The U.S. tower lit up at dusk, 2026 — TheWxResearcher · CC0 1.0

The deck sweeping from a tower to land, seen from a helicopter, 2025 — U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS photo by Tia Dufour) · Public domain (U.S. federal government work)

The full span from the riverbank, 2026 — TheWxResearcher · CC0 1.0

The Ambassador Bridge in front, the Gordie Howe towers downstream, 2025 — U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS photo by Tia Dufour) · Public domain (U.S. federal government work)

The new I-75 signs: Gordie Howe Bridge on the right, the Ambassador on the left, 2026 — 42-BRT · CC BY-SA 4.0

Crossing the deck under the fan of cables, 2026 — TheWxResearcher · CC0 1.0

Things to do Delray + Windsor / ¼

Open · day 66 · since July 27, 2026

Detroit ⟷ Windsor, 150 feet above the riverGordie Howe International Bridge

North America’s longest cable-stayed span, and the only Detroit crossing where you can walk or bike to Canada.

Two 722-foot towers, 216 cables, six lanes, and on the east side a 12-foot path for walkers and cyclists. Everything you need to cross is here: live wait times, tolls, documents, the best viewpoints, and why the bridge lands in Detroit’s old Hungarian neighborhood.

How long is the wait right now? What do I need to cross? ↓On foot and by bike ↓Delray’s Hungarian story ↓

2,799 ft
main span: 722 ft
tower height: Free
on foot and by bike

Gordie Howe → USA 5 min · Gordie Howe → Canada no delayAmbassador → USA no delay · Ambassador → Canada no delayTunnel → USA 5 min · Tunnel → Canada no delaySunset today: 7:15 p.m.Open · day 66Gordie Howe → USA 5 min · Gordie Howe → Canada no delayAmbassador → USA no delay · Ambassador → Canada no delayTunnel → USA 5 min · Tunnel → Canada no delaySunset today: 7:15 p.m.Open · day 66

2,799ftmain spanthe longest cable-stayed span in North America
722fttwo towersthe RenCen’s tallest tower is 727 feet
216stay cablesthe longest runs 1,310 feet
6lanesplus a bike path60 inspection lanes at the two ports
6.4billion CADfixed priceCanada paid for all of it
15,843people built itover 20.1 million work hours

01 / Live border

Which crossing is fastest right now?

There are three ways from Detroit to Windsor: the new Gordie Howe bridge, the old Ambassador Bridge and the downtown tunnel. We read the official wait times of the U.S. and Canadian border agencies and refresh the board every two minutes. The shortest line right now gets the yellow frame.

Into the U.S.

Gordie Howe5minutesNEXUS 0 min · Trucks 5 min · lanes open: 2

Fastest nowAmbassador0no delayTrucks 10 min · lanes open: 1

Tunnel5minutesNEXUS 0 min · Trucks 5 min · lanes open: 4

Into Canada

Gordie Howe0no delayTrucks 0 min

Ambassador0no delayTrucks 0 min

Tunnel0no delayTrucks 0 min

updated 29 minutes ago · Sources: CBP Border Wait Times ↗ and CBSA ↗. Each agency updates on its own schedule; the board always shows the latest official number.

Hauling a truck or hazmat? The Gordie Howe bridge takes all nine hazmat classes. The Ambassador bans explosives, infectious and radioactive loads, and the tunnel takes no hazardous materials at all.

On a motorcycle or in a tall vehicle? The tunnel bans motorcycles and bikes and has a 12-foot-8 height limit. On two wheels, in an RV or a tall van, pick one of the bridges.

Downtown to downtown? The tunnel links the two downtowns; the Gordie Howe bridge links I-75 straight to Ontario’s Highway 401. Highway to highway, the bridge is the easy pick.

02 / Crossing

What do you need to get across?

Answer two questions and we’ll show what to carry both ways. It’s a quick summary of the official rules; the officer always has the final say, and rules can change.

