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.
Trip ideas
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.
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