Free pedestrian walkway over to Canada, for a killer view of the falls, parklawns full of Christmas lights, and some decent restaurants: 5 stars. Pedestrian walkway back to US, with $0.50 per person entry fee and ill mannered customs/immigration agents who must have gotten surly-pills in their Christmas stockings: 3 stars at best. read more

Driving through the bridge, not so eventful. I wish I walked. Would've been cool. I need to make the time to walk it. You, reader! Make the time to walk it! read more

One of, I believe, three bridges connecting the US and CN, pretty cool crossing an invisible border to another city let alone a country. Our little bro, what a country you are. My most recent crossing was on my way to TO, amazing place itself. Montreal is next up! Niagara Falls for a backdrop is nice, the views you can catch of the falls are astonishingly gorgeous too. Gives me such a sense of pride being in this area, freedom to the point you an breath deep and taste it. This is what living is all about, feeling free! It happens so little in this crazy world we live in these days. If you're ever in need of that freedom smell and feel, come on over and cross the Rainbow Bridge into CN. You won't regret it! read more

I go to Niagara Falls many times a year and the best time of year is during the summer months. You can take a leisurely stroll and you get a great view of the Falls. Another fun thing to do on the bridge is standing over the international border so you can have one foot in Canada and the other in the U.S. If you are on the bridge at night, the Falls are lit up and on certain days, there is a fireworks display. You can also go during the winter months but you definitely don't want to hang around the bridge too long lest you freeze in place. There's usually plenty of free street parking and after dusk and during winter months, parking in Niagara Falls State Park lot is free. Other times, it is $10 USD. The pedestrian entrance to Rainbow Bridge is located through the NFSP parking lot. If you're going to Clifton Hill/Niagara Falls, Ontario, I strongly suggest parking your car in New York and walking over instead of driving. Traffic moves extremely slowly over Rainbow Bridge and I've made the mistake once or twice. Please note, you need a valid passport and visa to re-enter the U.S. If you're an American citizen, passport, enhanced driver license, passport card, or NEXUS card is needed for re-entry. read more

We had our passports with us, so we said why not walk over? We literally walked the bridge from Canada into NY and turned right back around and walked back to Canada. haha. From the Canada side, we had to pay a 50 cent toll (both US and Canadian coins work). On the way back into Canada, the agents were all business. I asked for a passport stamp and he said no. I thought he was kidding, so I said, what are you talking aboot Willis? No, I didn't say that. I said Don't taze me bro. No, I didn't say that either. I just made a very sad face. He said passport stamps are only provided at the airport. Boo. But, still worth walking over! read more

To enter into canada you have to walk on this bridge, and go through customs coming into the us and into canada so both ways. Be warned when going back to the USA there is a 50 cent toll fee for pedestrians! read more

The walk is cool and all but the Canadian border patrol are a bunch of douche bags they make you go thorough a lot of nonsense when your Hispanic ask way to many questions and I didn't know if you have any felony what so ever your not getting in no matter how long it's been I used to wanted to go to Canada so bad but they fuck that up for me read more

Crossed the border between 8 and 8:30a.m. and was amazed at just how smoothly everything went. We had never crossed the border since it became more of a hassle and were pleasantly surprised. The line up was relatively short and quick to be processed. It made for a happy start to the day. read more

Rainbow Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Niagara Falls, New York

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I've gone though Niagara Falls about 40 times in my life and this is the first time I made a mental note to visit this bridge after crossing back over onto American soil. I usually drive to Canada so after driving through customs and finding parking (I parked off-site) I popped out of the car and decided to check this bridge and view out. The view is not bad but the most spectacular view of the falls is blocked off by another viewpoint tower a few hundred meters away from this bridge so it kind of ruined the moment. It's far enough away where you can take a picture of the whole thing in one shot (no panoramic shot required) but because of the other tower that's closer to the falls, I would say that this bridge only moderately satisfied my walk across the bridge. MAKE SURE TO HAVE YOUR PASSPORT ON YOU. Even though you already went through customs, you have to go back through customs again when you walk back, otherwise, you're screwed. Parking: $10 for the "official" parking that's closer to the bridge itself or $5 off-site parking that's only about 2 minutes walk longer read more

A beautiful way to cross the border. It also seemed a lot quicker than the Lewiston bridge which was a nightmare. Before my father and I crossed this bridge on our trip to Toronto, he informed me that I was conceived in Canada while he and my mom were doing a cross-Canadian road trip. Thanks for creeping me out Dad. I want a shirt that says "Made in Canada". That story was almost as bad as when we were looking at colleges my senior year of high school and he told me about the time he got crabs as a freshman at SUNY Geneseo. He is the best and I love him dearly. Our trip to Toronto will always be remembered and hopefully I will cross the Rainbow Bridge many more times. read more

One of the most beautiful ways to cross the border. Not sure why lower than 5 stars. As in Windsor or Mexico you don't have the splendor of looking at Niagara Falls as you cross the border. Yes it's the border, there are lines. It took us like 45 minutes to cross. We had a very nice border patrol officer experience. read more

What are you doing today? You know, just taking a stroll into Canada, whatever... I must admit I did find it kind of awesome that I could just walk on over to another country and the view is great even if you don't decide to go through customs and onto the Canadian side. I also enjoyed telling my daughter that we were in two places at once. As previous reviewers have stated, border patrol is doing their job so don't expect a lot of pleasantries. I did have a little trouble because I didn't have all the necessary paperwork (outside of a passport) to get my daughter across. Eventually, he seemed to finally believe that I was not intending to abduct my 4 year old and let us go through. Next time, I know... and I will not be making that error again. Seems that my last minute adventurous side needs to learn to be a little more prepared. read more

We took this bridge form the American side to the Canadian side. Wish we'd known that you could walk it and have your feet in both countries! Next time! read more

You will find long lines on both sides, although we got lucky returning from Canada on a Monday. The view of the Falls is great from the Bridge, although much harder to see from your car than by the pedestrian crossing. I saw many people walking across, didn't do it myself, but wish I had. As another reviewer mentioned, the border agents, both Canadian and American, are cold and business-like and will pepper you with ridiculous questions. read more

This bridge is really nothing to look at from an architectural standpoint, but it's super fun to walk over the bridge and be able to stand at the midpoint between the USA and Canada. You get fantastic views of the falls and the towns and I highly suggest staying on the Canadian side and walking over to the American side where there is a beautiful park to walk around in. read more

The Rainbow bridge is gorgeous and you can take stunning photos from the Maid of the Mists Boats. Also when it comes time to return to the U.S. the Rainbow bridge is much faster to cross than the Peace Bridge with much shorter lines plus the added bonus of one last view of Niagara Falls. read more

Rainbow Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Niagara Falls, New York

Being the driver, I didn't notice the view from the side of the bridge looking towards Niagara Falls. I can imagine how spectacular it would be. In fact, I can imagine it being at least just as nice (if not nicer) than the view looking from the Golden Gate Bridge here back home while walking (since I read elsewhere here one can walk on foot here). I understand I only crossed this bridge one time going into the Canada direction, but based on this experience (and relative's work of mouth from hers), this crossing is on average faster than that at the Lewiston checkpoint. We crossed that one into the U.S. the day prior to crossing back on the Rainbow Bridge and that took a very long time. read more

This review is not for the landmark but purely on border patrol returning to the US. My travel partner and I drove up to Buffalo for some business and decided to spend the rest of the day up in Canada for some sight-seeing and other touristy things. I honestly wish we didn't. I guess I was lucky enough to get the Captain Incompetent mentioned by a previous reviewer. Looking past his cold demeanor and focusing on his mirco expressions as well as the slight tonal changes of his voice (I really couldn't look anywhere else but his face), I kind of concluded that he was still pretty green and was potentially relying mostly on blatant intimidation to get the job done. Living up to his name, Cpt. Incompetent didn't even bother looking at our passports and straight up asked what citizenship I had. My travel partner and I answered all of his questions as competently as possible. He then asked to search our trunk. We unlocked the trunk and gave him explicit instructions on how to open it because the latch was somewhat broken and barely hanging on to the car. Lo and behold, he RIPPED the latch off and had the nerve to place the blame on us. That wasn't even the worst of it. He then called for back up and we were demanded to exit the vehicle and to leave behind our wallets and phones. More backup shows up and we were escorted into their holding area all while being interrogated on the nature of our trip. We waited in the holding area for about 30 minutes as they ran our personal info and searched our car. Their attitude completely flipped after finding out that I held active clearance. Suddenly, their taut lips became awkward smiles and their voices more human. We were handed declaration forms to fill out and were sent on our way. I inquired about the damages to the trunk latch and if they were going to do anything about it. All they told me was to tape it up. (GAH!!) Next time, I think I'll just explore Buffalo should I ever end up there again. I understand that they were just doing their job and I hold no resentment toward the patrol officers whatsoever. However, I'm just extremely miffed about the experience in general as well as my broken trunk latch. read more

Love the view from this bridge. Not the most beautiful structure, but breath taking falls is for sure. What a wonderful way to visit Canada Eh? Ok, corny joke. Why is Canada side of Niagra so much better than the US side. I swear Americans hate making majestic places fun for families. You can make it fun while preserving the beauty too.. read more

