Anyone in Blaine or Bellingham area?

duckvett · 07-25-2007, 11:33 PM

I am looking for first-hand knowledge about the border crossing into Canada on Hwy 543 (Pacific Hwy). I have always heard that this crossing is much faster than the Peace Arch crossing, but the WSDOT website states that major construction is being done and to expect congestion with the trucks. They also say that "shotcrete" is being sprayed in the area. The last thing I want to drive the Corvette through is a fog of "shotcrete"!

Kris072 · 07-26-2007, 12:41 PM

Yup...its under construction. I wouldnt go near it for a LONG time.

duckvett · 07-26-2007, 02:48 PM

Thanks for the info............guess we'll go wait in line at the Peace Arch.

Or, we could cross at Sumas.

K2 · 07-28-2007, 02:43 AM

Take the Lyndent crossing. It is usually a short wait. Take the Guide Meridian exit off of I-5 and follow it north to the border. Or you can go further up I-5 and take the Birch Bay Lynden exit and go East to Lynden and then North on the Guide. This latter route will avoid the congestion that usually exists at the I-5 Guide Meridian area.

duckvett · 07-28-2007, 07:35 PM

Tell me more about the Lynden crossing. Why isn't this crossing listed on the WSDOT site? Good road? Less traffic? But it seems to be a local secret? Don't worry, I'll keep it very quiet - just me and the several thousand people who might read this thread!

K2 · 07-29-2007, 02:44 AM

The Lynden crossing is between Blaine and Sumas so it is not far out of the way. It is a good secondary road. If you continue straight north through the border it will take you directly to the TransCanada Highway (#1) you can then go west to Vancouver or east as you like. The only thing you need to remember is that that border crossing closes at, I believe midnight. So if you are planning on coming across after midnight you will have to detour to Blaine or Sumas. (Don't ask me how I know)

duckvett · 07-29-2007, 10:44 AM

K2 - thank you. We have it mapped out to take exit 270 - Birch Bay/Lynden Rd. to Hwy 539 - 539 to Alderbrook Crossing - Hwy 13 to TC 1 - TC 1 to Hwy 99 - Hwy 99 to Whistler. Looking forward to the road trip.

Kris072 · 07-29-2007, 12:24 PM

If you are going to be stopping in the area let us know ! Alcee is coming up from So Cal on Wed 8/1 and we're going to have a BBQ. We'd be pleased to have you join us

Alcee1 · 07-29-2007, 01:04 PM

Hey Kris, guess what, I'm is Seattle right now, I'll give you a call. Were going to the Goodguys event today.

duckvett · 07-29-2007, 06:22 PM

Kris - thanks for the invite. We won't be in Bellingham until Friday and then just passing through early in the morning. We would like to be at the Lynden crossing when they open at 8 am. Then on Monday we are making a bonzai run from Whistler straight through to Eugene.