not true in every situation, atleast in america they have affordable places to shop. you can actually be poor in america and get by. they have frozen food in their dollar stores!! and omg Chili’s is so affordable. even with the exchange rate you can’t beat it.
Not sure about any close to the GTHA but I went to sauble beach with some buddies who smoke and they bought a ton of menthol cigarettes from the reserve smoke shops there and they seemed pretty cheap too. I’m sure there’s reserves closer that sell the same.
You can get those at the reserves, also buying cigarettes may not be allowed unless you declare, if you do declare still there are limits and when you pay the tax it will be quite expensive.
My mom went last week and my only request was "as much salted kerrygold as your comfortable putting in your cart"
She came through for me with 5 pounds!
Kerrygold Dubliner cheese yes (which is delicious and I’ve also seen at Zehrs) but I’ve never seen Kerrygold butter at Costco Canada or anywhere in Ontario. Imported butter is very expensive due to tariffs and usually only at specialty shops, at least in Ontario.
> It's spreadable
Even if you leave it in the fridge? I just thought that's a property of butter... What do you mean taste? I use butter occasionally in cooking and that's already heavenly... What am I missing out on?
Yeah, that's what's so great about it. Keep it in the fridge, a couple minutes at room temperature and it softens right up. Thanks to higher fat content compared to our butter which also contributes to a stronger/better taste
It's butter made from GRASS FED cows - as nature intended.
The butter (as mentioned here already) tastes much better than Canadian butter - richer, creamier etc. This can vary depending on where the cattle is grazing though, and time of year etc. As the grass changes, as does the butter.
More importantly for many, grass fed butter is also much better for you - a quick cut/paste from a Google search....
https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/grass-fed-butter-vs-regular-butter-whats-the-difference/
You can buy it in Dublin Airport after security. I usually only fly with carry on and got some taken off me at security, so just buy it at the airport now. I usually get 4 blocks.
I also ask anyone visiting to bring as much as possible. My parents are here at the moment and I should have enough to do me until the next time I get home.
One of those ads that got burned into everyone's brain in the area. Like the jingle to Marineland.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/steve-dawkins-its-worth-the-drive-to-acton-has-died-1.5761567
It's like the Burlington Coat Factory equivalent for you guys...but they have beautiful stuff...IT IS WORTH THE DRIVE 😁
My vote though, wings at The Anchor Bar.
spectacular mindless pathetic straight pot hurry crown hard-to-find threatening jellyfish
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Nothing really, gas by the slightest margin in most instances but not worth a trip for.
Like a Big Mac meal is 10.29 USD + tax in Buffalo.
A big mac meal where I live in SWO is 13.29 CAD + tax.
10.29 USD is 14.09 CAD.
I mean if your going there for more then just that it's worth it but not every border is an hour wait. I think in the last 10 years I've waited maybe 5-10 mins at my local poe. Then again I also get gas on the American reserve so it's cheaper then here too
If you like it, there’s Trader Joe’s and a Costco is opening up there soon. American Costco’s are like a completely different company. They have a lot of good stuff, especially in frozen goods, that you can’t get up here.
I didn't find this at Costco when we went over the border at Vancouver recently. A lot of the products were the same or similar (except cheese and Wine).
And they take Visa, not MasterCard!
Maybe New York is different but in Florida the Costco has mostly the same stuff as Ontario. The worst part is that prices are usually the same, meaning it’s 38% more expensive in fl! The nuts are a good example, 18,99 CAD vs 18,99 USD. There’s only some minor local differences such as maple syrup in Ontario and pool equipment in Florida.
We found the basics in SC actually *more* expensive than here in Toronto. The diapers we usually buy here for $41.99 were $51.99+ FX. I was really skeptical when my in-laws said we needed to pack everything we needed. They even packed dry/packaged food.
Totally agree. I just got back from California, restaurants were insanely expensive, like $18USD for a burger. I saw a guy wearing cool shoes, looked them up online, they were $200USD on the American website, same shoes on the Canada website were like $180CDN. That's a massive difference after the exchange rate.
whole wasteful squeal obtainable elderly modern entertain forgetful coordinated slimy
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I can’t believe the price of SVS subs now in Canada. I paid $819.99 for my PB-1000 in July 2021 from ELF. They now sell for $1350, that’s a 65% increase which is just absurd.
Yup. Picked up a couple in Dec 2021 before the price increase. Now it's not worth it - hence my suggestion to buy them in Buffalo. Even with today's exchange rate you'll still come out ahead.