Nice that you have the option of walking across, the bridge offers great views, and it's right in the heart of the tourist district on either side. The auto back ups tend to be shorter here too without tractor-trailers and GPS units sending tourists across the other bridges. read more

Beautiful gateway to Niagara Falls on the Canadian side. The boat rides start inMay, and the fireworks every night in the summer. The visit was too short, I already want to come back. read more

Take this bridge if you can. I know there are a bunch of apps to help you with wait times and GPS' always take you to the other bridges, but this one generally (emphasis on generally) has less wait times. Plus, there's that nice view you get of the falls that you don't get at the other bridges. read more

When walking across the Rainbow Bridge don't forget your selfie stick for some awesome pictures of the falls. read more

Rainbow Bridge - Standing on the Rainbow Bridge looking at the Falls. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Niagara Falls, New York

Beautiful area to see the falls. I would say though that the Canada side of things is better run and has easier access. The park areas around the bridge are great for walking around for a relaxing stroll. read more

Nice route into Canada! We had a long wait on Labor Day weekend, so it's probably a better idea to go during less crowded times, but the border patrol was very efficient and friendly. read more

Beautiful view point, but remember to bring your passport when you are crossing. You can cross it by driving, bike or walk. Its $3.50 for US citizens, $3.75 for Canadian. About 30 mins to wait in line, over around weekday 3:00pm can reduce crossing time because less cars. read more

The name is nice, the actual bridge looks nice, being stranded on the bridge for an hour in line at customs is not so nice. It is so close but oh-so-far from the falls! read more

I'm thankful to say I had no problems passing either way across the Rainbow Bridge. Walking across the bridge is a convenient way to pass between the Canadian and American sides of the falls. After spending a couple days on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, it was nice to spend an afternoon back in America and get a different view. I also like to think of the bridge as a unique symbol of the United States' and Canada's friendship. It offers a nice view of the falls. Plus, it's fun to straddle the border in the middle and say you're in two countries at once. read more

We parked our car for $10 at the maid of mist parking lot and walked over to bridge to Canada. I think it is better then driving into Canada and having to deal with the traffic. Just remember you have to pay 50 cents o your way back. There is also a lot more to do on the Canada side verse the New York Side. Worth the trip over read more

You get really nice views of the falls! There also is a sign that marks the international boundary between the US and Canada, which is a great spot to get a picture of you standing or hopping over the border! As for border patrol, it's not their job to be polite. But they do try to keep people moving at a fairly quick pace. read more

From the time I entered this bridge, I actually liked the ride. I enjoyed seeing the Falls from the bridge. It's a nice thing to see while traveling across the border to see a full view of the falls. The bridge is well constructed, and both customs border buildings seems to be well maintained and under control. As for traffic, it wasn't really backed up severely that day, so I got across this bridge and through customs relatively quick without much of a hassle. read more

Rainbow Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Niagara Falls, New York

Not a long wait to cross in either direction. And even if it is moving slow, how can you complain with a view like that? Also, when its crawling, just jump out and snap a few pics of he falls. Now quit yer whining, and enjoy one of the great wonders of the world. Not the bridge, the Falls. read more

It is hard to believe but I had no waiting time at all at the bridge. Going over into Canada I was the only vehicle on the bridge since it was 7 am and coming back I was able to get into a line with no other vehicles in it while other checkpoints had 4 or 5 vehicles in them. Lucky I guess. read more

It's a bridge and a border crossing. You will sit and wait a little while. But you do get a view of Niagara Falls for a while. So that makes it cooler than most. read more

The Rainbow Bridge has a great view of the falls and in the middle you can straddle the two countries on the international border line. It costs 50 cents to enter the U.S. on the pedestrian walkway. If you're driving, it costs $3.25 to enter Canada. read more

US citizen crossing from Canada back into the USA--- I don't think I've ever been treated with more hostility than I did trying to get back into my own country. I travel internationally several times a year and have been through immigration countless times coming back home. I know what to do and how to answer basic questions. The border agent was unprovoked and near irate with me and my family. We all have passports and ample documents, not sure why this happened. Clearly I'm still so confounded and upset that I'm writing this. Forget the view...just be prepared to leave your dignity in Canada. In any other situation I would have stood up for myself. But not when getting home with my family is possibly in the hands of an agent who threatens a HOLDING CELL out of the blue (she was confused with the contents of our car...baby toys and clothes). Really, I can't believe this happened. read more

Always pray for a long border wait to enjoy the scenery from the bridge. If you want to savour the views, walk across. It doesn't get any better. read more

I walked the bridge which is a great way to see the falls and got some to walk off the food I ate.

Pretty but an absolute horror on summer Sunday evenings. At least there was a bicyclist next to us for the entire 3-hour ordeal, acting super f****** Canadian waiting on line with the cars. read more

wonderful place for photo ops!