Walking from Canada to the USA at Niagara Falls: What You Need to Know

About three decades ago, I walked onto the Rainbow Bridge from the U.S. side—only halfway through. I didn’t cross the border back then, but the experience stayed with me. So when I recently walked from Canada to the United States across the same bridge, it brought back vivid memories and a sense of full-circle adventure.

In our recent journey, we—Ahmed Dawn and Walking Lady—documented the entire process of walking from the Canadian side to the U.S. side. Starting near Casino Niagara and the Radisson Hotel, we took a short Uber ride to the pedestrian entrance of the Rainbow Bridge to save our energy for the walk itself.

The crossing begins with a clearly-marked path leading to the turnstile area. Here’s the key detail: you’ll need to pay a $1 toll to access the bridge. The machines accept Canadian or U.S. coins, and change machines are available if you don’t have exact change. You can use four quarters or a loonie—either works.

Once you’re past the turnstile, you’ll walk across the bridge with stunning views of Niagara Falls. The walk is short but memorable, offering a rare chance to stand between two nations with the roar of the falls in the background.

At the U.S. border checkpoint, you’ll need to present your passport and any required visa documents. For Canadian citizens, no visas or additional documents are required. The officers may ask basic questions about your visit, so be prepared to disclose your travel plans.

After clearing immigration, you’ll officially be on the U.S. side of Niagara Falls. From there, you can explore attractions like Niagara Falls State Park, the Observation Tower, and more.

Tips for Travelers: