You can now walk to the U.S. on new $6.4B Ontario border bridge
Travellers now have a new way to cross the Canada-U.S. border, as the multibillion-dollar Gordie Howe International Bridge has officially opened up its multi-use pathway to pedestrians and cyclists.
Access to the free path was permitted starting Wednesday morning, just over a week after the international bridge opened up to cars, personal vehicles and commercial trucks on July 27.
The path is connected to local cycling and walking routes in both Windsor-Essex and Detroit, and permits multiple modes of transportation, including pedestrians who are walking, jogging, or running, cycling (bicycles, cargo bikes/trikes, folding bikes), and pedal-assist-only power-assisted bicycle models (which will not be permitted for the first few weeks of operation).
☀️ It’s a hot summer day. Stay hydrated, wear bike safety gear when cycling, and know your physical limits. From entrance to exit, the #GordieHoweBridge multi-use path is 3km/1.8 miles and can be steep in some areas with an approximate 5% incline. pic.twitter.com/xs2dvdunYY
— Gordie Howe International Bridge (@GordieHoweBrg) August 5, 2026
Over the first few days of operation, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) expects line-ups entering the path, and will be limiting the number of people that can be on it at any one time.
Prohibited modes of transportation on the path include motorized power-assist rideable vehicles (like electric scooters, electric skateboards, segways, and hoverboards), as well as roller skates and in-line skates.
The path is approximately 2.5 kilometres in length with a five per cent incline, and the total length of travel on the path from each border inspection booth is roughly three kilometres one-way.
🚴🚶♀️The #GordieHoweBridge toll-free multi-use path is officially open!
— Gordie Howe International Bridge (@GordieHoweBrg) August 5, 2026
Lines are long at the moment, but don’t worry. The path is open 7 days a week with seasonal hours of 8am to 8pm. This bridge has a 125-year life span. 😉 There is a lot of time for you to plan your first pic.twitter.com/8yF0GvLJLX
If you're crossing by bike, crossing the bridge should take you about 20 minutes one-way, or 45 minutes if you're walking. At its highest point, the bridge deck is about 46 metres (or 150 feet) above the Detroit River, and concrete barriers have been installed to separate path users from vehicular traffic.
Whether you're walking or biking, make sure to bring your cross-border travel documents, and keep in mind that there's no on-site parking at either port of entry.
The multi-use path will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until Oct. 31, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Nov. 1 to March 31. Access to the path will end roughly one hour before closing time to ensure everyone on the bridge completes their journey within the hours of operation.
The international crossing, which was under construction for nearly eight years, is named after Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe, who played for the Detroit Red Wings for 25 seasons.
