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200 bridges in my collection https://www.yelp.com/collection/cbr-WfxuvzL7aOVKXKhyMA/Bridges and many between states. This is the first bridge I'm crossing between countries (the FDR Bridge https://www.yelp.com/biz/franklin-delano-roosevelt-bridge-lubec?hrid=Zk7X9PQvW8fwiXjqMBXJHg between Lubec and Campobello Island was closed last year for the pandemic) and it's a stunner. The busiest international border in North America, it is actually privately owned. It opened to traffic in 1939 and carries I-75 / I-96 in the United States and Highway 3 in Canada. The bridge has two lanes in each direction and is 152 feet above the Detroit River. It carries 10,000 trucks a day and 4,000 cars a day, which amounts to some 25% of trade between the two countries. We crossed this evening and it took nearly 35 minutes to clear immigration at the Canadian side. The road curves to meet the immigration booths making it difficult to judge which queue is the fastest and which actually has two booths at the end. But even with the delay, it's still a beautiful bridge and performs a very valuable service. [Review 17965 overall - 361 in Michigan - 1486 of 2022.]
I wonder how a bridge authority can make over 60 million in tolls alone a year but can't fix the the lights on the name of the bridge.
Such a stellar piece of architecture right between US & Canada border. The bridge is dynamic and is visible from both sides in Windsor or Detroit. I have been on the bridge a couple times and I absolutely love the views that come with the bridge. Yes there's some construction in the middle of the bridge and also a road extension but didn't face any traffic snarls cause of the blockers.
What an eyesore. It looks like they've done nothing to this Bridge in the last 50 years to upgrade and modernize it. There was finally some construction on it when we drove across in September 2019 so it looks like they are starting to do something. There's a Nexus lane to use of you are a cardholder like me, but every time I cross these officers drill all of us with questions. It's the only border crossing we get questioned what food we have in the car; very strange. Toll is $5 USD after the drilling, and then you can take I75 north or south after it.
We drive to Toronto annually or as much as possible so we have a little Tim Horton's coffee in our blood eh! So you leave the house early because you want to cross the bridge around noon for lunch or shortly after having lunch, in let's say, Ann Arbor. You drive anxiously to get out of Chicagoland and into Indiana and finally into Michigan. Michigan (BEWARE) is one big speed trap, they pull cars over 3 at a time. I say all that to finally say this - Once you clear these hurdles, the beautiful Ambassador bridge awaits you. You could also take the tunnel (boring and unusual for me) into Canada or you could drive to Port Huron to cross into Sarnia (not as memorable and a little farther). However, the bridge is monumental and will certainly give you a sense of accomplishment as you drive into Canada! The bridge and the sites all around it are beautiful and the Canadians are very welcoming because bottom line, they know you're there to spend USDs so everyone is happy. As a suggestion, get global entry, it'll cut down on the unnecessary questions when you're coming back into the US. Such as - Where are you going? Me - "I've got to get home, I have to work tomorrow :( ." I know they have a job to do but let's speed this up a little. Back to the bridge, it's privately owned and 25 percent of Canada's GDP flows through it - which I think is a little crazy. What if something happened to it, what is Canada's plan B? And the person that owns it, that's a sweeter deal than the guy who provides hamburger buns to McDonalds. In any case, not my problem but food for thought. After crossing the bridge from Detroit (which is on an upswing - think Shinola), you will find your self in the town of Windsor, which has an outlet mall and some pretty good restaurants (including Vietnamese). Crossing the bridge is the midpoint of my trip and it also means 3.5 hours on the 401 to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). That's my review eh!!! Maybe I should cross the border by foot next time and try to get my third citizenship. :)
A privately owned toll bridge from Detroit to Canada whose primary purpose is alleged to be the enrichment of Manuel Moroun. Yea Manny! The gloss black suspension bridge opened November 15, 1929 and comes in at 7500' from the tips with 152' of clearance to the Detroit River below. Between 1995 and 2000 the bridge was refurbished and painted a lovely shade of blue, and the following year, 2001, bicycle and pedestrian traffic officially ceased in the fall.
