Rainbow Bridge

The Basics

Grab your passport and head across the bridge on foot, by bike, or by car. Stop to admire the views—which stretch along the Niagara River, American Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. Look for the backdrop of the skyscraper-dotted skyline on the Canadian side and the forested shores of Niagara Falls State Park on the American. It's the closest border crossing to the falls, and most Niagara Falls tours that visit both sides include a walk or drive across Rainbow Bridge.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Customs checks are carried out on both the American and Canadian sides; you must have your passport and relevant visa to cross the bridge.

• There is a small toll fee for pedestrians and vehicles to cross the bridge; credit cards and both US and Canadian dollars are accepted.

• Crossing the bridge takes around 15 minutes, but count at least 15 minutes to pass through customs at each end (more at busy times).

• The pedestrian walkway is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

Rainbow Bridge is located just north of Niagara Falls, Canada, along the Niagara Parkway. It’s a less than a 1-mile (1.5-kilometer) walk from the Fallsview tourist area or a 5-minute taxi ride. There is no public transport across the bridge, but many tours offer a cross-border service.

When to Get There

The Rainbow Bridge border crossing is open 24/7. Wait times for customs is typically between 10-20 minutes, but lines can be longer in late afternoon/early evening on Fridays and Saturdays and on holidays, so leave extra travel time. For the best photos, cross the bridge at sunrise or sunset, or arrive after dark to admire the illuminations or watch the fireworks (daily in summer and most weekends throughout the year).

Niagara Falls from Both Sides

Niagara Falls is between the US and Canada. Each side has highlights, and some tours see both sides in a day. On the Canadian side, admire American Falls and Horseshoe Falls from Skylon Tower, visit Journey Behind the Falls, or take a Hornblower cruise. On the American side, take in views from Prospect Point, visit Goat Island to hike Niagara Falls State Park, or take a Maid of the Mist cruise to see Bridal Veil Falls and Cave of the Winds.

Ways to explore

While crossing the Rainbow Bridge, stop to admire the views, which stretch along the Niagara River, American Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. Look for the skyscraper-dotted skyline on the Canadian side and the forested shores of Niagara Falls State Park on the US side. It's the closest border crossing to the falls, and most Niagara Falls tours that visit both sides of the border include a walk or drive across the Rainbow Bridge. Look for a tour that covers both sides to cross the bridge; otherwise, you’ll just have to observe it from a distance.

Accessibility

The bridge is accessible to wheelchair users via elevators at either end.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Your passport with a valid US/Canada visa (if required), small change in either US or Canadian currency to pay the bridge tolls

What to wear

Dress appropriately for the season—Niagara Falls is hot and humid in summer and frigid in winter.

Not allowed

Entering the bridge without the appropriate travel documentation, or the intention to cross the border.

Amenities

Use restrooms at tourism facilities on either end, as there are none at the bridge itself.

Address 

The Rainbow Bridge is located just north of Niagara Falls, a short walk from the main tourism areas on both sides of the Canada–US border. It’s open to pedestrians, cyclists (who must use the road, not the sidewalk), and vehicles.

Driving

From Canada, access the bridge via Niagara Parkway. From the US, access it from Niagara Street or Main Street. Check real-time travel updates online to check waiting times if you’re driving.

Public transportation

There is no public transport across the bridge, but many tours offer a cross-border service.

Best times to visit

The border crossing is open 24/7, but to admire the views, come in the daytime.

Best days to visit

The crossing is likely to be busier on weekends, so visit midweek if you can, whether you’re in a vehicle or on foot.

Best months to visit

Niagara Falls is spectacular year-round, but very cold in winter—dress warm if you plan to walk across the bridge in this season.

Special events

Fireworks displays and illuminations are regularly held at Niagara Falls throughout the seasons. Check a seasonal calendar to be on the bridge at the correct times.