Whose passport do you carry?U.S. citizenCanadianU.S. green card holderVisa Waiver visitor (ESTA)

How are you crossing?By carOn foot or by bike

Heading into Canada

A passport is best. Canada also accepts documents that prove your name, date of birth and citizenship, such as a birth certificate or an Enhanced Driver’s License.¹
As a Canadian you enter by right. A Canadian passport is the only universally accepted proof, so carry it even with NEXUS.¹¹
Coming straight from the U.S. by land, show your green card; no passport needed.¹
By land a valid passport is enough; Canada’s eTA is only for flying.²³
Your duty-free allowance coming home: none under 24 hours, CAD 200 after 24 hours, CAD 800 after 48 hours.⁴
Don’t carry cannabis in any form, CBD oil included. Without a Health Canada permit it’s a serious crime, legal in Michigan or not.⁵
An impaired-driving conviction can make you inadmissible to Canada.⁶
Declare CAD 10,000 or more in cash.⁴
Traveling with a child without both parents? Canada recommends a consent letter from the absent parent.¹
In a rental, carry the contract and make sure it lets the car leave the country.⁷
Walkers and cyclists clear the border too, in a separate building at the end of the path.⁸

Coming back into the U.S.

A passport, passport card, Enhanced Driver’s License or NEXUS card.⁹
A passport, Enhanced Driver’s License or NEXUS card.⁹
Show your green card (Form I-551); no passport needed.⁹
You need an approved ESTA and an e-passport at land borders too.¹⁰¹¹
Get your land I-94 ahead of time in the CBP Link app. In September 2026 it cost $30 and the ESTA $40.27; both may change from October 1.¹²¹³¹³
Your duty-free exemption: $200 under 48 hours abroad, $800 after 48 hours.¹⁴
Marijuana is still illegal under U.S. federal law; don’t bring it across in any form.⁵
Report more than $10,000 in cash.¹²
Declare all food and agricultural items.¹²
Even on a day trip, a dog needs the CDC Dog Import Form online, a microchip and to be at least 6 months old.¹⁵
No pets on the path; identified service animals on a leash only.⁸

How much is the toll?

Tolls are collected at the Windsor port of entry, in both directions, and the rate is the same either way. Cards are always charged in Canadian dollars; cash can be U.S. or Canadian.

Vehicle

Gordie Howe International Bridge

$5.75C$8.00

With a Breakaway account: $4.35 or C$6.00.

How much is the toll?
Vehicle	USD	CAD
Car, motorcycle, anything under 7.5 feet	$5.75	C$8.00
Standard-hitch trailer (extra)	+$5.75	+C$8.00
Truck, bus, tall RV (per axle)	$8.75	C$12.00
On foot or by bike	free	free

Cash U.S. or Canadian dollars, attended lanes only. At least one staffed booth is open each way at all times.¹⁶¹⁷
Card and phone Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, debit and tap-to-pay. You’re charged in Canadian dollars at your bank’s rate.¹⁶¹⁷
Breakaway The bridge’s own tag program: free account and tags, up to 25% off, and you can link a NEXUS card. E-ZPass and 407 ETR aren’t on the accepted list.¹⁷¹⁷¹⁷

And the other two crossings?

Ambassador BridgeCars pay $10 (C$14 in Canadian cash), or $5.50 with its Premier program, since August 1, 2026.¹⁸
Detroit–Windsor TunnelCashless: $9 from Detroit, C$8.25 from Windsor, or $6.75 and C$5.90 with Nexpress.¹⁹

Don’t stop on the bridge for photos

The limit is 35 mph and stopping for photos isn’t allowed. Want the shot? Walk it: on the path you can step aside and snap away.²⁰⁸

No duty-free, no gas

There’s no duty-free shop or gas station at this bridge. The Ambassador Bridge and the tunnel have duty-free on both sides.¹⁷²¹

Roof box? Use an attended lane

With a roof box or bike rack up top, pick an attended lane so you’re charged the right rate.²²

03 / Walk & bike

Can you really walk to Canada?

Yes! The Gordie Howe is the only Detroit crossing you can walk or bike, since August 5, 2026, and it’s free. The path runs on the bridge’s east side behind a concrete barrier and tops out 150 feet above the river. About 3,400 people crossed on day one, and it’s the first international crossing on the Trans Canada Trail.

Live: pedestrian and bike inspection into the U.S. is closed right now.

