Approximate Border Location
Border Countries
🇺🇸 United States
🇨🇦 Canada
Border Cities
🇺🇸 Ogdensburg, New York
🇨🇦 Prescott, Ontario
Coordinates
44.70°N, 75.50°W
Border Type
Land crossing via bridge
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
~5000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
English
Currency Exchange
Available near Ogdensburg (USD, CAD)
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi at checkpoints, 4G/5G
Accessibility Features
Ramps, elevators
Safety Information
Generally safe, river area
Emergency Contacts
🇺🇸 911 🇨🇦 911
Google Maps Location
Country Information
About Ogdensburg, New York & Prescott, Ontario
Ogdensburg, NY – Prescott, ON Border Crossing: A St. Lawrence Trade Hub
The Ogdensburg, NY – Prescott, ON border crossing, also known as Ogdensburg Bridge or Prescott Station, sees moderate traffic with occasional scams; stay vigilant, use official services, and verify with government sources.
Strategic Location and Scenic Value
Spanning the St. Lawrence River, the Ogdensburg, NY – Prescott, ON border connects New York’s St. Lawrence County with Ontario’s Leeds and Grenville County via the Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge. This crossing, a key trade and tourism route, links New York’s north country with Ontario’s waterfront, offering scenic river views and a blend of industrial and historical charm.
Historical and Geopolitical Context
Built in 1960 as part of the St. Lawrence Seaway project, this border facilitated trade in grain, steel, and manufactured goods, with CA$1.5 billion in annual commerce. The region’s Iroquois heritage, tied to the nearby Six Nations, adds cultural depth, with cross-border ties predating colonial borders. In 2025, Canadian customs tightened smuggling checks, causing minor delays for trucks. The crossing’s role in moving industrial goods remains vital, but occasional protests, like those over trade policies, can disrupt operations, so check news for border status.
Crossing Procedures and Wait Times
Open 24/7, the border handles moderate traffic, with waits of 15-45 minutes during peak hours (midday, weekends). U.S. immigration in Ogdensburg, at 1 Bridge View Drive, processes exit stamps; Canadian immigration in Prescott, across the bridge, handles entry. Most nationalities get a 90-day visa-free stamp for Canada; U.S. entry requires a passport or NEXUS card. Carry your passport, vehicle registration, and insurance. NEXUS lanes may close overnight; check hours via U.S. Customs (315-393-0660). English is widely spoken, with French occasional in Prescott. Wait times are posted on U.S. Customs’ website. The bridge’s $3 USD toll (card or cash) applies, so have payment ready.
Scam Awareness
Scams include money changers near the bridge offering poor rates; use ATMs or banks in Ogdensburg or Prescott. Taxi drivers may overcharge (~$15-25 USD); negotiate fares upfront. Unofficial “border helpers” may offer paperwork assistance—avoid them, as the process is efficient. Duty-free shops, like Ogdensburg’s Duty Free Americas (8:00 AM to 10:00 PM), are legitimate but compare prices. Some travelers report vendors selling “tax-free” goods; stick to verified shops. In 2024, local reports noted fake tour guides targeting Thousand Islands visitors—book through reputable operators to avoid scams.
Transportation Options
No public buses cross; taxis (~$20 USD) or private cars take 10 minutes between Ogdensburg and Prescott via Route 16 and Highway 2. From Prescott, buses to Ottawa (1 hour, ~CAD 25) are frequent via Highway 401. In Ogdensburg, buses to Syracuse (2.5 hours, ~$35 USD) connect to New York’s network. The bridge has no pedestrian path, so vehicles are required. Roads are paved, with views of the St. Lawrence and historic lighthouses. Winter ice can slow travel; check New York’s 511 or Ontario’s 800-268-4686. The route’s riverfront charm and old forts add appeal.
Nearby Attractions and Tips
Ogdensburg’s Frederic Remington Art Museum showcases Western art, while Prescott’s Fort Wellington, a 19th-century fort, offers historical tours—book through official channels. The Thousand Islands, 50 km east, feature boat tours to Boldt Castle and scenic islands. Carry USD or CAD, as ATMs may be unreliable in smaller shops. Stay in Ogdensburg for motels along Route 37 or Prescott for B&Bs. A Canadian SIM card aids connectivity, as U.S. signals weaken north. Try Prescott’s diners for poutine or Ogdensburg’s for New York-style wings. Summer markets in Prescott offer local crafts and produce.
Seasonal and Weather Considerations
Summer (June-August) brings warm weather (20-26°C) and busy tourism, with waits up to 45 minutes during festivals. Winter (December-March) delivers snow (-10 to 0°C) and icy roads, requiring winter tires; check 511 services. Spring and fall are quieter but rainy, so pack waterproof gear. Peak holidays, like Canada Day or U.S. Independence Day, increase traffic, so cross early. Local boat festivals add vibrancy.
Planning Your Crossing
Bring a passport or NEXUS card, vehicle documents, and cash for tolls and small transactions. Use official transport, check wait times online, and avoid unofficial vendors. This crossing links Ontario’s waterfront with New York’s north country, blending trade, history, and scenic beauty.