bluewater ferry

Back when my wife was a little girl back in the 1950's, her family used the Blue Water Ferry to cross from Michigan to Ontario to visit family near London, Ontario. She was delighted to learn that the ferry still operates between Sombra, Ontario and Marine City, Michigan seven days a week between 7 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. We took the ferry from Marine City on an August weekday and returned to Michigan about 5 p.m. the following Friday. I had expected long lines and significant waits in both directions but was surprised that the opposite was the case. We waited scant minutes for both the ferry and customs clearance in both directions. This is in refreshing contrast to the traffic jams and lengthy wait times that can occur at the tunnel and bridge at the Windosr-Detroit border crossing (and, to a generally lesser extent, at the Sarnia-Port Huron bridge border crossing).The ferries are small, carrying about 18 cars each, but with two ferries operating the days we crossed, the ferries were not full. The actual crossing takes about 10 minutes, so there's time to leave your can and go to the bow for some sightseeing. This was clearly a treat for the youngsters crossing with us, and will probably be the most memorable part of the trip for them.So slow down a bit and experience this bit of Michigan/Ontario history the next time you cross the border between S.E. Michigan and S.W. Ontario. Who knows, slowing down to enjoy this experience may even help you avoid a long, frustrating wait at the "fast" border crossings!The Blue Water Ferry toll is $7 per car (U.S. or Canadian $) and includes all passengers. There is also a small duty-free store on the U.S. side of the river.