Open: April 1 to October 31, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.; November 1 to March 31, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Last entry one hour before closing.⁸⁸
Distance: 1.8 miles between the two inspection points, with a 5% grade⁸
Time: about 20 minutes by bike, 45 on foot, plus the border⁸
Cost: free⁸
Detroit entrance: West Jefferson Avenue, across from Historic Fort Wayne²³
Windsor entrance: 4389 Sandwich Street⁸
Allowed: walkers, runners, bikes, cargo and folding bikes, mobility devices, and since September 14, 2026, pedal-assist e-bikes with no throttle that cut out at 20 mph⁸²⁴
Not allowed: pets, scooters, skateboards, skates, throttle e-bikes, drones, alcohol, cannabis, smoking, flags and banners⁸⁸⁸

Park nearbyThere’s no parking at the ports. In Detroit, Historic Fort Wayne’s free lot is closest (6 a.m.–8 p.m.); in Windsor, use Malden Park (4255 Matchett Road).⁸²³²³
Or take the busIn Detroit, DDOT’s Route 30 stops at Jefferson and Livernois; in Windsor, Transit Windsor’s Route 605 stops at Sandwich and Prospect, about 300 yards away. No bus crosses the bridge.²⁵²⁶²¹
Passport in your pocketWalkers need valid travel documents too: a passport, NEXUS, an Enhanced Driver’s License or a Michigan Enhanced ID. Visa Waiver visitors also need an ESTA.²³¹⁰
Up you goOne lane, two directions, 12 mph max, pedestrians first. No benches, no trash cans and no restrooms: bring water and pack out what you pack in.⁸²⁰⁸²³
The border is mid-spanPhotos are fine, just step aside. From the top you see the Ambassador Bridge, both skylines and passing freighters.⁸²⁷
Inspection on the far sideYou clear the border in a separate walk-and-bike building at the far end. Turn back halfway and you still go through inspection when you get home.⁸⁸

The bridge from the riverside railing, 2026 · TheWxResearcher · CC0 1.0

Fort Wayne’s parade ground with the bridge beyond, 2025 · Antony-22 · CC BY-SA 4.0

The U.S. tower from Delray, 2025 · Antony-22 · CC BY-SA 4.0

04 / Map

Where exactly is it, and where do you get on?

The bridge lands in Delray, Detroit’s southwest corner between Zug Island and Fort Wayne, and next to Sandwich in Windsor. Tap a numbered point to jump to its note.

Aerial: USGS, USDA, The National Map (NAIP, July 2022, public domain). Bridge, path and points: © OpenStreetMap ↗ contributors. The photo shows the bridge under construction; the lines show it today.

1
U.S. port of entry
167 acres, 36 inspection lanes, direct ramps to I-75.
2
Canadian port of entry and toll plaza
130 acres, 24 inspection lanes and all 16 toll booths, for traffic in both directions.
3
Path entrance, Detroit
West Jefferson Avenue, across from Fort Wayne.
4
Path entrance, Windsor
Off Sandwich Street, by the riverfront trail.
5
Historic Fort Wayne
An 1845 star fort, free parking and the closest place to start.
6
Edison Road viewpoint
A viewpoint marked on OpenStreetMap right at the foot of the bridge.
7
Holy Cross Hungarian Church
8423 South Street, about 0.7 mile from the port of entry.
8
Malden Park lookout
Essex County’s highest hill, with binoculars aimed at the bridge.
9
Olde Sandwich Towne
Windsor’s oldest quarter: Mackenzie Hall, the Duff-Baby House, the Dominion House.

05 / How big

How big is it, really?

Put it next to something you know. The drawing is to scale: the tower and your pick share one scale, above the 2,799-foot main span.

Detroit’s tallest building, the Marriott tower at the Renaissance Center, is 727 feet. The towers fall just 5 feet short, and the Canadian one is now Windsor’s tallest structure.²⁸²⁹²⁹

No. 1 in North AmericaThe 2,799-foot main span is the longest cable-stayed span on the continent, and the bridge authority ranks it tenth in the world.³⁴³⁵
0 piersNot a single pier stands in the river.³⁴
~100 yearsThe first new road link between Detroit and Windsor since the 1929 Ambassador Bridge and the 1930 tunnel.³⁶
World recordBy the bridge authority’s count, the longest composite steel-and-concrete deck of any cable-stayed bridge.³⁵
125 yearsIts design life.³⁷
6,000+ LEDsDouglas Coupland’s Shimmer lighting on the towers, cables and deck edge.³⁸³⁶

06 / The build

How did it rise out of the river?