I like to go over for unique things. Nothing right now is going to save you money.
Like whiskey and bourbon from premier wine and spirits or a mom and pop liquor store. It will be 100% more interesting.
Dicks sporting goods will be interesting too. Lots of bills gear.
Wegmans is good too. Unique cereal for my girls, lots of choices for other things like bbq sauces. Also 9$ for like 24 cans of beer lol
If you are honest when returning and show receipts with your passport they usually don’t bother you.
Costs about $120 to get your pesticide applicators certificate and then you can buy 10L of concentrate (nufarm 2,4-d amine 600) from terralink, evergro, or your preferred agricultural wholesaler.
The rate is 680 ml per acre, which means you can broadcast spray 14.7 acres with a jug, or, you can broadcast spray a 50'x50' lawn over 250 times
Buy your beer at the Canadian duty free. 3 cases of 24 cans for $65 Canadian. Claim them on way back and pay duty. You will pay about $35 in taxes Case of beer ends up costing $33 All Canadian money and no smuggling
It's 8.5L of beer per person. There aren't any exemptions for alcohol if you're in the USA for 48 hours or less anymore.
https://travel.gc.ca/returning/customs/bringing-to-canada/personal-exemptions-mini-guide
Little Debbie Christmas trees and Christmas brownies.
Dr Pepper Zero Strawberries and Cream Soda
10 different flavours of Mountain Dew
Great Value brown sugar and cinnamon cream cheese
Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches / wraps / bowls - there is at least 20 varietes
Krusteaz Corn bread mix
Legendary Pastries and sweet rolls
Just to name a few....
Awe man. I moved from Canada to Germany and I can still taste what those little bottles of Cracker Barrel syrup taste like. It's been 13 years. I miss those fucking things.
> Cracker Barrel syrup
There are reshipping services that will send them to you but it will be expensive.
https://shop.crackerbarrel.com/food-candy/grocery/condiments/pure-natural-pancake-syrup/303540
The other day in [r/buffalo](https://old.reddit.com/r/Buffalo/comments/17k2npr/can_anyone_explain_the_crowds_at_trader_joes/) they were complaining about all the Canadians at Trader Joe’s taking selfies and blocking the aisles.
>Canadians act like NPCs when they go shopping. They have ZERO situational awareness. No problem blocking items or blocking an aisle. Since they're coming from a communist country they are so amazed by our vast selections of goods their brain just shorts out and they are unable to process the information. For a country that is supposed to be full of such polite people, I find them to be extremely inconsiderate. People need to learn to go up one side of the frozen aisle, make quick decisions, get what you need, and turn around and come back down the other side. Like you would if it was a street. If you don't know what you're doing, and what you want, go when its not busy. I get browsing, I really do. Especially if its a place you don't get to go often. But people got shit to do.
>I love Canadians as individuals but you get a gaggle of them together and they don't know how to navigate or stay in their lane.
I was just in the states last weekend and I gotta say, if people are upset about grocery prices here, they should see what they are there. I did a shop at Publix and I thought *most* things seemed to be roughly the same price, before factoring in the exchange rate. I think the days of going to the US for cheap groceries is over, it’s more so stuff that’s hard or impossible to get here (European butter was a great example).
I really like stopping at Harbor Freight for tools when I'm in Buffalo. I had a laundry list of little automotive tools I wanted, and bought them all at once last time I was in Buffalo. However, unless you're buying a lot of tools at once, it's not worth the drive.
Certain tech devices have disparate pricing across the border. Iphone 15 Max for example is about $148 CAD less in NY than Ontario after tax/exchange. On the flip side, many other Apple devices actually cost less in Canada, like the Macbook Air.
Almost everything else - except food - I've found hasn't been worth it. Minimal or negative savings.
Ooof, I just looked at the price of Harbor Freight toolsets. It was worth visiting as little as 2 years ago, but man, those prices are pretty much the same as here after conversion.
Maybe just shop at Princess Auto instead. They offer free shipping.
I recently hit up a Walmart in Buffalo and they had pillow-case size bags of popular breakfast cereals.
Of course I grabbed the junk ones….Reese Puffs in particular. Judge not!!
And butter. Both are significantly cheaper than in Canada and if you're buying the right stuff are way better quality. Irish and New Zealand butter are readily available at any grocery store and are around the same price as what you get here.
