A new international footpath crossing linking Windsor, Ontario (Canada), with Detroit, Michigan (USA), opened this month (August), offering holidaymakers a convenient and practical way to add Canada to a U.S. holiday on the same trip.
Named for legendary Canadian ice hockey player Gordie Howe, who spent 25 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, the six-lane Gordie Howe International Bridge spans the Detroit River and is the fifth international crossing between Ontario and Michigan, and the third linking Windsor with Detroit.
Travellers can use the bridge as a starting point for exploring Windsor, and/or Detroit, and explore the Canadian side of the Great Lakes region on a wider fly-drive itinerary.
Creating a new link between trail systems in both countries, the bridge is the first international bridge-border crossing to join the 30,000 km Trans Canada Trail – the world’s longest multi-use trail network, linking all of Canada’s provinces and territories.
Featuring 216 stay cables and a record-breaking 853-metre main span, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America. Rising 150ft above the Detroit River, its illuminated towers make a striking addition to the riverfront skyline.
Visitor access is via a multi-use path separated from vehicle traffic. It takes around 45 minutes to walk, and 20 minutes to cycle the 1.8 miles, excluding border processing.
Windsor, Ontario, has an off-road Waterfront Trail that passes central downtown and continues through several parks and under the international Ambassador Bridge, before entering the Odette Sculpture Park.
It is co-designated as the Riverfront Trail and Ganatchio Trail (the First Nations name for Lake St Clair). It also takes in the historic tree-lined Walkerville neighbourhood, known for its heritage architecture and independent shops and restaurants.
On the Detroit side, the path connects with the Detroit Riverwalk, the Iron Belle Trail – a hiking and cycling trail crossing 48 of Michigan’s counties
The path crossing is free, and open from 8am to 8pm, with last entry at 7pm. Non-Canadian citizens should review entry requirements for both Canada and the U.S.
