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Michigan to Canada Drive: Best Places to Stop in Canada
Who doesn’t love a good road trip? And all the more exciting when it involves crossing an international border and exploring a new country!
When planning out your drive from Michigan to Canada, it pays to do your research and be prepared for what lies ahead.
Not only will you want to be ready to cross the USA-Canada border, you’ll want to make sure to hit up some of the best spots along the way.
Michigan borders Canada’s province of Ontario, which is home to some of Canada’s largest cities, best tourist attractions, and most spectacular natural wonders.
So pack your bags and get ready to explore!
Driving Time From Michigan to Canada
When planning how long it will take to drive from Michigan to Canada, a few important factors must be considered: where you are in Michigan, where you are going to in Canada, and which type of border crossing you will take.
Here are some common start and end points between Michigan and Canada (via the most direct route):
- Detroit to Windsor, Canada: 1.8 mi/ 3.7 km
- Detroit to Toronto, Canada: 231 mi/ 372 km
- Grand Rapids to Windsor, Canada: 159 mi/ 257 km
- Ann Arbor to Windsor, Canada: 44 mi/ 72 km
- Lansing to Windsor, Canada: 92 mi/ 149 km
- Lansing to Sarnia, Canada: 125 mi/ 203 km
- Flint to Sarnia, Canada: 70 mi/ 113 km
- Saginaw to Sarnia, Canada: 108 mi/ 175 km
- Traverse City to Sault Ste Marie, Canada: 161 mi/ 282 km
- Mackinaw City to Sault Ste Marie, Canada: 60 mi/ 96 km
For current border wait times at all of Canada’s land border entries, check the Government of Canada’s website.
How to Cross the Border from Michigan to Canada
There are five official border crossings from Michigan to the Canadian province of Ontario.
If you call Michigan home, there’s a good chance you’ll be making your way across one of these international borders sooner or later.
But how exactly do you go about doing that? And what should you know?
1. Have Your Passport Ready
When planning a road trip to Canada, it’s important to be aware of the requirements for crossing the US-Canada border.
One of the most important things you will need is your passport. Make sure your passport isn’t expired or isn’t near expiry.
If you’re entering Canada from a foreign country, via the United States, be sure to have your visa ready, if necessary.
It’s a good idea to have all of your documents organized and easily accessible before you reach the border. That way, you can avoid any delays or complications when it comes time to cross.
2. Know the Border Crossing Procedures
Each border crossing has its own set of rules and regulations. So it’s important that you know what to expect before you reach the border.
At each border control point, you will be required to stop and present your documents to the border services officer. They may ask you a few questions about your trip (such as where you are going, why you are entering Canada, and so on) and then allow you to pass through.
Note: If you plan on bringing any goods into Canada that might be questionable to a border officer (including certain foods), it’s definitely best to do your research into what’s acceptable and what needs to be declared.
In some cases, border security may need to search your vehicle.
Always answer the border officer’s questions truthfully to be compliant with the law and to avoid any headaches if you are pulled aside for further questioning.
Note: It’s not entirely uncommon for an innocent person to be pulled over for questioning, so if this is you just try to keep calm and remain truthful in all of your interactions.
3. Border Crossing Options
There are 5 Michigan to Canada border crossing points:
- Ambassador Bridge (Detroit-Windsor)
- Detroit-Windsor Tunnel
- Blue Water Bridge (Port Huron-Sarnia)
- Algonac-Walpole Ferry
- Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge (Sault Ste. Marie, USA-Sault Ste. Marie, CA)
Ambassador Bridge
The Ambassador Bridge is the most popular border crossing between Michigan and Canada, and in fact the most popular border crossing between USA and Canada.
The bridge is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and regardless of when you cross, you should expect the possibility of delays.
Naturally, rush hour traffic can bring longer delays, so plan accordingly.
There is also small a toll charge for crossing the bridge which must be paid upon crossing.
The Ambassador Bridge is the closest USA-Canada border crossing to Southwestern Ontario’s cities of Windsor.
Detroit-Windsor Tunnel
The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel is the second most popular border crossing option for those traveling between Michigan and Canada.
The tunnel takes you under the water of the Detroit River, just north of the Ambassador Bridge.
The tunnel is open 24/7 and requires a small toll charge.
Blue Water Bridge
If you’re crossing the border from Michigan to Canada at Port Huron, you’ll be using the Blue Water Bridge.
The Blue Water Bridge is open 24/7 and requires a toll charge.
The Blue Water Bridge is the closest USA-Canada border crossing to Southwestern Ontario’s cities of Sarnia and London.
Algonac-Walpole Ferry
If you’re looking for an option that’s a little less popular and a little more scenic, try the Algonac-Walpole Ferry.
The first ferry leaving Algonac, Michigan departs at 7 am, and runs continuously until the last USA departure at approximately 10 pm.
Reservations are not required at the time of writing this article.
Unlike the larger border crossings, pedestrians can walk on the ferry to cross from Michigan to Canada by foot.
The ferry arrives at Walpole Island, which is a First Nations Community in Ontario, Canada. While it is an island, it is connected by roadways to Ontario’s mainland.
The Algonac-Walpole Ferry is the closest land border crossing to Southwestern Ontario’s cities of Wallaceburg and Chatham.
Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge
The Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge connects Sault Ste. Marie Michigan with the city of the same name in Ontario, Canada.
This is the most northern international border crossing in the state of Michigan, and while it is not as busy as its counterparts further south, you should always be prepared to experience delays if traffic gets backed up.
There is a toll at the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge.
You cannot cross this bridge by foot. This is the closest USA-Canada border crossing to northern Ontario’s cities of Sudbury, North Bay and Timmins.
Best Places to Visit in Canada from Michigan
If you’re looking to explore some of the best places Canada has to offer, a road trip from Michigan into Ontario is a great way to do it!
Ontario is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery in the country, from the rocky shores of Georgian Bay to the lush green forests of Algonquin Provincial Park.
Michigan is connected by land to Southwestern Ontario, as well as to Northern Ontario.
Southwestern Ontario is known for featuring some of the best tourist attractions and most exciting things to do in the province, while Northern Ontario is known for its serene wilderness and luxurious cottage country.
On your Michigan to Canada drive, be sure to stop off in these epic locations:
1. Windsor
Windsor is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a mix of city fun and outdoor activities.
There are plenty of things to do in Windsor, including visiting the popular Caesar’s Windsor Hotel & Casino, going shopping at the outlet mall, or checking out the local nightlife.
If you’re looking to spend time outdoors, there are also plenty of great outdoor activities in and around the city.
I recommend walking along the scenic Riverfront Trail (with stellar views of Detroit and the Ambassador Bridge), taking a boat tour on the Detroit River, or booking a wine tour at one of the many local wineries.
2. Point Pelee National Park & Pelee Island
Point Pelee National Park is a beautiful national park located on the southernmost tip of Canada.
The park is known for its diverse wildlife and its many hiking trails that wind through wetlands and forests.
If you’re really adventurous you can even make your way to the very tip of the peninsula that juts out into Lake Erie!
Pelee Island, which is located just off the shore of Point Pelee National Park, is accessible by ferry and is known for its winery tours and picturesque lighthouses.
Visiting Point Pelee and Pelee Island is definitely one of the best driving day trips to Canada from Detroit, Michigan.
3. Grand Bend
Grand Bend is a beautiful tourist town located just 1 hour from the Blue Water Bridge in Sarnia, along the shores of Lake Huron.
The town is known for its sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and lively nightlife scene.
There are plenty of things to do in Grand Bend, including swimming and sunbathing, extreme sports, boutique shopping, and visiting the popular Pinery Provincial Park.
Grand Bend is one of Southwestern Ontario’s best and busiest beaches, and is one of the top stops on the drive to Canada from Port Huron, Michigan.
4. Georgian Bay
A road trip from Michigan to Georgian Bay, Canada is one of the best ways to the best of all worlds of Ontario: beautiful nature, relaxing cottage country, and hopping tourist towns.