The Ambassador Bridge on the American side comes into a plaza where documents are checked. After exiting from this area the roadway continues on to the snarl of choices that are available - there is Highway 96 and Highway 75 or Fort Street. Be sure to plan your route after exiting the Bridge whether you are going into Detroit City proper or away from it. The Ambassador Bridge is an old bridge. It's not like it's swaying in the breeze - it's just got that 'I'm an old bridge' look. Now, in general, old bridges aren't necessarily bad. Covered bridges - they are mostly old bridges and they are not bad unless your car breaks down in the middle of one. Old railroad bridges, I find, as a rule, to be pretty cool looking. I like them. This bridge, if you can imagine it, looks like it didn't eat enough. The lanes are tight and constricted. It is run for-profit so along with the delays introduced by the formalities associated with crossing and international boundary you will need to deal with paying for transit across the bridge. There are a lot of trucks that use this bridge. If you are going for entertainment or to visit family across the border I recommend the tunnel - if you want the scenery and don't mind delay and that tiny feeling of danger that may accompany driving sandwiched between three tractor trailers then go with the bridge. The exit into Canada after the entry plaza goes right into a Provincial highway and there is easy on and easy off.
The bridge is beautiful to look at from a distance and is obviously a very famous one given it serves as Canada's arguably most important border crossing. I think I remember reading somewhere that most of the trade between Canada and the US occurs via this bridge. The views while crossing are beautiful too, you get good views of the Detroit River, Windsor, and the Detroit Skyline. The officers on both sides of the border, based off my experiences, have been courteous and professional. I have always gotten the sense that they know what they are doing. My only issue is that when crossing the bridge, there is only one lane both ways (see the one picture I took of crossing the bridge behind a truck). This resulted in significant delays that set me back by an hour, which could have been easily preventable. At the same time, there was construction/road work going on, so I have no idea if there usually is two lanes open both ways or not. Do note that you also have to pay a toll to cross the bridge. If crossing from Canada to the US, you will pay this after crossing into the US, if crossing into Canada, you will pay the toll before crossing the bridge. This is certainly my go to border crossing because although there can be significant delays here depending on the time of day, it is always worth it because the agents have always treated me courteously and professionally.
I typed this in, not thinking there would be a review, let alone 30! You will enjoy this bridge a lot more when there is no wait! Attractive looking, about 6 bucks Canadian to cross
Knowing what I know now, the next time I have to cross into Michigan, I'm either taking the tunnel or taking the Sarnia - Port Huron route, depending on my destination. If you want to know why, please read some of the excellent reviews below, especially those by Heather J or Kevin J and do your own research. Long story short, the dude who owns the bridge is quite the piece of work and the way he runs it is nothing short of despicable and this is coming from someone who is a proud and avowed capitalist. There are a lot of examples of the private sector stepping in to do something better and more efficiently than the government but this sure as hell isn't one of them. Yes the bridge is pretty nice looking and the views are pretty cool but it ain't worth it. Despite its inherent beauty, it does look like it's falling apart and feels that way, too. Also it has to be the most expensive border crossing that I can recall...if there's one that's more, I'd love to hear it. Plus it's a bit of a nightmare getting on and off the thing (GPS didn't help) so that's another strike. So yeah, avoid if you can. It seems like the right thing to do and I know I will...I'll give it two stars because of the aesthetic but that sure doesn't mean I'm going to use this crossing in the future if I can help it.
Pretty neat bridge if you ask me. I guess there is an alternative to go through a tunnel to get from the United States into Canada. We chose to go to Canada through the Ambassador Bridge. Very nice bridge with views on both sides. Heads up, you have to pay $4.00 US to pass through this bridge.