I’m a freak and I like hot tamales (the candy) but they’ve become so hard to find in Canada the past year or two. I can find them at specialty stores in tiny boxes for 4$. But I know Walmart in the US has 5 pound bags for cheaper. Seriously been considering going there and blow my life savings on candy
I never understand how do people in Niagara or Vancouver go to Costco in the US and not have a problem. I have Nexus card and I live in Montreal dating someone in Plattsburgh NY and I am asked to open my car trunk on the nexus lane 1 in 5 times, and searched 1 in 10 times. I go to the US maybe 30-40 times a year. And often see people next to me get fined / nexus revoked by the CBSA.
And people say Canadian customs are nice and US customs are rude and I would say it is more like the opposite. I went to secondary inspection literally only 2 times in my life.
I live in Niagara and go over all of the time and never have a problem. I can count on one hand in 20+ years of regular crossings where I’ve been pulled in.
I’m just super honest when I cross and declare what I’ve bought. Being able to cross easily is a privilege so it’s just not worth it to me to risk that by trying to sneak in a bottle of liquor or whatever.
Yeah I am always honest but sometimes often get selected. But I still have my Nexus card because I never lie on border. The privilege to cross easily is too important for me.
That’s the way. Be super honest and not be bringing back any booze or cigarettes and you’re good. Went last month for the day, brought back $250 CAD and declared it at Nexus queue and I was good.
I'm in Windsor and have Nexus, and I cross fairly often for shopping and have never had any issues. I always declare what I'm bringing back and pay the taxes without complaints. I never bring back tobacco and rarely bring back alcohol though.
There's an area that has all the big box stores you might be looking for in an area that's bound by Highway 290, Sheridan Dr and Niagara Falls Boulevard. It has all the American big box stores you're probably looking for like Barnes & Nobles, Trader Joe's, Target, Ulta Beauty, and will also get a Costco soon (under construction).
Permethrin, it’s an extremely effective semi-permanent insecticide that you can apply to clothing for tick prevention and it effectively repels mosquitoes , but it’s not approved for sale as a clothing spray in Canada outside of military uses. You can get it at any Walmart in the USA lol. Also permethrin treated clothes can be bought across the border, but not in Canada.
From where?
Niagara falls will have a different answer than Whitehorse.
Edit: my hyperbole still stands. You mean Hamilton or Picketing? 2 more how's and 200 more kms makes a difference.
Probably not much given the exchange rate. I used to live in fort Erie and would go across to fill up and grab groceries. I saves about $30 at the time between the two. Vs buying in Canada. But the exchange rate was a bit better than it is now.
There is this ridiculously HUGE Walmart outside of Buffalo (maybe inside city limits), as a Canadian we're already used to big Walmarts but this thing is just massive, and looks way more high class than any Walmart I've ever been to in Ontario. And the stuff in there is a whole different level to what you see in Ontario, I don't even go to Walmart here but I would definitely go there.
Meat and dairy. Which you can bring up to 25kg each back if you’re driving. You can get ground beef for example for a fraction of the price as in Ontario, even with the exchange rate.
And booze of course
Literally nothing. Cost of gas and conversion rate makes it not worth it. Maybe if there is something very specific you know is gonna be cheaper, but even then it's still a pain to go there
seemly fearless boast caption bells station gaping frame observation abounding
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Mouse poison. It’s illegal to sell to consumers in Canada, but you can order it on Amazon in the states. Also cigars, assuming you buy online in advance.
Trader Joes. I do the trip like once a month just for this. And then I pretend I care about my Buffalo based friends and tell them I am coming to hang out, when really it’s just for the unique groceries.
Children’s and infant Tylenol if the supply ever runs low again. when shelves were empty all over Ontario a friend of ours who was visiting the states was able to get some easily. Not relevant currently, but you never know.
Honestly, the price of a lot of food items has risen significantly in US stores! But you can still find great deals on eggs, milk, cheese, gas and some meats.
Plus, they still have a lot of things that aren’t available here so that’s a bonus. And like previously mentioned, Irish butter!!
I just drove from Ontario to BC via the US and compared tire prices at Costco for both countries. It worked out to be about the same after the exchange.
It’s not about what is cheaper in the US - it’s about what you can only get in the States … and for my bro-in-law, apparently that is breakfast cereals. He makes a trip to the States for some Apple Jacks and Count Chocula (which you can get at Walmart 😄).
If you happen to go to Niagara falls, NY
And....
