Growing up in Dearborn, MI in the 60's 70's and 80's. I used to go over to Canada often having Canadian relatives that lived in St Thomas and Port Stanley. I used to love going over to Windsor back in the 80's with friends to eat and drink at Mothers Pizza also.
Thing were much simpler then. I lived in Hamilton then and we drove to Niagara Falls NY as drinking age was 18, Crossing was a breeze even when half drunk. Now it it a crap shoot and have spent up to 3 hours getting across. They even held everybody while they brought the dogs out to sniff every car. Been waved to the search area and held there for over an hour while they searched my car. They have all the info on the computer but still amke you feel like a criminal.
Went on our honeymoon on 2015, was crossing Ambassador Bridge, accidentally went into E-pass lane....got stopped and searched ..then on our way to the N Falls...13 hr drive, well worth it!
It's been many years since I crossed the bridge. I tend to use the tunnel, since it takes me right downtown, which is my usual destination for concerts and sports. It is also closer to where I live ... ;) Cheers, and thanks for the ride!
I have never taken the tunnel as it does take you downtown but the bridge gets you right on I75 which is faster. I think the tunnel is also cheaper. The bridge is $6.25 Can. each way. Line up were short these days but has taken 2 hours to get over some days.:-(
Always take the right hand side as on the left they search cars more often as they can direct you right into the search area. Much harder on the right side.
@@railpast that applies to more than just crossing the US Canada border. That also applies to when you’re driving through a big major city with major traffic congestion. Take Atlanta Georgia for example. It’s always best to make a Pee stop before you drive into Atlanta proper and after you get out of Atlanta.
@@dantheelevatorman1 So true took me over two hours to get across Chicago. Also as you get older you have to pee more and holding it for4 hours once you are in the line to the bridge is impossible. Not sure how I and many others did it when it took pver 3 hours to get across the bridge on one trip. I keep a pee jar in the car just in case.
That may be true but always got to ask a lot more questions when you're in the left-hand Lane I haven't been searched in The last 5 years going into the right-hand lane
I hate coming back from Windsor Canada to Detroit Michigan. The agents always have a thousand questions for you and quite often will detain you and search your vehicle. However, going from Detroit Michigan to Windsor is a smooth process.
I totally agree. Usually Canada agents seem to be more friendly and only time I was searched was going to the US. After about 20 questions about where I was going and I told him to see some trains and do some sightseeing he said." lets find out why you are really going" put a sticker on my car and I spent about 30 minutes having my car search and asked another 20 questions inside before letting cross.. I had crossed a dozen time before and they had all that info on their screen. He was just playing cop in his all lback uniform and was on a ego trip.
Brings back memories of being backed up out to EC Row on the Windsor side trying to go over. I see they "got you" with the old "OPEN" sign trick. I was disappointed that after you backed out and were waiting patiently in the real open lane, nobody else fell for the trap :) I noticed some minor changes to the rigmarole, but it looks like not a lot has changed with the old Scambassador bridge and Customs procedures.
that's all about to change. there is a new bridge under construction that's meant to decongest this old bridge that had been in operation since 1929(?). I can't wait what will this new bridge be like when driving on.
Before COVID I'd go to Canada Once a week and On the U.S side they much more notorious for having lanes open but the gate being closed, or they would take one car and then close the gate and have you sit there for 20 minutes while they chit chat in front of you. Very annoying especially when they know they have a back up more then half way to Windsor!
Yes, they know there is nothing you can do and they can make your life miserable. They just seem to lower the gate and leave even though there is a line up. :-(
Look up Gephyrophobia. Believe it or not - it's pretty common. Lot's of guys have it but don't talk about it - I know a few guys who have it - so don't sweat it too much.
You are not the only one, I never had a problem until the last few years. One way for me to cross the bridge is to go over when it is dark, that way I don`t even know I am on a bridge, the other thing is to get behind a truck and just stare at his back end (the truck blocks me from seeing the whole view which freaks me out) this works a bit with a car in front too, but not as well.
