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Rainbow
Bridge Niagara Falls
Rainbow Bridge over the Niagara River is convenient way to cross the US Canada border
Crossing the Rainbow Bridge
These are the reasons why you can see many pedestrians walking across the bridge. The bridge is not only crowded during the above events, but during the peak travel time when tourists are visiting either US or Canada and its attractions.The reason why Rainbow Bridge is very popular for tourists visiting Canada and US is because of its location and direct access to Casino Niagara and Clifton Hill in Canada.
If you are coming from US side, one of the best ways is to use the Interstate 190. Take a route 290 to route 190 to the Robert Moses Parkway and to downtown Niagara Falls and follow the sign to the Rainbow Bridge and Canada.
If coming from Canada the main route is the QEW, exit 420.
Note: keep in mind that commercial trucks are not allowed across the Rainbow Bridge.
Rainbow Bridge together with other two bridges is operated by the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, a partnership between America and Canada.
If planning to cross the bridge from either side, there is a car toll if driving across the border and pedestrian if walking across. Maid of the Mist boat dock is just down from the Rainbow Bridge.
While driving over the Rainbow Bridge and upon entering Canada, if you look left, there is an amazing scenery waiting for you, a huge cloud of mist and magnificent waterfalls behind it. Once in Canada and at the end of the bridge, you will see the Rainbow Tower which houses a large carillon that can be heard several times daily.
Duty free shops are also there, on both sides.
History of Rainbow Bridge Niagara Falls
The site where today's Rainbow Bridge is, was used in 1868 for the first wooden suspension bridge, destroyed soon after by the wind.
In 1895 the longest arch span bridge in the world, also known as The Falls View Bridge or Honeymoon Bridge was constructed. This was one of the popular attractions in Niagara Falls from where tourists were enjoying the great panorama. The bridge was destroyed in 1938 due to the ice jam.
Due to the previous bad experience with the ice, high water volume and river speed, new bridge, today's Rainbow Bridge was designed in the shape of a rainbow or arch. The bridge doesn't have supporting piers in the river, but 50 feet back from the water's edge and higher above the water.
The main bridge span is now 950 ft, and is over 100 feet longer than the former Falls View Bridge.
Britain's King George VI and his wife Queen Elizabeth were visiting Niagara Falls in 1939 and the royals dedicated the site of the Rainbow Bridge, near the site of the previous Honeymoon Bridge. The bridge was completed next year and opened in 1941.
Interested links:
Google Maps view of Rainbow Bridge
Niagara Falls Bridge Commission
Border Wait Times
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