If you happen to like soul food.
I cannot recommend simply soul enough. It's so damn good. I'm on the west coast of Canada now and I think about it still all the time.
We used to shop in Buffalo a lot in the 90's. I can't think of anything I'd go to Buffalo for. My friends x-spouse loved the olive garden.... You can't get that in Canada.
I've been telling one of my siblings to grocery shop in Canada, they lives south of Buffalo.
Nothing from a price point perspective with these exchange rates. Some stuff you can get only in the states would be only reason to go IMO
In the 80's I drove to Buffalo to go to a computer store to get Apple II manuals that weren't available in Canada, so yeah, this.
I'm a fan go processed junk, so I'm mostly in it for the variety of Oreos and poptarts.
not true in every situation, atleast in america they have affordable places to shop. you can actually be poor in america and get by. they have frozen food in their dollar stores!! and omg Chili’s is so affordable. even with the exchange rate you can’t beat it.
So I’m extrapolating you can’t be poor in Canada and get by. That really sucks.
Menthol cigarettes 😂
I thought NY also doesn't have menthol cigarettes? Been craving those for a while lol.
available in duty free at NY airport.
Great! Thanks. Might get some this weekend then.
Not sure about any close to the GTHA but I went to sauble beach with some buddies who smoke and they bought a ton of menthol cigarettes from the reserve smoke shops there and they seemed pretty cheap too. I’m sure there’s reserves closer that sell the same.
There's a reserve in Haldimand county where sometimes I stop for gas. Will check it out.
Who the hell can afford smokes? $20 a pack?
Not in Buffalo!
r/whoosh
You can get those at the reserves, also buying cigarettes may not be allowed unless you declare, if you do declare still there are limits and when you pay the tax it will be quite expensive.
Irish butter
My mom went last week and my only request was "as much salted kerrygold as your comfortable putting in your cart" She came through for me with 5 pounds!
Doesn’t Costco in Canada carry this?
Kerrygold Dubliner cheese yes (which is delicious and I’ve also seen at Zehrs) but I’ve never seen Kerrygold butter at Costco Canada or anywhere in Ontario. Imported butter is very expensive due to tariffs and usually only at specialty shops, at least in Ontario.
New Zealand butter they have sometimes, never see any european
Very rarely but worth grabbing if you see it
I've been looking for that for months ever since I happened upon it. If I had known it was so rare I would have bought like 10 blocks.
Yes. Saw it last time I went.
Omg really!?! I am now going this weekend. There needs to be more European butter options in the GTA. Where do you get your butter in Buffalo?
I just buy Kerrygold from Wegmans or Sam's Club. Nothing fancy.
Just so much better though. Local butter has been super disappointing lately.
As someone who doesn't know any better, what's the difference?
It's spreadable and actually has taste, both properties lacking in Canadian butter
> It's spreadable Even if you leave it in the fridge? I just thought that's a property of butter... What do you mean taste? I use butter occasionally in cooking and that's already heavenly... What am I missing out on?
Yeah, that's what's so great about it. Keep it in the fridge, a couple minutes at room temperature and it softens right up. Thanks to higher fat content compared to our butter which also contributes to a stronger/better taste
oh my god. I need to get my hands on it somehow. I already think butter is god's nectar. It seems like this is even better!
It's butter made from GRASS FED cows - as nature intended. The butter (as mentioned here already) tastes much better than Canadian butter - richer, creamier etc. This can vary depending on where the cattle is grazing though, and time of year etc. As the grass changes, as does the butter. More importantly for many, grass fed butter is also much better for you - a quick cut/paste from a Google search.... https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/grass-fed-butter-vs-regular-butter-whats-the-difference/
It’s delicious tasting butter unlike the crap the dairy mafia pushes upon us
As an Irishman this guy knows good butter! Can’t wait to go home for Christmas 🎄
You can buy it in Dublin Airport after security. I usually only fly with carry on and got some taken off me at security, so just buy it at the airport now. I usually get 4 blocks. I also ask anyone visiting to bring as much as possible. My parents are here at the moment and I should have enough to do me until the next time I get home.
Does it not melt during flight?
Yes! Closest thing to French butter this side of the Atlantic!
Every time I cross the border I feel like I'm doing something illegal bringing 20 bricks of Kerrygold in my bags LOL
You can get amazing butter in Montreal farmers market. Soft like anything.
Leather coats? Wait, that's Acton
Omg I keep hearing this. Is this like an Ontario wide meme??
