Crossing the Windsor–Detroit border in winter
Winter does not usually close the Windsor–Detroit crossings, but snow, ice and wind slow everything down: the approaches, the booths and the roads on either side. A little planning keeps a 10-minute crossing from turning into an hour.
The short version
- Check before you leave: live wait times, plus road reports on both sides.
- In a storm, consider the tunnel: it is sheltered from wind and blowing snow.
- Clear all snow and ice from your car, including the roof and plates, so officers and cameras can read them.
- Avoid the peak days: before Christmas, Boxing Day weekend, January 3 and Family Day weekend.
Waits at each crossing this week
Average wait, last 7 days, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., from our own 5-minute snapshots. Live waits →
Which crossing in bad weather?
| Crossing | In snow, ice or wind |
|---|---|
| Detroit–Windsor Tunnel | Sheltered; usually the steadiest in a storm. Downtown streets at each end can be slow. |
| Ambassador Bridge | Exposed deck; can slow or have lane restrictions in high winds and ice. |
| Gordie Howe Bridge | Exposed, high deck; drive to conditions and watch for wind warnings. |
Before you leave
- Ontario road conditions: 511 Ontario. Michigan: Mi Drive.
- Keep your ID somewhere you can reach without getting out of the car.
- Fill the washer fluid and keep a scraper, gloves and a phone charger in the car; lines can be slow-moving in the cold.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full in case you are stuck in a long line.
At the booth
- Roll your window all the way down and remove hats and sunglasses, the same as any other day.
- Declare holiday gifts and shopping: see duty-free limits.
- Officers may ask you to open the trunk; clear the snow off it so you can.
Busy winter days to plan around
- Black Friday weekend (late November)
- Christmas week, Boxing Day weekend and January 3
- Detroit Auto Show in January
- Family Day long weekend in February: see holidays and long weekends
Use the 7-day forecast to see the typical wait for every hour, then check live times before you go.
Common questions
Does the Ambassador Bridge close for snow?
Rarely, but heavy snow, ice and high winds can slow traffic and cause lane restrictions on the bridges. Check live waits before you leave, and consider the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, which is sheltered from wind and snow.
Is the tunnel better than the bridges in winter?
It can be. The tunnel is not exposed to wind, ice or blowing snow, so it is often the steadiest option during a storm. It is also the most direct route between the two downtowns. Compare the live waits first, since the tunnel lanes can back up too.
Do I need winter tires to drive to Detroit?
Neither Ontario nor Michigan requires winter tires for passenger cars, but they make a big difference on icy ramps and bridge decks. Check your insurer: many Ontario insurers give a discount for winter tires.
When are the busiest winter days at the border?
The days before Christmas, Boxing Day weekend, January 3 and long weekends such as Family Day in February are usually the busiest. Snowstorms can also bunch traffic up once roads clear.