Drag the slider, or watch it build itself. Every state is a dated, sourced milestone, with a photo from the time.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (photo by Kris Grogan) · Public domain (U.S. federal government work)
October 5, 2018
Construction begins
The official start in Windsor with Justin Trudeau and Rick Snyder; advance work in Michigan had begun on July 17.³⁹
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (photo by Kris Grogan) · Public domain (U.S. federal government work)
December 2020
Foundations in bedrock
Each tower leg stands on six shafts drilled 118 feet into bedrock; the underground work wrapped up in December 2020.²⁹
Haljackey · CC BY-SA 4.0
March 2022
Legs done, deck begins
The lower tower legs were finished and road-deck work began. Each tower is built from 47 cast segments.⁴⁰²⁹
michael kooiman · CC BY-SA 2.0
January 2023
The first cables
Main-span deck work over the river started in December, and stay-cable installation began on both sides in January.⁴⁰
Judith Jackson · CC BY 2.0
December 2023
Both towers topped out
The U.S. tower reached 722 feet in August 2023, the Canadian one in December; the legs merge into one head at about 460 feet.²⁹⁴¹
Cards84664 · CC BY-SA 4.0
May 2024
Just 85 feet to go
By mid-May an 85-foot gap remained, about the width of an NHL rink, and all but 10 of the 216 cables were in.³⁵
CyberDetroit · CC BY 4.0
June 14, 2024
A handshake over the river
The final edge girders went in, the halves met, and a Canadian and an American ironworker shook hands 150 feet above the river. The connection was declared complete on July 24.⁴²
42-BRT · CC0 1.0
July 27, 2026
Open
It opened to traffic at noon. Gordie Howe’s grandson drove the first car across, Onfreight Logistics sent the first truck, nearly 8,000 crossings followed, and that evening Douglas Coupland’s Shimmer lights came on for the first time.^4336363636
U.S. Department of State, Foreign Press Centers · Public Domain Mark 1.0 (U.S. federal government work)
August 5, 2026
Here come the walkers
The path opened at 8 a.m. Justin Bellemore crossed first from Canada, Neil Greenberg first from Detroit, and about 3,400 people followed that day.⁴⁴

The drawing is schematic: every state follows a dated, sourced milestone.

07 / The story

Why did it take so long?

From the first study to the ribbon took a quarter century, with a private bridge owner’s fierce resistance, a ballot fight, lawsuits, a pandemic and, at the end, a presidential threat.

The Ambassador Bridge from the river, the Gordie Howe framed beneath it, 2025 — Chris Woodrich · CC BY-SA 4.0

The private bridge

The Morouns and the Ambassador

The 1929 Ambassador Bridge is privately owned; Manuel “Matty” Moroun’s company bought it in 1979. The family fought the new bridge for decades: they sued, and in 2012 bankrolled Proposal 6, which would have required public votes on any new international bridge. Michigan voters rejected it 59.3% to 40.7%, and the courts threw out the lawsuits one after another.³⁰⁴⁵⁴⁶

Inspection lanes at the U.S. port of entry, 2026 — U.S. Department of State, Foreign Press Centers · Public Domain Mark 1.0 (U.S. federal government work)

The money

Who paid, and who gets paid?

Michigan paid nothing. Canada covered the bridge, both ports of entry, the Detroit land and the I-75 interchange, and gets paid back from tolls. The 2018 fixed price was C$5.7 billion; in January 2024 it rose to C$6.4 billion because of COVID-19, and Canada covered that too. Under the 2026 deal, half of net revenue goes into a U.S.-controlled economic development fund for the first 15 years.^47484950

2026

The last hurdle: Washington

On February 9, 2026, Donald Trump posted that he wouldn’t let the bridge open until the U.S. was “fully compensated,” demanding at least half of it. Weeks earlier Ambassador Bridge owner Matthew Moroun had given $1 million to the pro-Trump MAGA Inc., and he met the Commerce Secretary hours before the post; no one has proven a causal link. The June 15 opening was postponed, and instead of a joint ceremony Canada celebrated alone on July 24.^51525354