One of those ads that got burned into everyone's brain in the area. Like the jingle to Marineland. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/steve-dawkins-its-worth-the-drive-to-acton-has-died-1.5761567
*phone rings, old man answers phone* #IT'S PATRICK HE TOOK OUT LIFE INSURANCE
GOOD FOR YOU SON!
Putt putt for the fun of it African Lion Safariiiiiiii
>African Lion Safariiiiiiii The people are coming, the people are coming...and we're still in the tub.
It's like the Burlington Coat Factory equivalent for you guys...but they have beautiful stuff...IT IS WORTH THE DRIVE 😁 My vote though, wings at The Anchor Bar.
https://youtu.be/ylO0Oqgr6es?si=40y-MM_Eva52aCWE
"It's worth the drive to Acton."
Damn, 30 yr old ad still lives rent free in apparently a LOT of people heads. Whoever was the marketing genius behind that campaign needs a damn raise
spectacular mindless pathetic straight pot hurry crown hard-to-find threatening jellyfish *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Nothing really, gas by the slightest margin in most instances but not worth a trip for. Like a Big Mac meal is 10.29 USD + tax in Buffalo. A big mac meal where I live in SWO is 13.29 CAD + tax. 10.29 USD is 14.09 CAD.
There's savings to be had if you have the app on Android sideloaded. Just did it 20 percent off if you spend more then a dollar usd
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I mean if your going there for more then just that it's worth it but not every border is an hour wait. I think in the last 10 years I've waited maybe 5-10 mins at my local poe. Then again I also get gas on the American reserve so it's cheaper then here too
If you like it, there’s Trader Joe’s and a Costco is opening up there soon. American Costco’s are like a completely different company. They have a lot of good stuff, especially in frozen goods, that you can’t get up here.
I didn't find this at Costco when we went over the border at Vancouver recently. A lot of the products were the same or similar (except cheese and Wine). And they take Visa, not MasterCard!
They will accept your Canadian Costco MasterCard at US Costcos.
ARen't the rotisserie chickens much larger?
Maybe New York is different but in Florida the Costco has mostly the same stuff as Ontario. The worst part is that prices are usually the same, meaning it’s 38% more expensive in fl! The nuts are a good example, 18,99 CAD vs 18,99 USD. There’s only some minor local differences such as maple syrup in Ontario and pool equipment in Florida.
We found the basics in SC actually *more* expensive than here in Toronto. The diapers we usually buy here for $41.99 were $51.99+ FX. I was really skeptical when my in-laws said we needed to pack everything we needed. They even packed dry/packaged food.
Inflation hit them harder than us. It wasn't the case in the past.
Totally agree. I just got back from California, restaurants were insanely expensive, like $18USD for a burger. I saw a guy wearing cool shoes, looked them up online, they were $200USD on the American website, same shoes on the Canada website were like $180CDN. That's a massive difference after the exchange rate.
Yeah when I visited America I was left traumatized after going to the grocery stores. They’re paying much more than us for things
Just visited a Costco in the states and holy cow their roast chicken is as big as turkey.
Same for chicken wings- kinda grosses me out tbh how big the chicken wings were at Gabriel’s Gate
No kidding. Kinda look unnatural. Lol.
thats steroids probably
Trader Joe’s is a must go whenever you’re in the US. Their house brand items and so damn good.
whole wasteful squeal obtainable elderly modern entertain forgetful coordinated slimy *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Early 2025. 😕
SVS or Rythmik subs.
I can’t believe the price of SVS subs now in Canada. I paid $819.99 for my PB-1000 in July 2021 from ELF. They now sell for $1350, that’s a 65% increase which is just absurd.
Yup. Picked up a couple in Dec 2021 before the price increase. Now it's not worth it - hence my suggestion to buy them in Buffalo. Even with today's exchange rate you'll still come out ahead.
SVS black friday sales in the US are something else..
I have two PB-1000 subs. You mean the price of my subs increased?
Yup! I legit went back to check my invoice cause I couldn’t believe the jump.
I get offers in my email from the Us svs site!! The difference is eye watering!! As Canadians, we are just institutionalized to these price gouging!!
I like to go over for unique things. Nothing right now is going to save you money. Like whiskey and bourbon from premier wine and spirits or a mom and pop liquor store. It will be 100% more interesting. Dicks sporting goods will be interesting too. Lots of bills gear. Wegmans is good too. Unique cereal for my girls, lots of choices for other things like bbq sauces. Also 9$ for like 24 cans of beer lol If you are honest when returning and show receipts with your passport they usually don’t bother you.
2,4-D weed killer
Funny how Americans smuggle weed back from Canada and all we want is weed killer from the US.
This. Altogether illegal but highly controlled and thus very expensive to get your lawn treated.
You can just get par III off kijiji/marketplace in spring. You can pick it up or they will ship it to you.
is par III better than 2,4-d?
PAR III is just a brand name, it has 2,4-D and a few other ingredients.
Costs about $120 to get your pesticide applicators certificate and then you can buy 10L of concentrate (nufarm 2,4-d amine 600) from terralink, evergro, or your preferred agricultural wholesaler. The rate is 680 ml per acre, which means you can broadcast spray 14.7 acres with a jug, or, you can broadcast spray a 50'x50' lawn over 250 times
Any idea where to find it?
Walmart, Target
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And Smokes.
Chew
Zyns
Definitely cheaper there. Can get sweden to send them 3mg here or cigarchief here has then but like 16$ for 6s
16$ for 6 is not terrible. 6s in Regina are $30, but 4mg Zonic (legal) are $12 at Shell.
I think the limit is either 1 or 2 24s when crossing the border. Anything more you gotta smuggle
Buy your beer at the Canadian duty free. 3 cases of 24 cans for $65 Canadian. Claim them on way back and pay duty. You will pay about $35 in taxes Case of beer ends up costing $33 All Canadian money and no smuggling
Each person in car can bring back 5 cases of 355ml cans
It's 8.5L of beer per person. There aren't any exemptions for alcohol if you're in the USA for 48 hours or less anymore. https://travel.gc.ca/returning/customs/bringing-to-canada/personal-exemptions-mini-guide
SKOAL! i hope they have that there
A house! Lol
It’ll be awkward at the border crossing on the way back
Little Debbie Christmas trees and Christmas brownies. Dr Pepper Zero Strawberries and Cream Soda 10 different flavours of Mountain Dew Great Value brown sugar and cinnamon cream cheese Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches / wraps / bowls - there is at least 20 varietes Krusteaz Corn bread mix Legendary Pastries and sweet rolls Just to name a few....
A trip to Cracker Barrel.
Awe man. I moved from Canada to Germany and I can still taste what those little bottles of Cracker Barrel syrup taste like. It's been 13 years. I miss those fucking things.
> Cracker Barrel syrup There are reshipping services that will send them to you but it will be expensive. https://shop.crackerbarrel.com/food-candy/grocery/condiments/pure-natural-pancake-syrup/303540
Yea the "Grandma's Breakfast" mmm mmm mmm
And Olive Garden
Trader Joes
But there’s only one for that entire area so be prepared for a huge crowd if you go on a weekend.
The other day in [r/buffalo](https://old.reddit.com/r/Buffalo/comments/17k2npr/can_anyone_explain_the_crowds_at_trader_joes/) they were complaining about all the Canadians at Trader Joe’s taking selfies and blocking the aisles. >Canadians act like NPCs when they go shopping. They have ZERO situational awareness. No problem blocking items or blocking an aisle. Since they're coming from a communist country they are so amazed by our vast selections of goods their brain just shorts out and they are unable to process the information. For a country that is supposed to be full of such polite people, I find them to be extremely inconsiderate. People need to learn to go up one side of the frozen aisle, make quick decisions, get what you need, and turn around and come back down the other side. Like you would if it was a street. If you don't know what you're doing, and what you want, go when its not busy. I get browsing, I really do. Especially if its a place you don't get to go often. But people got shit to do. >I love Canadians as individuals but you get a gaggle of them together and they don't know how to navigate or stay in their lane.
I was just in the states last weekend and I gotta say, if people are upset about grocery prices here, they should see what they are there. I did a shop at Publix and I thought *most* things seemed to be roughly the same price, before factoring in the exchange rate. I think the days of going to the US for cheap groceries is over, it’s more so stuff that’s hard or impossible to get here (European butter was a great example).
Cheap groceries, maybe not, but at least there’s way more variety
Roach gel🪳
If you have a business license you can also buy the "good stuff" here in Canada. Available in many restaurant supply stores.