The Ambassador Bridge connects Detroit, Michigan to Windsor Ontario, Canada. It's the second time that I have been on this bridge and you get a great view of the skyline. It's a nice and smooth ride while you're on the bridge. They check passports entering Canada and coming back into the US. It's a $9 toll each way for using the bridge. Upon leaving Canada they have a duty free store at the border. I didn't find things that were that cheap. I did pick up a candy bar. Last time, I got myself a perfume. read more
I've never done the Ambassador Bridge before but have always wanted to since I moved back to Detroit. It's a long standing part of the Detroit skyline and I finally got to cross it yesterday. The ride was smooth but let me tell you, they have barricades up and it can be slightly confusing as to where to go. I almost followed two trucks to the truck zone! The customs agents are fine and they have a border shop on the Canadian side for purchases of alcohol, purses, jewelry and other items. I think it's all tax free! I love the skyline view when crossing the bridge because you can see the rencen and the updated train station that was reopened over the summer. You can pay cash when entering the US, which is weird because going through the tunnel on the way to the border you could only pay by card. I also enjoyed the large Canadian and American flags huge from above to show which country you're in. read more
11 months ago
The Ambassador Bridge is what connects USA to Canada. It's a beautiful bridge! Overlooking the river and it's pretty clean! The boarder crossing wasn't long at all to cross over to Canada and on the way back as well it wasn't too bad, but we went during the week, as I'm sure on the weekends it gets pretty busy. Awesome bridge overall! read more
200 bridges in my collection https://www.yelp.com/collection/cbr-WfxuvzL7aOVKXKhyMA/Bridges and many between states. This is the first bridge I'm crossing between countries (the FDR Bridge https://www.yelp.com/biz/franklin-delano-roosevelt-bridge-lubec?hrid=Zk7X9PQvW8fwiXjqMBXJHg between Lubec and Campobello Island was closed last year for the pandemic) and it's a stunner. The busiest international border in North America, it is actually privately owned. It opened to traffic in 1939 and carries I-75 / I-96 in the United States and Highway 3 in Canada. The bridge has two lanes in each direction and is 152 feet above the Detroit River. It carries 10,000 trucks a day and 4,000 cars a day, which amounts to some 25% of trade between the two countries. We crossed this evening and it took nearly 35 minutes to clear immigration at the Canadian side. The road curves to meet the immigration booths making it difficult to judge which queue is the fastest and which actually has two booths at the end. But even with the delay, it's still a beautiful bridge and performs a very valuable service. [Review 17965 overall - 361 in Michigan - 1486 of 2022.] read more
4 years ago
I wonder how a bridge authority can make over 60 million in tolls alone a year but can't fix the the lights on the name of the bridge. read more
Such a stellar piece of architecture right between US & Canada border. The bridge is dynamic and is visible from both sides in Windsor or Detroit. I have been on the bridge a couple times and I absolutely love the views that come with the bridge. Yes there's some construction in the middle of the bridge and also a road extension but didn't face any traffic snarls cause of the blockers. read more
What an eyesore. It looks like they've done nothing to this Bridge in the last 50 years to upgrade and modernize it. There was finally some construction on it when we drove across in September 2019 so it looks like they are starting to do something. There's a Nexus lane to use of you are a cardholder like me, but every time I cross these officers drill all of us with questions. It's the only border crossing we get questioned what food we have in the car; very strange. Toll is $5 USD after the drilling, and then you can take I75 north or south after it. read more
We drive to Toronto annually or as much as possible so we have a little Tim Horton's coffee in our blood eh! So you leave the house early because you want to cross the bridge around noon for lunch or shortly after having lunch, in let's say, Ann Arbor. You drive anxiously to get out of Chicagoland and into Indiana and finally into Michigan. Michigan (BEWARE) is one big speed trap, they pull cars over 3 at a time. I say all that to finally say this - Once you clear these hurdles, the beautiful Ambassador bridge awaits you. You could also take the tunnel (boring and unusual for me) into Canada or you could drive to Port Huron to cross into Sarnia (not as memorable and a little farther). However, the bridge is monumental and will certainly give you a sense of accomplishment as you drive into Canada! The bridge and the sites all around it are beautiful and the Canadians are very welcoming because bottom line, they know you're there to spend USDs so everyone is happy. As a suggestion, get global entry, it'll cut down on the unnecessary questions when you're coming back into the US. Such as - Where are you going? Me - "I've got to get home, I have to work tomorrow :( ." I know they have a job to do but let's speed this up a little. Back to the bridge, it's privately owned and 25 percent of Canada's GDP flows through it - which I think is a little crazy. What if something happened to it, what is Canada's plan B? And the person that owns it, that's a sweeter deal than the guy who provides hamburger buns to McDonalds. In any case, not my problem but food for thought. After crossing the bridge from Detroit (which is on an upswing - think Shinola), you will find your self in the town of Windsor, which has an outlet mall and some pretty good restaurants (including Vietnamese). Crossing the bridge is the midpoint of my trip and it also means 3.5 hours on the 401 to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). That's my review eh!!! Maybe I should cross the border by foot next time and try to get my third citizenship. :) read more
