While it is possible to walk across the Champlain border, this crossing is primarily for vehicles. There is little for pedestrians to do on foot at either side of the border crossing, and it is highly recommended that individuals cross the border with a vehicle. There is also a bus lane too for those who want to use public transport.

There is no toll charge at this crossing.

The Champlain Border Crossing hours are 24/7. It is ordinarily open every day of the year. The border does have NEXUS lanes; however, these are not in operation 24 hours a day. Usually, the NEXUS lanes are open from 6 am until midnight. There is also a dedicated bus lane on either side. Remember that this is a busy crossing and that delays are common.

There is a duty-free available on both sides of the border. Duty-Free Americas is located in Champlain and is open 24 hours a day. IGL Duty-Free is situated at 350 Autoroute 15 in St Bernard de Lacolle and is also open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are a Canadian traveling to the US for less than 48 hours, you can only purchase 1 liter of liquor and one carton of cigarettes or 100 cigars. If you are there longer than 48 hours, then there is no restriction. If you are a Canadian returning to Canada, then there is no duty-free for less than 48 hours. Over 48 hours and you can enjoy tax-free limits of up to 1.5l wine, 1.14l of liquor or 24 cans or bottles of beer. The upper limit for cigarettes is one carton, 50 cigars or 200g of tobacco or 200 tobacco sticks. Americans returning to the US from Canada can only purchase duty-free items if they spend more than 48 hours in Canada.

Citizens of Canada or the US must be prepared to show a valid proof of identification. This, ideally, should be a passport. A driving license is not a valid form of ID unless it is used as a photo identification alongside a birth certificate, green card, naturalization or citizenship certificate. Children must also have proof of citizenship. If a parent is traveling alone with a child then they must have written permission to do so, alongside a contact number for the other parent. Parents can also show a legally binding custody agreement.