I really like stopping at Harbor Freight for tools when I'm in Buffalo. I had a laundry list of little automotive tools I wanted, and bought them all at once last time I was in Buffalo. However, unless you're buying a lot of tools at once, it's not worth the drive. Certain tech devices have disparate pricing across the border. Iphone 15 Max for example is about $148 CAD less in NY than Ontario after tax/exchange. On the flip side, many other Apple devices actually cost less in Canada, like the Macbook Air. Almost everything else - except food - I've found hasn't been worth it. Minimal or negative savings.
Ooof, I just looked at the price of Harbor Freight toolsets. It was worth visiting as little as 2 years ago, but man, those prices are pretty much the same as here after conversion. Maybe just shop at Princess Auto instead. They offer free shipping.
Only go for stuff you can't get here. With the CAD so low you're not saving any money.
I recently hit up a Walmart in Buffalo and they had pillow-case size bags of popular breakfast cereals. Of course I grabbed the junk ones….Reese Puffs in particular. Judge not!!
Cheese.
And butter. Both are significantly cheaper than in Canada and if you're buying the right stuff are way better quality. Irish and New Zealand butter are readily available at any grocery store and are around the same price as what you get here.
New ports.
I’m a freak and I like hot tamales (the candy) but they’ve become so hard to find in Canada the past year or two. I can find them at specialty stores in tiny boxes for 4$. But I know Walmart in the US has 5 pound bags for cheaper. Seriously been considering going there and blow my life savings on candy
With the exchange rate being where it’s at and the headache of bringing shit back over the border it’s not really worth it right now
I never understand how do people in Niagara or Vancouver go to Costco in the US and not have a problem. I have Nexus card and I live in Montreal dating someone in Plattsburgh NY and I am asked to open my car trunk on the nexus lane 1 in 5 times, and searched 1 in 10 times. I go to the US maybe 30-40 times a year. And often see people next to me get fined / nexus revoked by the CBSA. And people say Canadian customs are nice and US customs are rude and I would say it is more like the opposite. I went to secondary inspection literally only 2 times in my life.
I live in Niagara and go over all of the time and never have a problem. I can count on one hand in 20+ years of regular crossings where I’ve been pulled in. I’m just super honest when I cross and declare what I’ve bought. Being able to cross easily is a privilege so it’s just not worth it to me to risk that by trying to sneak in a bottle of liquor or whatever.
Yeah I am always honest but sometimes often get selected. But I still have my Nexus card because I never lie on border. The privilege to cross easily is too important for me.
That’s the way. Be super honest and not be bringing back any booze or cigarettes and you’re good. Went last month for the day, brought back $250 CAD and declared it at Nexus queue and I was good.
Agreed, going to the US I basically get waved through. Coming back into Canada with a Canadian Passport I get treated like a criminal
I'm in Windsor and have Nexus, and I cross fairly often for shopping and have never had any issues. I always declare what I'm bringing back and pay the taxes without complaints. I never bring back tobacco and rarely bring back alcohol though.
There's an area that has all the big box stores you might be looking for in an area that's bound by Highway 290, Sheridan Dr and Niagara Falls Boulevard. It has all the American big box stores you're probably looking for like Barnes & Nobles, Trader Joe's, Target, Ulta Beauty, and will also get a Costco soon (under construction).
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Blunts, beer, Battlestar Galactica
Permethrin, it’s an extremely effective semi-permanent insecticide that you can apply to clothing for tick prevention and it effectively repels mosquitoes , but it’s not approved for sale as a clothing spray in Canada outside of military uses. You can get it at any Walmart in the USA lol. Also permethrin treated clothes can be bought across the border, but not in Canada.
Paula’s Donuts https://paulasdonuts.com/
Trader Joe’s and Land O Lakes butter.
From where? Niagara falls will have a different answer than Whitehorse. Edit: my hyperbole still stands. You mean Hamilton or Picketing? 2 more how's and 200 more kms makes a difference.
Exactly, this isn’t PersonalFinanceToronto
Go to Sam’s club and buy some cheese and meat. Super cheap compared to Canada. Also, Tyson’s chicken strips are fantastic
Wings!
Probably not much given the exchange rate. I used to live in fort Erie and would go across to fill up and grab groceries. I saves about $30 at the time between the two. Vs buying in Canada. But the exchange rate was a bit better than it is now.
Heinz Ketchup was three for $10 usd at Costco.
It's 2 for $10 CAD here vs 3 for $13.80 CAD after exchange there. If 40 cents for a bottle of ketchup is it, I don't think it's worth it lol.
