"A Cross Border Walk" Niagara Falls by johngayton

Niagara Falls Travel Guide: 1,438 reviews and 3,575 photos

Temporarily In No Man's Land - The Rainbow Bridge

Here at Niagara the US/Canada border is defined as the centre of the river and so crossing the Rainbow Bridge it is possible to be in both countries simultaneously. Crossing by foot from the American side involves going through a one-way turnstile, once through you are committed to continuing, with the Canadian immigration and customs on the far side. Passing through Canadian customs is a formality with a UK passport and, I would assume, with US ID, a quick check of the passport and a stamp and that's it.

Returning to the US is a little more formal (and cost 50 cents!!) with a more thorough passport check and a quick interview by the immigration personel and so it is worth having a few back-up documents to hand such as proof that you have a flight booked to leave the US and details of where you will be staying at least for the first night.

As a little note: If arriving in the US for the first time by this route you will have to go through the full immigration procedures including the necessary form-filling and have the relevant visa/visa waiver paperwork.

Rainbow Bridge

The bridge itself spans about 1000 feet and affords great views of both the falls and the rapids of the downstream Niagara river and is well worth taking the time to cross on foot - at least then you can claim to have walked to Canada and back!

Here's my views from NY: Niagara Falls

The Falls from Rainbow Bridge

Pros and Cons

Pros:Spectacular
Cons:A bit touristy, but couldn't be otherwise
In a nutshell:Worth seeing from both sides

Last visit to Niagara Falls: Apr 2006
Intro Updated Aug 1, 2006
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Bilimari Jul 10, 2008 at 7:01 AM

How are you, John? The area around the Niagara Falls is just rough and beautiful. From every angle, the falls give you a different character. I love that place! -Motoko-
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Ina22Marina Aug 5, 2007 at 11:50 AM

sofiaecho.com/article/readin... Cheers, Marina