I am leaving Indy on Friday, June 16th for my Quetico trip. I am entering Pickerel Lake on Saturday, from French Lake. Google maps says it is 15 minutes longer to go the Thunder Bay route, vs International Falls. That stretch will probably be done early morning Saturday, after catching some sleep somewhere near Duluth. Any significant differences I should be aware of regarding customs at these 2 locations? One busier than the other? It seems like the scenery would be more interesting heading to Thunder Bay. Your thoughts are appreciated.

We have done both border crossings. We had about an equal wait to get thru both of them. The big thing will be traffic along the North Shore on Hwy 61 to slow you down. When we were up there from 5/22 to 6/2 the hwy was pretty busy.

Northshore route definitely wins from the scenic stand point.

I go up one way and back the other. I like the variety. North shore us definitely more scenic but much more traffic.

quote billconner: "I go up one way and back the other. I like the variety. North shore us definitely more scenic but much more traffic. "

+1

Ok, I guess I will head up through International Falls, and use the North Shore on the return trip. Thanks for the info!

Thunder Bay Amathyst Mines
If you are up this direction - the amathyst mines are a hoot!

Scenery doesn't make a difference when you pass through at O-dark-thirty like we do! Having said that, I prefer the Pigeon River crossing...generally less wait and guards seem more friendly and laid back than I-Falls.

Just got back from there on Saturday. We always go in through International Falls and home through Thunder Bay. Great scenery coming home and places to stop along the way. Grand Marais is a great stop for dinner and souvenirs.

I've never gone through Thunder Bay. Been through International Falls several times; once on a Saturday morning in June. Will never do that again. Waited well over 2 hours in line.

This weekend is Grandma's weekend in Duluth...meaning it will be a zoo and any hotels are going to be outrageously expensive. I would head up thru International Falls.

It's been many years , but I have gone through both and also through Roseau , which was liking stopping at your grandpa's house (in Canada). A little old man walked out of a white house and asked us where we were going and said have a fun trip. (I'm sure it's different now.)

Between International Falls & Thunder Bay, I remember International Falls being a big-time bottleneck with a long wait. I'd take the Thunder Bay route.

I think waits must vary a lot and which way. I flew Canadian customs last time up - no wait and just a few questions. Long line of cars coming back at US customs at Pigeon River. Go figure.

This will be my 11th year of crossing the border at Pigeon Rv and many of those years I made several different trips during the paddling season. Never any problems with going into Canada and few delays. I have found it more time consuming when returning to the states thru Pigeon Rv - generally a lot more questions at all US entry points. Often the Canadian border officers comment on how often we come to Canada so maybe we get passed thru quicker. We have also crossed International Falls, Port Huron and Windsor. The lower volume entry points are definitely much faster then the busy points like Port Huron and Windsor, both leaving and returning.

quote frase: "This weekend is Grandma's weekend in Duluth...meaning it will be a zoo and any hotels are going to be outrageously expensive. I would head up thru International Falls. "

Thanks for the heads up. I was going to take the north shore route.
, now I will take the international Falls route.

quote frase: "This weekend is Grandma's weekend in Duluth...meaning it will be a zoo and any hotels are going to be outrageously expensive. I would head up thru International Falls. "

I'm driving through Duluth either way coming from Indianapolis. Hopefully early morning Saturday. So I guess the question is at 9 am, give or take an hour, on Saturday, which crossing is less likely to be backed up?

quote dbpmw3: "Just got back from there on Saturday. We always go in through International Falls and home through Thunder Bay. Great scenery coming home and places to stop along the way. Grand Marais is a great stop for dinner and souvenirs."

If you go the other direction you wouldn't have to pay the toll in I Falls.

We hit Grandma's marathon once coming home. Traffic was backed up half way to Two Harbors. Also hit a fishing opener at I Falls and sat in line behind about 60 boat trailers.....timing is everything

quote gymcoachdon: "I'm driving through Duluth either way coming from Indianapolis. Hopefully early morning Saturday. So I guess the question is at 9 am, give or take an hour, on Saturday, which crossing is less likely to be backed up?"

Since the race starts in Two Harbors, the earlier you reach Duluth, the better. Never the less, I think you’ll be fine if you stay on US 53. There might be slow downs from people exiting at I35, but the race ends two miles away from there in Canal Park.

The marathon goes up the north shore towards two harbors with the race starting at 7ish am and racers lining up starting at 6ish. So I am not even sure if you can get up thru that way. Or I wouldn't plan on it. The west side of Duluth heading north if you are going up to International Falls should be much less congested as far as the route to get there. That doesn't necessarily mean the actual border crossing will be a breeze.

Thanks guys, looks like I am back to I Falls on the way up. Anywhere just past Duluth to pull over and catch a few hours sleep. Initial plan was to stop just before Duluth, but with a marathon on Saturday, may be a better plan to put Duluth behind me before napping.

Yeah, a crap shoot. I Falls going in can be backed up pretty good by nine. We usually go thru by 5 am.

quote frase: "The marathon goes up the north shore towards two harbors with the race starting at 7ish am and racers lining up starting at 6ish. So I am not even sure if you can get up thru that way. "

These must be alternative facts. Map

But yes gymcoachdon you are better off staying on US 53 to I Falls. The expressway between Two Harbors and Duluth is open, and you could use Superior Street instead of London Road to get there, but the hassle and delay might not be worth it.

The last 5 years my crews have each time gone north at International Falls, crossing at 6, 7, 8 AM and 6 PM. Never had more than one car ahead each time. July and August trips. Each time came back on the north shore and had at the most 3-5 cars ahead. Always polite.
Also, if you come out of the Quetico in the morning, go east and stop at Kakabeka Falls, which is along the road and a great view. Photo attached.
Also, as your camping permit for the night before includes the following day at an Ontario park, show the permit to the ticket office at the Falls and you have already paid the entry. This will save you several $ per vehicle.

quote Eyedocron: "The last 5 years my crews have each time gone north at International Falls, crossing at 6, 7, 8 AM and 6 PM. Never had more than one car ahead each time. July and August trips. Each time came back on the north shore and had at the most 3-5 cars ahead. Always polite.
Also, if you come out of the Quetico in the morning, go east and stop at Kakabeka Falls, which is along the road and a great view. Photo attached.
Also, as your camping permit for the night before includes the following day at an Ontario park, show the permit to the ticket office at the Falls and you have already paid the entry. This will save you several $ per vehicle. "

Yep, looks like a can't miss attraction. I will put that on the itinerary for the trip home. Thanks!

Ok...yes they run from Two Harbors to Duluth...my point was clear though that the East side of town is a nightmare and not worth the hassle. Thanks for pointing it out though.