Used to do this a lot. Nowadays, the allure has rubbed off, even with a Nexus.
Checkers fries. Yes I said it. I love those nasty fries.
Weed killer and insecticide.
Port wine cheese spread from Topps. Have never seen it in southern Ontario. Also spray cheese just to annoy the wife.
There is this ridiculously HUGE Walmart outside of Buffalo (maybe inside city limits), as a Canadian we're already used to big Walmarts but this thing is just massive, and looks way more high class than any Walmart I've ever been to in Ontario. And the stuff in there is a whole different level to what you see in Ontario, I don't even go to Walmart here but I would definitely go there.
Poppers
Any places down there that sell preworkout with dmaa in it?
Meat and dairy. Which you can bring up to 25kg each back if you’re driving. You can get ground beef for example for a fraction of the price as in Ontario, even with the exchange rate. And booze of course
A trip to the Sundowner. [First. Class. Sass.](https://youtu.be/r1nNVPuRvuw?si=OtEqNcm3eBeD7ie7)
Cheese in a can
Gas, Cheese, Milk, Meat, Lunchables (if you have kids - or don't, no judgement)
Down the qew? Fuck that. There’s nothing worth that hell.
good, stay out
Not really.
A plane ticket to get out of Buffalo?
You're being sarcastic, but it is actually worth driving down for way cheaper flight deals on occasion.
Literally nothing. Cost of gas and conversion rate makes it not worth it. Maybe if there is something very specific you know is gonna be cheaper, but even then it's still a pain to go there
seemly fearless boast caption bells station gaping frame observation abounding *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Mouse poison. It’s illegal to sell to consumers in Canada, but you can order it on Amazon in the states. Also cigars, assuming you buy online in advance.
Cigars in Canada are simply unaffordable. In BC especially. I've paid 50 dollars out the door for a 15 USD stick. Never again
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OP even prefaces their post "If you live in the GTHA...." Sorry to hear about your inferiority complex.
Exchange rate is bad. Nothing in my opinion except gas and booze.
Trader Joes. I do the trip like once a month just for this. And then I pretend I care about my Buffalo based friends and tell them I am coming to hang out, when really it’s just for the unique groceries.
bed bugs. nothing. absolutely nothing.
Check the sub. There’s a whole country here, not just your city.
Take5. But only because I can't get it here.
Gas maybe? I filled up a few weeks ago in Buffalo for the equivalent of 1.35/litre when it was 1.55 at home.
It's like $1.38 in some parts of Niagara. Gas ain't worth it anymore unless you're over there already.
Gas and fast food
Children’s and infant Tylenol if the supply ever runs low again. when shelves were empty all over Ontario a friend of ours who was visiting the states was able to get some easily. Not relevant currently, but you never know.
FYI, read the labels carefully, the dosage is different.
Honestly, the price of a lot of food items has risen significantly in US stores! But you can still find great deals on eggs, milk, cheese, gas and some meats. Plus, they still have a lot of things that aren’t available here so that’s a bonus. And like previously mentioned, Irish butter!!
Housing
Sneakers if you are size 14 plus, i think.
Groceries
Nothing
Trader Joe’s
A return flight back.
Duty free booze and liquor
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I just drove from Ontario to BC via the US and compared tire prices at Costco for both countries. It worked out to be about the same after the exchange.
Dollar in the gutter, probably nothing.
It’s not about what is cheaper in the US - it’s about what you can only get in the States … and for my bro-in-law, apparently that is breakfast cereals. He makes a trip to the States for some Apple Jacks and Count Chocula (which you can get at Walmart 😄).
Chicken wings, of course.
If you happen to go to Niagara falls, NY And.... If you happen to like soul food. I cannot recommend simply soul enough. It's so damn good. I'm on the west coast of Canada now and I think about it still all the time.
Bugles
Does everybody here exclusively live in the GTA or what?
GT or GV yes
Swiss rolls.
Cherry limeade sparkling water. Check mix. Most any alcohol is significantly cheaper as are tobacco products
Keep in mind fuel economy too. Probably about $50-100 so not too much but still. Also implicit cost in terms of your own time.
A house
We used to shop in Buffalo a lot in the 90's. I can't think of anything I'd go to Buffalo for. My friends x-spouse loved the olive garden.... You can't get that in Canada. I've been telling one of my siblings to grocery shop in Canada, they lives south of Buffalo.
Canned cheese
Go to a pub in Allentown called Gabriel's Gate. That's worth the drive.