A privately owned toll bridge from Detroit to Canada whose primary purpose is alleged to be the enrichment of Manuel Moroun. Yea Manny! The gloss black suspension bridge opened November 15, 1929 and comes in at 7500' from the tips with 152' of clearance to the Detroit River below. Between 1995 and 2000 the bridge was refurbished and painted a lovely shade of blue, and the following year, 2001, bicycle and pedestrian traffic officially ceased in the fall. read more
The Ambassador Bridge on the American side comes into a plaza where documents are checked. After exiting from this area the roadway continues on to the snarl of choices that are available - there is Highway 96 and Highway 75 or Fort Street. Be sure to plan your route after exiting the Bridge whether you are going into Detroit City proper or away from it. The Ambassador Bridge is an old bridge. It's not like it's swaying in the breeze - it's just got that 'I'm an old bridge' look. Now, in general, old bridges aren't necessarily bad. Covered bridges - they are mostly old bridges and they are not bad unless your car breaks down in the middle of one. Old railroad bridges, I find, as a rule, to be pretty cool looking. I like them. This bridge, if you can imagine it, looks like it didn't eat enough. The lanes are tight and constricted. It is run for-profit so along with the delays introduced by the formalities associated with crossing and international boundary you will need to deal with paying for transit across the bridge. There are a lot of trucks that use this bridge. If you are going for entertainment or to visit family across the border I recommend the tunnel - if you want the scenery and don't mind delay and that tiny feeling of danger that may accompany driving sandwiched between three tractor trailers then go with the bridge. The exit into Canada after the entry plaza goes right into a Provincial highway and there is easy on and easy off. read more
4 years ago
The bridge is beautiful to look at from a distance and is obviously a very famous one given it serves as Canada's arguably most important border crossing. I think I remember reading somewhere that most of the trade between Canada and the US occurs via this bridge. The views while crossing are beautiful too, you get good views of the Detroit River, Windsor, and the Detroit Skyline. The officers on both sides of the border, based off my experiences, have been courteous and professional. I have always gotten the sense that they know what they are doing. My only issue is that when crossing the bridge, there is only one lane both ways (see the one picture I took of crossing the bridge behind a truck). This resulted in significant delays that set me back by an hour, which could have been easily preventable. At the same time, there was construction/road work going on, so I have no idea if there usually is two lanes open both ways or not. Do note that you also have to pay a toll to cross the bridge. If crossing from Canada to the US, you will pay this after crossing into the US, if crossing into Canada, you will pay the toll before crossing the bridge. This is certainly my go to border crossing because although there can be significant delays here depending on the time of day, it is always worth it because the agents have always treated me courteously and professionally. read more
2 years ago
12 years ago
Knowing what I know now, the next time I have to cross into Michigan, I'm either taking the tunnel or taking the Sarnia - Port Huron route, depending on my destination. If you want to know why, please read some of the excellent reviews below, especially those by Heather J or Kevin J and do your own research. Long story short, the dude who owns the bridge is quite the piece of work and the way he runs it is nothing short of despicable and this is coming from someone who is a proud and avowed capitalist. There are a lot of examples of the private sector stepping in to do something better and more efficiently than the government but this sure as hell isn't one of them. Yes the bridge is pretty nice looking and the views are pretty cool but it ain't worth it. Despite its inherent beauty, it does look like it's falling apart and feels that way, too. Also it has to be the most expensive border crossing that I can recall...if there's one that's more, I'd love to hear it. Plus it's a bit of a nightmare getting on and off the thing (GPS didn't help) so that's another strike. So yeah, avoid if you can. It seems like the right thing to do and I know I will...I'll give it two stars because of the aesthetic but that sure doesn't mean I'm going to use this crossing in the future if I can help it. read more
Pretty neat bridge if you ask me. I guess there is an alternative to go through a tunnel to get from the United States into Canada. We chose to go to Canada through the Ambassador Bridge. Very nice bridge with views on both sides. Heads up, you have to pay $4.00 US to pass through this bridge. read more
This is a beautiful bridge on the way to Canada. It's a process to enter Canada. You cannot have any open court cases in the US. They do run your background check if they choose to send you to customs. Otherwise, Canada seems truly cool, clean, and green. read more
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More info about Ambassador Bridge
Ask the Community - Ambassador Bridge
Can we walk to & from Windsor using the bridge? Also- if we can- how long is the walk from one end to the other?
Pedestrians are not allowed on the bridge. There is a bus that you can take through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.
Review Highlights - Ambassador Bridge
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