November 15, 1929
The Ambassador Bridge opens
The privately built bridge’s 1,850-foot span was then the world’s longest suspension span.³⁰
November 3, 1930
The tunnel opens
The Detroit–Windsor Tunnel links the two downtowns under the river, 75 feet below the surface at its lowest point.⁵⁵
July 31, 1979
Moroun buys the Ambassador
Matty Moroun’s Central Cartage Company takes over the bridge.³⁰
May 2001
The border study begins
Transport agencies of both countries launch a joint study; in 2004 it recommends a new or expanded crossing.⁴⁷
January 14, 2009
Delray is chosen
The U.S. federal decision picks Delray, between Zug Island and Fort Wayne; Ontario and Canada approve the environmental reviews in August and December.⁵⁶
October 20, 2011
Michigan’s Senate says no
A Senate committee votes down Governor Rick Snyder’s bridge bill.⁵⁷
June 15, 2012
The Crossing Agreement is signed
Canada and Michigan sign the Crossing Agreement, announced in Windsor by Stephen Harper and Rick Snyder. Michigan pays nothing.⁴⁷⁴⁷
November 6, 2012
Proposal 6 fails
Voters reject the Moroun-backed amendment, 59.3% to 40.7%.⁴⁵
April 12, 2013
Presidential Permit
The U.S. Presidential Permit for the new crossing takes effect.⁵⁸
February 18, 2015
Canada pays for the U.S. plaza too
With Washington not funding it, Canada agrees to build the U.S. customs plaza, recouped from tolls.⁵⁹
May 14, 2015
It gets its name
Stephen Harper announces in Windsor that the bridge will carry Gordie Howe’s name.⁶⁰
November 21, 2015
Herb Gray Parkway complete
The 7-mile, C$1.4 billion link from Highway 401 to the bridge site is finished.⁶¹
June 23, 2017
$48 million for Delray
Detroit announces a benefits package: home swaps with up to $60,000 in renovations, job training and air monitoring.⁶²
July 5, 2018
The builders are picked
Bridging North America (ACS, Fluor, Aecon) wins the contract.⁶³
August 15, 2018
The last Delray parcels
MDOT acquires the last 20 parcels, 636 in all.⁶⁴
October 5, 2018
Construction officially starts
A ceremony in Windsor with Justin Trudeau and Rick Snyder.³⁹
June 13, 2019
Community Benefits Plan
C$20 million for 29 initiatives in Windsor, Detroit and Walpole Island First Nation, later grown to C$23 million.⁶⁵⁶⁶
December 20, 2021
Envision Platinum
The project earns the top sustainable-infrastructure rating.⁶⁷
August 2023
U.S. tower tops out
The U.S. tower reaches 722 feet.²⁹
December 2023
Canadian tower tops out
The Canadian tower reaches 722 feet and becomes Windsor’s tallest structure.²⁹²⁹
January 4, 2024
C$6.4 billion and a new target
COVID-19 pushes the price from C$5.7 to C$6.4 billion and the opening to fall 2025.⁴⁹
June 14, 2024
A handshake at 150 feet
The two halves of the deck meet.⁴²
October 24, 2024
Douglas Coupland will light it
The Canadian artist is chosen for the bridge lighting.³⁶
January 27, 2025
106 Delray homes repaired
The bridge’s Delray home repair program wraps up, with up to $20,000 per home.⁶⁸
October 14, 2025
Another delay
At about 98% complete, testing pushes the opening to early 2026.⁶⁹
February 9, 2026
Trump’s threat
The president posts that he won’t let the bridge open until the U.S. is “fully compensated.”⁵¹
March 11, 2026
Tolls announced
C$8 or $5.75 per car, and the Breakaway program launches.⁷⁰
June 11, 2026
Opening postponed
The June 12 ribbon cutting and June 15 opening are called off.⁵³
July 10, 2026
A date at last
Canada and Michigan, with U.S. support, announce a July 27 opening.⁷¹
July 24, 2026
Canada celebrates alone
A ribbon cutting at the Windsor port with no U.S. officials, ending in a shinny game with Mark Howe.⁷²⁷³⁵⁴
July 27, 2026
The bridge opens
It opens at noon; the first car carries Gordie Howe’s grandson, also named Gordie, and his wife Margaret.⁴³⁷⁴
August 5, 2026
The path opens
About 3,400 walkers, runners and cyclists cross on day one.⁴⁴
August 2026
The first full month
Statistics Canada counts 270,700 trips into Canada; both ways about 343,500, nearly as many as the Ambassador.⁷⁵⁷⁶
September 14, 2026
E-bikes welcome
Pedal-assist e-bikes are allowed on the path.²⁴
September 28, 2026
Make a Joyful Noise
Jordan Sook’s sculpture honoring Underground Railroad freedom seekers is unveiled.⁷⁷

08 / The Hungarian thread

Why does the bridge land in a Hungarian neighborhood?

