Rainbow Bridge

Maid of the Mist featuring a river or creek, landscape views and a bridge
Rainbow Bridge showing landscape views, mist or fog and a bridge
Rainbow Bridge which includes a city and a bridge
Rainbow Bridge featuring landscape views, a bridge and a river or creek
Rainbow Bridge


This bridge offers a unique perspective of both sides of the Niagara Gorge as well as spectacular panoramic views of the Niagara Falls.

Spanning majestically across the Niagara River, the international Rainbow Bridge connects the United States and Canada. Stretching over 290 metres and sitting at a height of 62 metres above the swirling water, this world-famous tourist attraction is the fifth in a series of bridges that have linked the two countries around this spot.

The previous incarnation on this site was known as the Honeymoon Bridge but suffered a tragic fate when a severe ice storm caused its collapse in 1938. Prior to that, the Niagara Clifton Bridge fell afoul of a raging tempest in 1889. Happily, advancements in engineering and construction have protected the current structure, which has become a major tourist draw since it was first opened to the public in 1941.

Nobody knows for certain how this eminent gateway earned its name, but there might be a clue in the steel arch construction. Or perhaps it could be the way the light dapples across creating a kaleidoscope of colour? In any case, while the origin of the name makes for interesting discussion, the bridge itself is the real talking point.

The unrivalled panoramic views of the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls make the Rainbow Bridge unique among all other Niagara viewing points. Also, standing in the middle of the bridge with a foot in either country always makes for a great photo! If you are lucky enough to visit the Rainbow Bridge on a Friday or Sunday night during the summer of 2013, keep an eye out for the spectacular fireworks display from Queen Victoria Park.

Finally, it’s worth remembering that this is a tolled bridge for pedestrians, cyclists and four-wheeled vehicles, so ensure you have plenty of change. Visitors from the US or Canada have to produce relevant ID, in the form of a passport, driver’s licence or Nexus card, which is available to those who regularly pass through the border. Equally, if you are from overseas and have a visa for either of these two countries, you may be asked to produce it, so pack carefully to avoid disappointment.

Tours & day trips

See all 112 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 34 activities

History & culture

See all 30 activities

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 7 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 6 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Rainbow Bridge Hotel Deals

Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
4 out of 5
310 4th St, Niagara Falls, NY
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
Sheraton Niagara Falls
Sheraton Niagara Falls
4 out of 5
300 3rd St, Niagara Falls, NY
Sheraton Niagara Falls
Hyatt Place Niagara Falls
Hyatt Place Niagara Falls
3 out of 5
310 Rainbow Blvd S, Niagara Falls, NY
Hyatt Place Niagara Falls
Comfort Inn The Pointe
Comfort Inn The Pointe
3 out of 5
1 Prospect Pointe, Niagara Falls, NY
Comfort Inn The Pointe
Wyndham Garden at Niagara Falls
Wyndham Garden at Niagara Falls
3 out of 5
443 Main St, Niagara Falls, NY
Wyndham Garden at Niagara Falls
Cambria Hotel Niagara Falls
Cambria Hotel Niagara Falls
3 out of 5
311 Rainbow Blvd, Niagara Falls, NY
Cambria Hotel Niagara Falls
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York
4 out of 5
401 Buffalo Ave, Niagara Falls, NY
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York
The Giacomo, Ascend Hotel Collection
The Giacomo, Ascend Hotel Collection
3 out of 5
222 First Street, Niagara Falls, NY
The Giacomo, Ascend Hotel Collection
Quality Hotel & Suites At The Falls
Quality Hotel & Suites At The Falls
2.5 out of 5
240 1st Street, Niagara Falls, NY
Quality Hotel & Suites At The Falls
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.