What is Blue Water Bridge Duty-Free?
The Blue Water Bridge is a major international border crossing that connects Port Huron, Michigan (USA) with Point Edward, Ontario (Canada). Used by millions of travelers each year, it serves as a vital trade and travel route between the two countries.
One of the biggest perks of crossing the Blue Water Bridge is the duty-free shopping experience. The duty-free stores, located on both sides of the bridge, offer tax-free savings on luxury goods, alcohol, tobacco, and more—making it a must-stop for travelers looking for great deals.
- This guide will cover everything you need to know about Blue Water Bridge duty free shopping, including:
Store locations & hours
What products you can buy tax-free
Customs regulations & duty allowances
Toll payment methods & border crossing tips
Where Are the Blue Water Bridge Duty Free Stores Located?
There are two duty-free locations at the Blue Water Bridge—one on each side of the border:
USA Side (Port Huron, Michigan Duty-Free)
Location: Pine Grove Ave, Port Huron, MI 48060
Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM (subject to change)
Phone: +1 (810) 987-7676
- Located before the U.S. toll booths, this store is accessible to travelers heading into Canada.
Once you enter the duty-free store parking area, you must cross into Canada—there’s no turning back!
Canada Side (Point Edward, Ontario Duty-Free)
Location: 1555 Venetian Blvd, Point Edward, ON N7T 0A9
Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM (subject to change)
Phone: +1 (519) 332-8700
- Located before the Canadian toll booths, this store is accessible to travelers heading into the USA.
Offers exclusive Canadian products not found in U.S. stores.
Both stores offer similar products, but prices may vary depending on currency exchange rates and local promotions.
What Can You Buy at Blue Water Bridge Duty-Free?
Duty-free stores offer significant savings on a variety of goods. Here’s what you can expect:
Alcohol & Spirits (Save Up to 50%)
- Whiskey, vodka, gin, tequila, rum, and liqueurs
Premium wines & champagne
Craft beers & imported brews
Tobacco & Cigarettes (Lower Prices Than Retail)
- Cigarette cartons & loose tobacco
Premium cigars
Nicotine alternatives
Beauty & Skincare (Luxury Brands at Duty-Free Prices)
- Perfumes & colognes (Chanel, Dior, Gucci)
Makeup & skincare (Estée Lauder, Lancôme, MAC)
Hair care & grooming products
Gourmet Chocolates & Snacks
- Lindt, Toblerone, and Godiva chocolates
Maple syrup & Canadian sweets (available in Ontario)
Specialty snacks & gift sets
Accessories & Souvenirs
- Designer handbags, wallets & sunglasses
Watches & jewelry
Travel essentials & souvenirs
Duty-free items are exempt from local taxes, meaning you save 10-50% compared to regular retail prices.
How to Pay Tolls at Blue Water Bridge
If you’re shopping at Blue Water Bridge duty-free, you’ll also need to pay the bridge toll before crossing the border.
Toll Payment Methods (U.S. to Canada Direction)
- Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, AmEx)
Contactless Payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
Prepaid RFID Accounts (EDGE Pass for frequent travelers)
No Cash Payments (The U.S. side is now cashless)
Toll Rates (As of 2024)
- Passenger Car: $4.00 USD / $5.50 CAD
Motorcycle: $2.00 USD / $3.00 CAD
Trucks & RVs: $6.00+ USD (varies by axle)
For real-time toll rates, visit Michigan DOT.
Customs & Duty-Free Allowances (U.S. & Canada Rules)
Canada’s Duty-Free Limits (Entering Canada)
Alcohol:
- 1.14L (40 oz) of liquor OR
- 1.5L (50 oz) of wine OR
- 8.5L (287 oz) of beer (24 cans)
Tobacco:
- 200 cigarettes (1 carton)
- 50 cigars
- 200g of tobacco
General Goods: Up to $800 CAD worth of goods duty-free if staying abroad 48+ hours.
U.S. Duty-Free Limits (Entering USA)
Alcohol:
- 1L (33 oz) of liquor OR
- 1 case (24 cans) of beer OR
- 1L (33 oz) of wine
Tobacco:
- 200 cigarettes (1 carton)
- 100 cigars (non-Cuban)
General Goods: Up to $800 USD in duty-free items if abroad 48+ hours.
Customs officers may check purchases—stay within limits to avoid extra fees!
Conclusion
YES! If you’re traveling between the USA & Canada, stopping at the Blue Water Bridge duty-free shops can save you money on alcohol, tobacco, cosmetics, and gifts.
- Lower prices than retail stores
No local taxes (save 10-50%)
Exclusive international products
Just remember to stay within customs limits and check toll payment methods before crossing!
Have you shopped at Blue Water Bridge Duty-Free? Share your experience in the comments!
FAQs
1. Can I shop at Blue Water Bridge duty-free without crossing the border?
No—once you enter the duty-free store, you must continue across the bridge into the other country.
2. Is it cheaper to buy duty-free in Canada or the USA?
It depends! Prices vary by currency exchange rates and promotions, so check both sides before you shop.
3. Can I return an item bought at duty-free?
No—duty-free items cannot be returned due to international tax regulations.
4. What happens if I exceed my duty-free limit?
- If you exceed your duty-free allowance, customs officers may:
Charge extra taxes/duties on the excess amount.
Confiscate restricted items if prohibited.
5. Do I need to show ID when shopping duty-free?
Yes, you must present a passport or valid travel document when making a duty-free purchase.
Also read: Exploring Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant Menu: A Culinary Journey