@@railpast there's is a few places I can tell you where you can get ETR trains well there's one on Dougall near the Dougall Square Plaza and other place is the ojibway park near the ojibway yard where I normally cook recordings and videos of BTR trains be more likely be in the afternoon I really get them in the morning so the best times to get yours here in Windsor is like more likely around 7 or 8 in the morning and the returning ones are more like around 2:00 to 6 and that's off my Street n Campbell
Same here in Sydney oz Habour bridge well and truly aid for and because of the second habour crossing being done a toll will be in both directions on the bridge and the existing habour tunnel. All part of the contract the state gove signed with Transurban who's doing the second crossing
@@tntplumbing24 What, where, why, how long you are going for, who will you be meeting, All kinds of questions even though all the answers are on his computer from previous visit. they want to see if you give the same answers.
US Border guards are a pain in the ass, even pre-9/11. They always assume you're a drug runner and make everything difficult. Canadian border guards, ask what they have to, are pleasant, and helpful for giving directions.
I do feel like a criminal sometimes when visiting the US. Once after 20 questions this young guard decided I was not telling the truth and I was held for about 90 minutes while they searched my car and asked me another 20 questions. I usually visit about 6 times a year and have all the info on their screens. He just wanted to act big in his dark galsse, black gloves and outfit. :-(
@@howardshapiro9294 I know that, sorry if it came across wrong. I just meant when compared to the problems on the US southern border, guards don't need to woory about us Canadians visiting for a few days. I liv ein the US 6 years so to like secon dhone, Just wish some guards make it so hard to visit.
I hope they pressure both government to drop mandates and let's get the border open again. We can live with COVID but not much longer with restrictions and our lives are on hold. I am 78 and not sure how long my health will remain so losing two years of my life to travel and enjoy life is a big deal. It is my life let me live what is let free to do what I want.
@@railpast I agree. After the 24 hour mandate (warning), they should have brought in "security", arrested all the protesters and sent them to dentention camps. Northern Canada would have been a good place.
@@weatherboi I would have sent this as a personal message but no way to message you offline. Not what I said. They have a right to protest and other provinces and many states are dropping all mandates and masks requirements while the morons we have in Ottawa and Ontario are acting like dictators. Both have refused to even meet with the truckers. Why have truckers gone for two years and crossed the border bringing everything we need right through the pandemic now all of a sudden are the bad guys? Most are in their cabs so in no way are spreading the virus. They are just saying what we all feel. We are sick of the restrictions. Omicron is like the flu yet we are held captive. We need to take our lives back. Over 90% of trickers are vaccinated and other may have natural immunity so putting these new rules in place are all about power over the people. If you are okay with being controlled then you and I are on different sides. Back to trains. If you want to discuss further please contact me at railpast@railpast.com. Have a great day.
Growing up in Dearborn, MI in the 60's 70's and 80's. I used to go over to Canada often having Canadian relatives that lived in St Thomas and Port Stanley. I used to love going over to Windsor back in the 80's with friends to eat and drink at Mothers Pizza also.
Thing were much simpler then. I lived in Hamilton then and we drove to Niagara Falls NY as drinking age was 18, Crossing was a breeze even when half drunk. Now it it a crap shoot and have spent up to 3 hours getting across. They even held everybody while they brought the dogs out to sniff every car. Been waved to the search area and held there for over an hour while they searched my car. They have all the info on the computer but still amke you feel like a criminal.
Went on our honeymoon on 2015, was crossing Ambassador Bridge, accidentally went into E-pass lane....got stopped and searched ..then on our way to the N Falls...13 hr drive, well worth it!
And still happily married?
It's been many years since I crossed the bridge. I tend to use the tunnel, since it takes me right downtown, which is my usual destination for concerts and sports. It is also closer to where I live ... ;)
Cheers, and thanks for the ride!
I have never taken the tunnel as it does take you downtown but the bridge gets you right on I75 which is faster. I think the tunnel is also cheaper. The bridge is $6.25 Can. each way. Line up were short these days but has taken 2 hours to get over some days.:-(
I remember that rainy period in early May. My aunt was visiting us in London. Picked the worst weekend all spring.
Much we are having now. :-(
Always take the right hand side as on the left they search cars more often as they can direct you right into the search area. Much harder on the right side.
My guess that wouldn't stop them from directing you to search area if they had reasons to do so
The McDonald's on the Windsor side has been there for decades. I remember crossing the bridge in the 1980s and McDonald's was there
Pee stop before the bridge. :-)
@@railpast that applies to more than just crossing the US Canada border. That also applies to when you’re driving through a big major city with major traffic congestion. Take Atlanta Georgia for example. It’s always best to make a Pee stop before you drive into Atlanta proper and after you get out of Atlanta.
@@dantheelevatorman1 So true took me over two hours to get across Chicago. Also as you get older you have to pee more and holding it for4 hours once you are in the line to the bridge is impossible. Not sure how I and many others did it when it took pver 3 hours to get across the bridge on one trip. I keep a pee jar in the car just in case.
That McDonald's used to be the same color in and out, as the bridge. And bigger!
I have been told that this bridge's days are now numbered.
Not sure what is going to happen to it once the Gordie Howe bridge opens. Be nice if it became a truck only bridge.
That may be true but always got to ask a lot more questions when you're in the left-hand Lane I haven't been searched in The last 5 years going into the right-hand lane
I hate coming back from Windsor Canada to Detroit Michigan. The agents always have a thousand questions for you and quite often will detain you and search your vehicle. However, going from Detroit Michigan to Windsor is a smooth process.
I totally agree. Usually Canada agents seem to be more friendly and only time I was searched was going to the US. After about 20 questions about where I was going and I told him to see some trains and do some sightseeing he said." lets find out why you are really going" put a sticker on my car and I spent about 30 minutes having my car search and asked another 20 questions inside before letting cross.. I had crossed a dozen time before and they had all that info on their screen. He was just playing cop in his all lback uniform and was on a ego trip.
Brings back memories of being backed up out to EC Row on the Windsor side trying to go over. I see they "got you" with the old "OPEN" sign trick. I was disappointed that after you backed out and were waiting patiently in the real open lane, nobody else fell for the trap :) I noticed some minor changes to the rigmarole, but it looks like not a lot has changed with the old Scambassador bridge and Customs procedures.
Never gone that far up north, but it siu onb my BUCKET List..going across big bridges is my hobbyt..
I am wondering if they stamp the passport by just driving a car
So I accidentally took a wrong turn on the bridge once and got searched and detained
I haven’t crossed a country border since I was 8 years old I’m 12 right now so what does that mean?
Shit happened to me to my first time crossing solo
that's all about to change. there is a new bridge under construction that's meant to decongest this old bridge that had been in operation since 1929(?). I can't wait what will this new bridge be like when driving on.
I've read that once the G H B is open the Ambassador bridge will be removed
Before COVID I'd go to Canada Once a week and On the U.S side they much more notorious for having lanes open but the gate being closed, or they would take one car and then close the gate and have you sit there for 20 minutes while they chit chat in front of you. Very annoying especially when they know they have a back up more then half way to Windsor!
Yes, they know there is nothing you can do and they can make your life miserable. They just seem to lower the gate and leave even though there is a line up. :-(
It's called bumping to prevent drug trafficking.
Wonderful "view point" Video.
Thanks
Driving across is terrifying... I freak out driving but being driven Its ok ! Go figure.
Being so narrow and with so many trucks it is a bit nerve racking.
Look up Gephyrophobia. Believe it or not - it's pretty common. Lot's of guys have it but don't talk about it - I know a few guys who have it - so don't sweat it too much.
You are not the only one, I never had a problem until the last few years. One way for me to cross the bridge is to go over when it is dark, that way I don`t even know I am on a bridge, the other thing is to get behind a truck and just stare at his back end (the truck blocks me from seeing the whole view which freaks me out) this works a bit with a car in front too, but not as well.
I live on the opposite side of america... In a Texas border city.. And we have it like that as well. Multiple lanes..
Border closed now due to COVID 19, no idea when it will open.
Oh
Why wasn’t the bridge wider?
It's four lanes but always one or two lanes are closed for repair. A new bridge is being billed that'll take some of the load off it for sure.
Should be 6 lanes in total though to make traffic better.
