available at both plazas
Currency exchange counters (8:00 AM-8:00 PM)
Limited food options at vending machines
Duty-free stores prior to both border plazas
Accessibility:
Wheelchair-accessible lanes at primary inspection points
TTY devices for hearing-impaired travelers
Service animal relief areas with waste disposal stations
Official Resources
Canada Border Authority: CBSA Sarnia Office | +1 519-336-2060 | [email protected] | www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
United States Border Authority: CBP Port Huron Port Director | (810) 985-9541 | [email protected] | www.cbp.gov
Travel Advisories: travel.gc.ca (Canada) | travel.state.gov (United States)
Overview
The Blue Water Bridge serves as a critical international border crossing point connecting Sarnia, Ontario and Port Huron, Michigan across the St. Clair River. As the second-busiest commercial crossing between Canada and the United States, it facilitates approximately 1.7 million vehicle movements annually. The crossing consists of twin spans designed to optimize traffic flow, with the original westbound span constructed in 1938 and the newer eastbound span added in 1997. The bridge features advanced cargo pre-clearance systems and dedicated lanes for NEXUS and FAST program participants.
This international gateway plays a vital role in cross-border commerce, particularly for the automotive industry, with over 850 commercial trucks crossing daily. The border facilities are equipped with modern inspection technologies, including X-ray scanners and automated license plate recognition systems. Both the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) maintain fully staffed operations to ensure efficient processing while maintaining border security. The Blue Water Bridge stands as a crucial link in the North American supply chain and serves as an essential connection for travelers and businesses alike.
Document Requirements
- Machine-readable passport compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization standards
- Valid visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for Canada if required
- Valid U.S. visa or approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for entering the U.S.
- Return/onward ticket showing travel plans
- Proof of sufficient funds for stay
- Temporary vehicle importation permits if bringing foreign-registered vehicles
- Valid U.S. passport or passport card
- Enhanced driver’s license (issued by Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, or Washington)
- NEXUS card for expedited processing
- Original vehicle documentation and insurance valid in Canada
- For minors traveling without both parents: notarized consent letter from absent parent(s)
- Valid Canadian passport
- Enhanced driver’s license with RFID chip issued by Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation
- NEXUS card (recommended for frequent travelers)
- Original vehicle registration and proof of insurance
- For borrowed/rented vehicles: written authorization from the owner/rental company
Crossing Procedure
From Canada Side
Approach the bridge via Highway 402 westbound
Pay toll at booths operated by the Blue Water Bridge Authority
Cross the bridge using the 1997 eastbound span
Present all travel documents to CBP officers at primary inspection
Answer all questions truthfully and concisely
If selected, proceed to secondary inspection area for additional screening
Once cleared, follow signs to I-94/I-69 to continue your journey
From USA Side
Approach from Port Huron's I-94/I-69 interchange to the 1938 westbound span
Complete any duty-free shopping before reaching the border
Present travel documents to CBSA officers at primary checkpoint
Complete customs declaration when requested
Answer all questions clearly and honestly
If referred, proceed to secondary inspection area
After clearance, follow Highway 402 eastbound toward Sarnia
Special Considerations
Vehicle Imports/Exports:
Temporary importation requires vehicle registration and insurance documentation
Permanent imports subject to duties and taxes based on vehicle age and specifications
Vehicles older than 15 years entering the U.S. or 25 years entering Canada receive vintage classification with different regulations
Goods Allowances:
Alcohol: 1.5L wine or 8.5L beer
Tobacco: 200 cigarettes
Gifts: CAD 60 value per item
Personal exemptions vary based on length of stay abroad
Prohibited Items:
Cannabis products (regardless of legal status in origin location)
Undeclared firearms and weapons
Fresh citrus fruits (due to citrus canker risks)
Counterfeit goods
Untreated wooden packaging materials
Currency Restrictions:
Amounts exceeding CAD/USD 10,000 must be declared to border officials
Electronic currency and monetary instruments included in declaration requirements
Known Issues:
Winter weather can cause sudden lane closures or reduced speeds
Construction on U.S. plaza expansion may cause intermittent delays through 2026
Commercial carriers face more intensive agricultural inspections during growing seasons
Accommodations
Hotels and Restaurants in near Border Canada (Sarnia):
- Point Edward Casino Hotel (0.3km from CBSA plaza)
- Holiday Inn Sarnia (2.1km east)
- Jack’s Family Restaurant (1.5km from border)
- Stokes Bay Grill (waterfront dining, 2km from border)
Hotels and Restaurants in Near border United States (Port Huron):
- Thomas Edison Inn (1.2km south of CBP facilities)
- Extended Stay America (3.7km west)
- Freighters Restaurant (waterfront dining, 2km from bridge)
- Vintage Tavern (downtown Port Huron, 3km from border)
Better Options Nearby:
- London, Ontario (100km northeast) offers premium hotel chains and diverse dining
- Detroit, Michigan (110km southwest) provides expanded accommodations and entertainment options
Public Review Sentiments
Based on total reviews found online, the Blue Water Bridge border crossing receives mixed feedback from travelers. Most users praise the efficiency of the border staff during regular travel periods, with many highlighting the professional and helpful attitude of officers, particularly when processing complex cases like vehicle imports. Several reviewers specifically commend the clear signage and well-organized lanes that help streamline the crossing process. However, some travelers report inconsistent experiences depending on the specific officers encountered, with occasional complaints about unnecessarily stern questioning or lengthy secondary inspections even for routine crossings. During peak periods, wait times can become a significant concern, with some reviews noting delays exceeding expectations despite real-time information systems. Overall, the crossing maintains a reputation for professional operation with occasional service variations that travelers should anticipate.
Traveler Experiences
"I recently brought over a gifted boat from the US to Canada through this border crossing. Both the initial contact officer and the secondary inspection officer on the Canadian side were extremely helpful and made the process easy. I had all my documentation ready which probably helped, but they guided me through the entire process professionally." - Till K., November 2024
"Crossing with my family during the summer holiday weekend was smoother than expected. We used the CBSA app to check wait times and crossed mid-morning to avoid the afternoon rush. The U.S. officers were efficient and professional, asking standard questions before clearing us through. Total time from toll booth to highway was under 20 minutes." - Sarah M., July 2024
"As a commercial driver, I cross this bridge weekly. The FAST program has been a game-changer for reducing wait times. The recent construction on the U.S. side occasionally causes confusion with lane assignments, but the border personnel have been great at directing traffic. My advice: have all paperwork organized and easily accessible to speed up the process." - Michael T., September 2024
DISCLAIMER: This guide provides general information based on data available at time of publication. Border regulations, requirements, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current information with official government sources before travel. BorderRoute.com is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information. Travel decisions and border compliance remain the sole responsibility of the traveler.