Georgian Bay is known for its rocky shorelines, picturesque sunsets, and many small islands.
The bay is dotted with popular tourist towns, such as Tobermory, Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Midland & Penetanguishene, and Parry Sound.
Each has its own unique attractions and beautiful sites, drawing millions of tourists each year.
5. London
London, Ontario is a great place to visit just 1 hour from the Port Huron-Sarnia border and 2 hours from the Detroit-Windsor border.
There are plenty of things to do in the mid-sized city of London, including visiting the popular Covent Garden Market, boutique shopping on Richmond Row, or checking out The Factory, Canada’s largest indoor adventure park!
6. Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada, and for good reason!
You can reach them from Michigan or on a day trip from Toronto.
The Falls are a spectacular sight to see, and there are endless things to do in the area.
We recommend visiting the majestic falls themselves, taking a jet boat tour on the Niagara River, visiting the Butterfly Conservatory, or spending time at the attractions on the touristy Clifton Hill.
7. Toronto
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and offers endless attractions and activities for tourists.
Some of the must-do attractions include visiting the iconic CN Tower, shopping at the Eaton Centre, exploring Toronto Island, and exploring some of the many unique city neighborhoods by foot.
There is truly something for everyone in Toronto, making it an absolute must-see city in Canada.
8. Ottawa
There are plenty of things to do in the nation’s capital of Ottawa, including visiting the popular ByWard Market, exploring Parliament Hill, checking out the many museums and art galleries, or spending time in one of the city’s many beautiful parks.
If you visit in winter, one of the best things to do in Ottawa is to skate on the Rideau Canal that meanders around the city.
9. Algonquin Park
If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, Algonquin Park is definitely the place to go.
The park is home to thousands of acres of forests and wetlands, making it a perfect spot for hiking, canoeing, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
There are also numerous campsites located throughout the park, including many backcountry sites only accessible by canoe.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax or want to get out and explore the park’s many trails, Algonquin Park provides the iconic Canadian wilderness experience!
Tips for Driving in Canada
If you’re planning on driving in Canada, it’s important to be aware of the rules of the road. Here are a few tips to help make your drive go smoothly.
1. Always check the local speed limit and obey all traffic laws. Remember, Canada uses kilometers per hour, rather than miles per hour.
2. Be aware of the differences in road rules between Canada and the US. For example, Canada has specific laws on moving over or stopping for emergency vehicles, depending on the type of road you are on.
3. Make sure you have a valid driver’s license and insurance in the vehicle at all times.
Read more about renting a car in Canada here.
Written by Erie Nicole of Everywhere Ontario
Erie is the author and owner of Everywhere Ontario, a blog highlighting the best things to do and places to see in the beautiful province of Ontario.
FAQs
Can I drive from Michigan to Canada?
Yes. There are 5 international border crossings from Michigan into Canada that allow people to cross by car.
Is the Canadian Michigan border open?
Yes.
Canada-US borders are open and are subject to Canada’s travel requirements for travelers while COVID-19 remains an international concern. Check the Government of Canada’s COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders page for up-to-date information.
Can you drive from Detroit to Canada?
Yes.
There are two international border crossings from Detroit to Windsor, Canada: the Ambassador Bridge, which is the busiest international border crossing between the USA and Canada, or the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, which runs under the Detroit River.
Can you drive south from Detroit Michigan to Canada?
Yes.
While most of Canada is north of the USA, the Canadian city of Windsor borders the southeast side of Detroit. You can drive south from Detroit into Canada by way of the Ambassador Bridge or the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.
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- 21 Best Road Trips in Ontario from Toronto: Unforgettable Places You Need to See
- How to Get From Toronto to Niagara Falls: 7 Best Ways for an Epic Day Trip
- How to Plan a Road Trip: Best Road Trip Planning Tools & Apps
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Canada Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?
100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!
💧Can you drink the water in Canada?
Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)
📲 Will my phone work in Canada?
Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?
My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).
Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?
For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?
Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.