The U.S. end of the bridge sits in Delray, once Detroit’s “Little Hungary.” Platted as Belgrade in 1836 and annexed by Detroit on April 1, 1906, it drew Hungarian factory workers by the thousands around 1900. The Detroit Free Press counted about 5,000 Hungarians in 1911, and by 1925 about 45% of Detroit’s Hungarians lived here.⁷⁸⁷⁸⁷⁸

Then came the slide. The wastewater plant wiped out about 600 homes in 1940, I-75 split the neighborhood in the 1960s, and Hungarians moved Downriver to Allen Park, Lincoln Park and beyond. From about 24,000 people around 1930, Delray was down to about 3,100 by 2000.⁷⁸⁷⁹⁷⁸

The U.S. port of entry covers 167 acres. The project took 250 homes, 43 businesses and 5 churches. Kovacs Bar went too, opened in the 1930s by Hungarian immigrant Micl Kovacs in an 1889 hotel building; MDOT bought it and it came down in 2017.⁸⁰⁸¹⁸²

The good news: the heart of Hungarian Delray survived. Holy Cross Hungarian Catholic Church on South Street stands about 0.7 mile from the port and was untouched. Consecrated on September 20, 1925, refilled by refugees after 1956 and served by Hungarian Franciscans since 1994, it still calls itself Michigan’s only Hungarian Catholic church. Two former Hungarian Protestant churches also still stand on Thaddeus Street, now home to other congregations.^8384848586

What’s missing: none of the bridge’s 16 history signs mentions Delray’s Hungarian past. The eight U.S.-side signs, in Spanish and English, cover Indigenous peoples, French settlers and Motor City music. So we’re telling it here.⁸⁷⁸⁷

Holy Cross Hungarian Catholic Church in Delray · Nheyob · CC BY-SA 4.0

The cornerstone: Holy Cross Hungarian Roman Catholic Church · Nheyob · CC BY-SA 4.0

A Delray street in 2010 · Notorious4life · Public domain (released by the author)

Gordie Howe at his Hockeyland rink in St. Clair Shores, about 1966 · Arnie Lee · CC BY 3.0

09 / Mr. Hockey

Who was Gordie Howe, and why is it named for him?

Gordie Howe was born on March 31, 1928, in Floral, Saskatchewan, and played 25 seasons for the Detroit Red Wings. He debuted on October 16, 1946, won four Stanley Cups and saw his No. 9 retired in 1972. They didn’t call him Mr. Hockey for nothing: his 801 NHL goals are still the most by a right wing, and he played in the NHL in five decades, the last time at 52.^888989898889

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Governor Rick Snyder announced the name in Windsor on May 14, 2015. Snyder said it was Harper’s idea: who better represents the bond between the two countries than a legend both Detroit and Canada claim? His son Murray called it “a perfect title,” and Gordie, then 87, said it sounded pretty good to him.⁹⁰⁹¹⁹²

The family just calls it “The Gordie.” Architect Erik Behrens says the curve of the towers was drawn from Howe’s signature slapshot. CBC Windsor even dreamed up a bridge Gordie Howe hat trick: drive over, bike back, walk it again, all in a day. On the ice, a Gordie Howe hat trick is a goal, an assist and a fight in one game; Howe himself only pulled it off twice.^93949388

NHL goals: 801
NHL points: 1,850
Stanley Cups: 4
his number: 9

Gordie Howe’s full story

10 / Best views

Where’s the best view?

At night Douglas Coupland’s Shimmer twinkles along the cables: more than 6,000 white LEDs rippling from mid-span toward shore. There’s no color show; the white shifts warmer or cooler. Here are the best spots on both banks.

Sunset today is at 7:15 p.m.. The best light runs from 6:35 p.m. to 7:43 p.m..