@@scootwilson2975 New 6 lane Gordie Howe bridge coming. www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/en
Crossing over the Detroit River
.hopining you got stop by ETR train at the time you got when you left Windsor and when you got back from Windsor
Been there two or 3 times as it went by but never in a good place to get a photo. :-(
@@railpast there's is a few places I can tell you where you can get ETR trains well there's one on Dougall near the Dougall Square Plaza and other place is the ojibway park near the ojibway yard where I normally cook recordings and videos of BTR trains be more likely be in the afternoon I really get them in the morning so the best times to get yours here in Windsor is like more likely around 7 or 8 in the morning and the returning ones are more like around 2:00 to 6 and that's off my Street n Campbell
Nice... so there's a toll fee to cross the bridge?
Both ways if using the Ambassor Brige. $5 eah way.
Now $10.50 Canadian at Fort Erie. Bridge has been paid for at least twice.
Same here in Sydney oz
Habour bridge well and truly aid for and because of the second habour crossing being done a toll will be in both directions on the bridge and the existing habour tunnel.
All part of the contract the state gove signed with Transurban who's doing the second crossing
so you live on one side and work on the other?
No I live in Canada but used to go to the US about 6 times a year before COVID 19 and hope to get back this year.
You can just cross to canada -US border just like that??
You have to stop and answer a bunch of questions. Passport required.
@@railpast Like what questions does he ask?
@@tntplumbing24 What, where, why, how long you are going for, who will you be meeting, All kinds of questions even though all the answers are on his computer from previous visit. they want to see if you give the same answers.
@@railpast Thanks because I haven’t crossed an international border when I was 8 years old I’m 12 years old now
@@railpast so how can you do to live in one side and work on the other side . Does it have to deal with this daily?
US Border guards are a pain in the ass, even pre-9/11. They always assume you're a drug runner and make everything difficult. Canadian border guards, ask what they have to, are pleasant, and helpful for giving directions.
I do feel like a criminal sometimes when visiting the US. Once after 20 questions this young guard decided I was not telling the truth and I was held for about 90 minutes while they searched my car and asked me another 20 questions. I usually visit about 6 times a year and have all the info on their screens. He just wanted to act big in his dark galsse, black gloves and outfit. :-(
I wish the US border patrol & Joe Biden will get strict on our Southern Border .
@@howardshapiro9294 Canadians are not the problem, we pay our own way and come back to Canada and not drain US resources. :-)
I never insinuated or stated that Canadians were the problem
@@howardshapiro9294 I know that, sorry if it came across wrong. I just meant when compared to the problems on the US southern border, guards don't need to woory about us Canadians visiting for a few days. I liv ein the US 6 years so to like secon dhone, Just wish some guards make it so hard to visit.
All we are missing now are the protesters.
I hope they pressure both government to drop mandates and let's get the border open again. We can live with COVID but not much longer with restrictions and our lives are on hold. I am 78 and not sure how long my health will remain so losing two years of my life to travel and enjoy life is a big deal. It is my life let me live what is let free to do what I want.
@@railpast I agree. After the 24 hour mandate (warning), they should have brought in "security", arrested all the protesters and sent them to dentention camps. Northern Canada would have been a good place.
@@weatherboi I would have sent this as a personal message but no way to message you offline. Not what I said. They have a right to protest and other provinces and many states are dropping all mandates and masks requirements while the morons we have in Ottawa and Ontario are acting like dictators. Both have refused to even meet with the truckers. Why have truckers gone for two years and crossed the border bringing everything we need right through the pandemic now all of a sudden are the bad guys? Most are in their cabs so in no way are spreading the virus. They are just saying what we all feel. We are sick of the restrictions. Omicron is like the flu yet we are held captive. We need to take our lives back. Over 90% of trickers are vaccinated and other may have natural immunity so putting these new rules in place are all about power over the people. If you are okay with being controlled then you and I are on different sides. Back to trains. If you want to discuss further please contact me at railpast@railpast.com. Have a great day.
@@railpast It was only an observation. I am quite familiar with the area living around here for most of my life.
I wish the US border patrol & Joe Biden will get strict on our Southern Border .