Is There A Rainbow Bridge in New York: What to Know

We all know the story of the rainbow bridge. Whether it is a mythical overpass that connects heaven to earth where one can reunite with lost loved ones or the great mythical rainbow bridge from Norse Mythology that acts as the road between the two connecting worlds of gods and men, you have probably heard or even seen depictions of such a bridge. The question that remains is if there is truly a rainbow bridge in existence. Why, yes, there is a rainbow bridge, though it is more concrete looking in appearance than bright and colorful. And it is in the lovely state of New York. Let’s take a look at what makes the rainbow bridge what it is.

History of the Bridge

Built close to the site of the earlier Honeymoon Bridge that collapsed in 1938 on January 27, what is the bridge today was a design by architect Richard (Su Min) Lee was selected. Both the Rainbow Tower and the Canadian Plaza of the bridge are the Brin children of Canadian architect William Lyon Somerville. And thus the Niagara Falls International Rainbow Bridge crosses the cities of Niagara Falls, New York, United States (to the east), and Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada (to the west) was born. And of course, it was christened when the royal couple King George VI and Queen Elizabeth dedicated the site of the Rainbow Bridge while visiting Niagara Falls as part of their 1939 royal tour of Canada.

Rainbow Bridge Port Operation

1. Hours of Operation- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round.
2. 18 car customs inspection lanes in the US, and 15 car customs inspection lanes in Canada.
3. Lanes for tour buses are designated.

Border Crossing Info

To cross from New York to Canada or vice versa, you have to have a valid passport on hand when traveling between the two countries. Fortunately, as of October 1, 2022, citizens who are traveling to Canada by way of the US no longer require proof of vaccination, and random COVID-19 testing will no longer be required when entering Canada.

Fees

For every pedestrian crossing over on foot or by bicycle, there is a USD 1.00 or CAD toll. When leaving Canada, the pedestrian toll is collected by an automatic turnstile, payable in USD or CAD quarters or CAD 1.00 ‘loonies.’

For additional information on the Rainbow Bridge connecting Niagara Falls, NY, and Niagara Falls, Canada, and touring it, check out our website.