Rainbow International Bridge (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Rainbow International Bridge?
What makes it 72% Kids-Friendly: Kids love spotting rainbows and the steel arches, but parents must hold hands on the narrow windy deck, and toilets appear only at each border plaza with no play zones on the span.
Positives:
- Panoramic Views: Kids see both American and Horseshoe Falls from the center of the bridge.
- Educational Fun: Bell recitals and bridge history spark learning through stories and facts.
Challenges:
- Narrow Walkway: The pedestrian path can get crowded and windy—hold children’s hands.
- Limited Facilities: No restrooms on the bridge; use family washrooms at the Canadian or U.S. plaza.
What is Rainbow International Bridge?
- A steel-arched crossing over the Niagara River connecting Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Niagara Falls, New York.
- Four lanes of vehicular traffic run alongside pedestrian walkways beneath its elegant steel arch.
- Its name reflects the frequent rainbows refracting through the mist rising from Horseshoe Falls.
What is so special about Rainbow International Bridge for with kids?
- Kids count arches and spot mist rainbows
- Hear bell recitals and share bell-making stories
- Watch nightly free fireworks with picnic view
- Use family washrooms at nearby plazas
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A short walk lets kids enjoy spotting arches and rainbows without getting tired.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Rainbow International Bridge
Kid-Friendly Bridge Walk:
Walk across the Rainbow Bridge counting steel arches and looking for rainbows in the mist.
Tip: Hold children’s hands on windy days and pause midway for photos.
Bells and Stories:
Hear the 55-bell carillon at Rainbow Tower Plaza while sharing stories of how the bells were made.
Tip: Time your visit for recitals at 12 PM, 3 PM, or 6 PM and tell kids the largest bell weighs 10 tons.
Fireworks Family Night:
Bring a blanket to watch the free fireworks show at 10 PM over the falls (mid-May to October).
Tip: Arrive 15 minutes early and pack ear protection for sensitive ears.
Snack Break at Plaza:
Rest on benches by the Canadian plaza and enjoy packed snacks and water.
Tip: No food vendors on the bridge—bring your own snacks and refillable bottles.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Rainbow International Bridge
- Check Wait Times: Look up border crossing times online to minimize queue delays.
- Arrive Early: Get to the bridge 15 minutes before fireworks to secure a good viewing spot.
Reviews of Rainbow International Bridge
Alex Bennett
Crossed the bridge from the US to Canada. Park on the US side at parking lot #1 and make the easy walk across. Border Patrol isn't until you reach the Canadian side, so stop on the bridge and take a million pictures. $1 return fee to the US and it must be in quarters/bills. Now I can say I walked to another country, how neat.
Theresa Mazur
Although the views are breathtaking, the people working the bridge have no manners, our road and emotionless. The motor went out in the window of my driver's side, and when I opened the door to hand them my passport, they made me shut my car off and were very rude to me. They got VERY personal.
Zain Raheel
What a scenic bridge You can see both Canadian and American flags from distance . Even when you are on the main of the mist boat ride you can see it. It offer the stunning view of the Niagara Falls and Niagra Gorge not to mention both countries too
D T (琳)
So cool to be able to walk across to Canada conveniently when we visited the Niagara falls state park in NY. There was no line on a Monday afternoon first week of October so it was very easy to just walk over and no custom checkpoint till you reach the Canada side. Be sure to stop at the Canada Us boundary sign in the middle of the bridge. View of the falls was beautiful from the bridge and across...
Chris
We crossed back into the US using the Rainbow Bridge. It was so easy and the views of the falls was amazing. Going through customs was simple and efficient. All you have to do is answer honestly, follow common-sense rules and show a valid passport. The merge afterwards was easy as well. We took my mother to Niagara Falls for her birthday and was thought it would be too complicated and that's why s...
When is the best time to visit Rainbow International Bridge (Niagara Falls, Canada)?
Sunny summer mornings offer the best chance for rainbows. Fireworks run nightly mid-May to mid-October.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Pedestrian toll for 4 | CAD 5 |
| Snacks & water | CAD 10 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 15 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Rainbow International Bridge
Address: 3WRJ+4X Rainbow Bridge, 5702 Falls Ave, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T8, Canada
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Rainbow International Bridge (Niagara Falls)?
About Rainbow International Bridge
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
10 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, with kids
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with kids
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities