Gordie Howe Bridge opening: What you need to know before you travel

Aerial photo of the Gordie Howe Bridge, taken on July 23, 2026.

Photo: Radio-Canada / Michael Charles Cole

With the Gordie Howe International Bridge between Windsor and Detroit opening to traffic today, here are some crucial questions you may need the answers to.

When can we start driving across the bridge?

Monday, July 27, "as early as 12 p.m.", the bridge authority said on Friday.

How much does it cost to cross the bridge?

There are regular rates and Breakaway rates for travelers who set up Breakaway accounts.

Personal vehicle: $8.00 (Breakaway rate: $6).

Personal vehicle with trailer: $8.00 (Breakaway rate: $6).

Large commercial and passenger vehicles: $12 per axle (Breakaway rate: $9.60 per axle).

Hazardous and oversized vehicles: $12 per axle (Breakaway rate: $9.60 per axle).

When can we start walking and cycling across the bridge?

Will I be able to walk part of the way across the bridge then turn around and come back without entering the U.S.?

Do I need to bring my travel documents — i.e.: a passport — if I’m not walking all the way to the U.S.?

Yes. Because you will pass the Canadian port of entry to get onto the bridge and you will need to cross back through the Canadian port of entry on your return.

Is there a place on the bridge to turn my car around if I don’t want to go all the way to the U.S. border?

What travel documents do I need to enter the U.S.?

Canadian citizens traveling to the U.S. by land need one of the documents listed below:

Enhanced driver's license/enhanced identification card.

Canadian citizens 15 years old and younger can present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate or a Canadian citizenship card.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge connects Windsor, Ontario, to Detroit, Michigan.

What if I arrive at the U.S. border without travel documents?

You will be denied entry into the United States.

Are there additional consequences for showing up at the U.S. border without travel documents?

There can be, but the U.S. Customs and Border Protection addresses these situations on a case-by-case basis.

What travel documents do I need in order to return to Canada if I’m a Canadian citizen?

A valid Canadian passport or other documents that prove your identity and citizenship. You can find the full list of acceptable documents by clicking here. (new window)

Can I ride e-bikes on the path?

E-bikes are not formally permitted on the bridge’s multi-use path.

However, Windsor authorities are reviewing a bylaw (new window) to allow pedal assisted bikes on the bridge.

What can’t I bring on the bridge travelling between countries?

You are encouraged not to travel with firearms. Most handguns are prohibited from being imported into Canada. If you choose to do so, check the Canadian Border website (new window).

Do not bring cannabis across the border. Crossing with cannabis in any form and in any amount, including products or oils containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), without a permit or exemption authorized by Health Canada (new window) is a criminal offence, despite the legalization of cannabis in Canada. A medical prescription from a doctor does not count as Health Canada authorization.

Review the restricted and prohibited goods (new window) to avoid the possibility of penalties, including fines, seizure or prosecution.

For those wishing to bring fireworks, consult Importing, exporting and transporting fireworks (new window) to ensure that the ones you are bringing in are authorized.