The U.S. tower and deck from Delray, 2025 — Antony-22 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Detroit side

A star fort at the foot of the bridge

Historic Fort Wayne’s 1845 star fort sits right across from the path entrance, with free parking from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Most walkers start here, with the tower practically overhead.

The top of the path
150 feet over the river, with the Ambassador Bridge, both skylines and freighters in view.²⁷
Historic Fort Wayne
A star fort, Officers’ Row and free parking at the foot of the bridge.²⁵
6325 W Jefferson Ave, Detroit
Clark Park
The official U.S. trailhead, with restrooms, water and the region’s only regulation outdoor hockey rink. Gordie would approve.²³
1161 Clark St, Detroit
Fort Wayne’s parade ground
From the old parade ground the towers and the cable fans rise above the trees.²⁵

The U.S. tower through a telephoto lens from the Windsor shore, 2025 — Chris Woodrich · CC BY-SA 4.0

Windsor side

Binoculars on top of Essex County

The Malden Park lookout sits on Essex County’s highest hill, with railings, benches and binoculars aimed at the bridge, open since November 2023. The park is daylight-only.

Make a Joyful Noise
Jordan Sook’s 9-foot ring of church pews beside the Canadian port honors Underground Railroad freedom seekers. It lights up at night.⁷⁷
Cross-River Tour
16 history signs around both ports: Indigenous stewardship, rum-running, the War of 1812 and Gordie Howe.⁹⁵
Olde Sandwich Towne
Laid out in 1797, Sandwich is Windsor’s oldest quarter; the Dominion House is believed to be the oldest continuously run tavern in southwest Ontario.⁹⁶
Duff-Baby House
Built in 1798, the oldest building in Windsor.⁹⁷
221 Mill St, Windsor

11 / Nearby

What to do at either end

12 / People

Who’s behind the bridge?

Gordie Howeice hockey player, right wing
Stephen HarperPrime Minister of Canada, 2006–2015; the name was his idea
Rick SnyderGovernor of Michigan, 2011–2019; signed the 2012 agreement
Manuel MorounAmbassador Bridge owner and the new bridge’s chief opponent
Justin TrudeauPrime Minister of Canada; at the 2018 construction start
Gretchen WhitmerGovernor of Michigan; drove a Mustang across on opening day
Mark CarneyPrime Minister of Canada; his government negotiated the 2026 opening
Herb GrayWindsor MP and deputy prime minister; the parkway to the bridge bears his name
Douglas CouplandCanadian writer and artist behind the Shimmer lighting
Rashida TlaibAs a state rep in 2012, pushed for a written benefits deal for Delray
Mike DugganDetroit mayor who announced the 2017 Delray package

13 / Videos

See it in motion

Videos load only when you click, in privacy mode, and play right here on the page.

The official time-lapse of towers, cables and the deck spanning the river. Gordie Howe International Bridge · 5:31

An independent drone timeline from bare tower legs to the finished, lit bridge. Chris Ahern Photography · 3:31

The June 2024 mid-span connection, on the deck and from the air. Gordie Howe International Bridge · 9:41

A night test on the towers and cables, September 2025. Gordie Howe International Bridge · 0:55

How it was designed, with footage of the finished towers, cables and deck. Gordie Howe International Bridge · 10:37

WXYZ on July 27, 2026, as the first cars and trucks cross. WXYZ-TV Detroit | Channel 7 · 4:56

The National on the first vehicles, after two decades of planning and months of tension. CBC News: The National · 2:05

What to expect in a passenger car, with tips for a smooth crossing. Gordie Howe International Bridge · 6:46

An official tour of the ports of entry, with tips and requirements. Gordie Howe International Bridge · 10:56

A FOX 2 reporter walks the new path on opening day in August 2026. FOX 2 Detroit · 2:56

Local 4 on an early bike day that hit capacity before noon. Click On Detroit | Local 4 | WDIV · 2:39

Seven weeks after opening, a new push to revitalize the fort next door. Click On Detroit | Local 4 | WDIV · 2:28

Detroit PBS in 2016 on Delray and the families moved for the bridge. Detroit PBS · 11:29

The NHL’s profile of Gordie Howe: 801 goals, 1,049 assists, five decades. NHL · 4:16

Career highlights and memories from Wayne Gretzky and Steve Yzerman, 1928–2016. Detroit Red Wings · 3:17

14 / FAQ

What everyone asks

Is the Gordie Howe bridge open?

