Ready, set, wait: Busy borders expected for long weekend

Cars from Canada line up to cross into the U.S. in Blaine, Wash., on Thursday, May 23, 2013. (AP / Elaine Thompson)

British Columbians planning to head to the U.S. this long weekend are being advised to get a jump on their travels or face lengthy delays.

Border service agents predict a busy weekend at the five border crossings that connect B.C. with Washington State.

Last year, more than 97,000 vehicles passed through the crossings over the Civic Holiday long weekend.

The Canadian Border Services Agency says drivers should give themselves plenty of extra travel time, and ensure they have all of their documents ready for border inspections.

CBSA says you’ll spend less time in line if you can avoid peak travel times – Sunday around 6 p.m. and holiday Monday between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

All current border wait times are available online here

You can also follow specific border crossings on Twitter for hourly updates:

BC Ferries says to expect longer-than-average waits on its routes between the mainland and Vancouver Island.

Click here for current wait times for BC Ferries.