Border Approximate Location
Border Countries
🇺🇸 United States
🇨🇦 Canada
Nearest Cities
🇺🇸 Champlain, NY, 🇨🇦 Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle, QC
Coordinates
45.00°N, 73.45°W
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 24 hours
Wait Times
15-60 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM), weekends
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles, commercial
Daily Crossings
~10000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
English
Currency Exchange
Available near Champlain (USD, CAD)
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi at checkpoints, 4G/5G
Accessibility Features
Ramps, elevators
Safety Information
Generally safe, busy traffic
Emergency Contacts
🇺🇸 911 🇨🇦 911
Google Maps Location Approx
Country Information
About NY & QC & 🇨🇦 Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle & 🇺🇸 Champlain
The Main New York-Montreal Corridor
The border crossing connecting Champlain, New York, with Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle, Quebec, is one of the busiest and most important checkpoints on the entire US-Canada border. This is the main highway, where US Interstate 87 becomes Quebec Autoroute 15, the primary route that links New York City with Montreal. It is a massive, 24/7 international facility, a critical artery for trade, tourism, and the deep cultural and economic ties between the Northeastern United States and Quebec. To cross here is to travel on a major North American corridor, a passage through a landscape of fertile river valleys and rolling hills, a journey defined by its immense strategic importance and the constant, overwhelming flow of traffic.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects Clinton County, New York, with the Montérégie region of Quebec. It is a full-service international crossing, open to all passenger cars, buses, and commercial freight. The facility is vast on both sides, with numerous lanes, large, modern administrative buildings, and extensive infrastructure for customs and border control. It is the busiest crossing in New York State and one of the top five busiest on the entire border. Despite its size and modern design, the sheer volume of traffic means that queues, especially on weekends and holidays, can be very long.
A History of a Strategic Valley
The history of this route is the history of the Richelieu River and Lake Champlain valley, which has been a major military and trade corridor for centuries. This was a key battleground during the French and Indian Wars, the American Revolution, and the War of 1812. The forts at Crown Point and Ticonderoga, further south in New York, are a testament to the region’s strategic importance. The modern border was established in the 18th and 19th centuries. The construction of the interstate highway system in the 20th century solidified this route as the primary link between the two major metropolitan areas of New York and Montreal.
Border Crossing Procedure
The border crossing procedure is a highly professional and efficient process, but one that is designed to handle a huge volume of traffic. You will approach a single, primary inspection booth for the country you are entering. You will need a valid passport or other approved travel document (such as a NEXUS card or an Enhanced Driver’s License). The border officer will ask you a series of questions about your citizenship, your destination, the purpose of your trip, and what goods you are bringing with you. Be prepared to declare all items. You may be directed to a secondary inspection area for a more thorough check. NEXUS card holders can use a dedicated express lane, which can significantly reduce wait times.
The Surrounding Region: United States Side
On the US side, the crossing is in the small town of Champlain. The area is part of the beautiful Lake Champlain valley. The city of Plattsburgh, on the shores of the lake, is a major regional center with a rich history from the War of 1812. The region is a gateway to the magnificent Adirondack Mountains, the largest protected area in the contiguous United States, a paradise for hiking, canoeing, and winter sports. The Lake Placid Olympic sites are also in this region.
The Surrounding Region: Canada Side
On the Canadian side, the crossing is the gateway to the Montérégie region of Quebec, known for its apple orchards and cideries. The road from the border is a modern autoroute that leads directly to the city of Montreal, which is less than an hour’s drive away. Montreal is the second-largest French-speaking city in the world, a vibrant, multicultural metropolis famous for its historic old town (Vieux-Montréal), its world-class festivals, its unique culinary scene, and its European charm. The Eastern Townships, a beautiful region of rolling hills, picturesque villages, and vineyards, are also easily accessible from this crossing.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning for this route is straightforward. The highway is a modern, multi-lane road. The official currencies are the US Dollar (USD) in the United States and the Canadian Dollar (CAD) in Canada. Be aware of the customs limits for goods, particularly alcohol and tobacco. The crossing is very busy, so it is always wise to check live border wait times online before you travel, especially on Friday and Sunday afternoons. The weather in this region can be extreme, with very cold winters and the potential for major snowstorms.
Final Considerations
The Champlain–Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle border crossing is the main artery connecting two of North America’s greatest cities. It is a busy, efficient checkpoint that is a vital link for the deeply integrated economies of New York and Quebec. It is a passage through a landscape of great natural beauty and deep historical significance. For the traveler, it is a straightforward and professional experience, a testament to the peaceful and cooperative relationship that defines the world’s longest undefended border. It is a crossing that is the starting point for countless adventures in the mountains, lakes, and vibrant cities that lie on either side.