Yes. It opened to traffic at noon on July 27, 2026, and runs 24/7. The walking and cycling path has been open since August 5, 2026.⁴³¹⁷⁴³

How much is the toll?

Cars pay $5.75 or C$8 per crossing, each way; $4.35 or C$6 with a Breakaway account. Trucks pay $8.75 or C$12 per axle. Walking and cycling are free.¹⁷¹⁷⁸

Can you walk across to Canada?

Yes, for free. April 1 to October 31 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., in winter 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., last entry an hour before closing. About 45 minutes on foot or 20 by bike, plus border inspection. Bring your passport.⁸⁸⁸²³

I’m visiting from Europe. What do I need?

Visa Waiver visitors need only a passport to enter Canada by land, no eTA. Coming back into the U.S. you need an approved ESTA and an e-passport, and you can file your I-94 ahead of time in the CBP Link app.²³¹⁰¹²

Which is faster, the Ambassador or the Gordie Howe?

It changes by the hour. The top of this page shows live waits at all three Detroit crossings in both directions, straight from the U.S. and Canadian agencies.⁹⁸⁹⁹

How big is the bridge?

About 1.5 miles long, with a 2,799-foot main span, two 722-foot towers, a deck 150 feet above the water and 216 stay cables.^3434298100

Who paid for the bridge?

Canada, at a fixed C$6.4 billion; Michigan paid nothing. Canada recoups it from tolls, and under the 2026 deal half of net revenue goes to a U.S. economic development fund for 15 years.⁴⁹⁴⁷⁵⁰

Why is it named after Gordie Howe?

Because Mr. Hockey was a Canadian-born Detroit legend both countries claim. Stephen Harper and Rick Snyder announced the name on May 14, 2015.⁹⁰⁹¹

Is there a duty-free shop?

No, and no gas station either. The Ambassador Bridge and the tunnel have duty-free shops.¹⁷²¹

Where do I park to walk across?

The ports have no parking. In Detroit, Historic Fort Wayne’s free lot (6325 W Jefferson Ave) is across from the entrance; in Windsor, use Malden Park (4255 Matchett Road).⁸²³²³

Is it lit up at night?

Yes. Douglas Coupland’s Shimmer has glowed since opening day, with more than 6,000 white LEDs. There’s no color show; holiday programs are planned.^36101101

Photos

Sources

We’re an independent guide with no ties to the bridge authority, the border agencies or any government, and nobody paid to be featured here. Last checked: September 30, 2026.

Detroit ⟷ Windsor, 150 feet above the riverGordie Howe International Bridge

Heading into Canada

Coming back into the U.S.

How much is the toll?

And the other two crossings?

Don’t stop on the bridge for photos

No duty-free, no gas

Roof box? Use an attended lane

Construction begins

Foundations in bedrock

Legs done, deck begins

The first cables

Both towers topped out

Just 85 feet to go

A handshake over the river

Open

Here come the walkers

The Morouns and the Ambassador

Who paid, and who gets paid?

The last hurdle: Washington

The Ambassador Bridge opens

The tunnel opens

Moroun buys the Ambassador

The border study begins

Delray is chosen

Michigan’s Senate says no

The Crossing Agreement is signed

Proposal 6 fails

Presidential Permit

Canada pays for the U.S. plaza too

It gets its name

Herb Gray Parkway complete

$48 million for Delray

The builders are picked

The last Delray parcels

Construction officially starts

Community Benefits Plan

Envision Platinum

U.S. tower tops out

Canadian tower tops out

C$6.4 billion and a new target

A handshake at 150 feet

Douglas Coupland will light it

106 Delray homes repaired

Another delay

Trump’s threat

Tolls announced

Opening postponed

A date at last

Canada celebrates alone

The bridge opens

The path opens

The first full month

E-bikes welcome

Make a Joyful Noise

Delray, Detroit’s Little Hungary →

Holy Cross Hungarian Church →

Delray’s Hungarian Reformed Church →

The Ambassador Bridge →

A star fort at the foot of the bridge

Binoculars on top of Essex County

Michigan Central →

Mexicantown →

Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park →

Clark Park →

Ojibway Nature Centre →

Mackenzie Hall →

Windsor Sculpture Park →

Assumption Church →

Sources

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