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Multi-Use Path

Opening August 5, 2026

The Gordie Howe International Bridge multi-use path supports active transportation and healthy lifestyles while enhancing cycle tourism across the border.

For cyclists and walkers, the multi-use path is a game changer. Connected to local cycling and walking routes in Windsor-Essex and Detroit, the multi-use path unlocks new cross-border adventures for the region.

The best part? Access to the multi-use path is FREE.

We expect the opening day and the first weekend of the multi-use path to be very busy. To ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all Gordie Howe International Bridge path users during this time, access will be limited on a first-come basis. 

As the multi-use path will be open from August 5, onwards, we encourage pedestrians and cyclists to consider planning their trips later in the summer and into the fall to make the crossing experience safe, smooth and efficient. 

Cyclists or pedestrians are not permitted to gather or queue on the roadway. Users  of  the path will not be admitted before 8:00 a.m. 

We ask path users to: 

  • Be patient. With the anticipated high number of path users, expect line-ups entering the path and line-ups at border processing. WDBA is limiting the number of people that can be on the path at any one time over the initial opening days to support smooth operations.   
  • Be prepared: Remember to bring your cross-border travel documents that are required upon entry/re-entry into both Canada and the US. 
  • Plan your trip: There is no on-site parking at either port of entry. In Windsor, parking is available at the Malden Park trailhead. In Detroit, parking is available at the Clark Park trailhead.   
  • Set aside sufficient time: Anticipate a one-way 20-minute crossing by bike or 45-minute crossing by foot. This does not include travel to and from the entrances/exits of the path or border processing times.   
  • Keep yourself safe: Stay hydrated, wear bike safety gear when cycling, and know your limits. From entrance to exit, the path is 3 km/1.8 miles and can be steep in some areas with an approximate 5% incline. 
  • Keep others safe: Always signal your intentions, give pedestrians the right-of-way and know this is not a race. Enjoy your trip across the bridge at a low speed that allows you to react in time. (Maximum 20 km/h or 12 m/hr). To support a safe environment during anticipated times of high-volume activity, e-bikes are not permitted for use during the first few weeks.   
Cost:
  • FREE for all users
Hours of operation:
  • Open: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm from April 1 – October 31; 8:00 am to 4:00 pm from November 1 – March 31.
  • Access to the path will end one hour before closing time to allow users to complete their journey within the hours of operation.
  • Hours of operation may be affected by agency operations, scheduled closures, inclement weather (extreme hot or cold, snow, ice, etc), maintenance activities or emergency situations. Closure notifications will be posted on the homepage of gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com and official bridge social media channels.
Permitted modes of transportation:
  • Pedestrian (walking, jogging, running)
  • Cycling (bicycles, cargo bikes/trikes, folding bikes)
  • Pedal-assist-only power-assisted bicycle models where the electric motor provides power onlywhen the rider is actively pedaling; the bike is not to include a throttle and the motor assistance must automatically cut off when 32 km/h or 19 m/hr is reached.
    SPECIAL NOTIFICATION: FOR THE FIRST FEW WEEKS OF OPERATION AFTER AUGUST 5, 2026, PEDAL-ASSIST BIKES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO ENSURE SAFETY DURING INITIAL OPERATIONS. WATCH FOR UPDATES ON THIS WEBSITE AND GORDIE HOWE INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE SOCIAL MEDIA SITES.
  • Mobility devices used by persons with disabilities, including motorized wheelchairs and mobility scooters as defined under applicable accessibility legislation.
Prohibited modes of transportation:
  • Other models of motorized power-assisted bicycles than as defined above such as those that are throttle-equipped bikes or can travel faster than 32 km/hour or 19 m/hr with pedal-assist.
  • Motorized power assist rideable (electric scooters, electric skateboards, segway, hoverboards, one wheels) 
  • Skateboards, roller-skates, in-line skates, and similar devices.
Prohibited activities:
  • Consumption of alcohol or illegal substance
  • Smoking include e-cigarette or vaporizers
  • Consumption of cannabis
  • Littering or discarding items
  • Trespassing, loitering or gathering
  • Impeding or obstructing the flow of cycling, pedestrian or vehicular traffic
  • Unlawful assembly/protesting/disturbing the peace
  • Defacing, tampering with or damaging property, equipment or safety/security devices
  • Violent, threatening or illegal behaviour or endangering others
  • Using drones or other unmanned devices
  • Throwing items from the path onto traffic lanes or from the bridge
  • Displaying, distributing or attaching signs, flags or banners
  • Using speakers or other loud/disruptive devices
General information:
  • The path is one lane that accommodates two-way pedestrian and cyclist traffic.
  • It’s 2.5km/1.5 miles in length with a 5% grade (incline).
  • Total length of travel on the path from each border inspection booth is is 3km/1.8 miles one-way.
  • The bridge deck is, at its highest point, 46 m/150 ft above the Detroit River.
  • The width of the path is 3.6 m/11.8 ft.
  • Anticipate a one-way 20-minute crossing by bike or 45-minute crossing by foot.
  • Border processing times are not included in these estimates and may add to the total length of time.
  • The speed limit on the path is 20 km/hr or 12 m/hr. This is not a race. Enjoy your trip across the bridge at a low speed.
  • Pedestrians have the right-of-way. Other modes of permitted transportation must maintain safe speeds and distances, visibly and audibly signal intentions and ride in single file when passing pedestrians or other cyclists.
  • Pets are not permitted on the path.
  • Appropriately identified service animals are permitted and must remain leashed and kept within the owner’s control. It is the owner’s responsibility to clean up after their animals. 
  • Don’t interfere with other users’ enjoyment of the path.
  • Groups of 20 or more are to provide notice to Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority at [email protected] of their intended time to cross.
Safety features:
  • Concrete barriers separate users of the path from vehicular traffic.
  • 12-foot high means restriction fencing on both sides of the bridge are an unclimbable physical barrier to the river below.
  • Emergency call stations are located along the path where people can request assistance.
  • In partnership with “The Lifeline Windsor Project,” crisis intervention signage is installed along the path featuring information to connect with local and national crisis supports
  • Security cameras are installed throughout the site to monitor the movement of people and traffic
  • Overhead, bridge and path lighting support users’ navigation of the entrances and exits on the path and the path itself.
Border processing and documentation:

The Path connects to trails located around the exteriors of both Ports of Entry and to local road and trail networks in Windsor and Detroit. Path connections: 

Canada: 

For additional information on cycling in Windsor-Essex check out this guide from Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island. 

Connections to Windsor-Essex Trails

Map showing connections to Windsor-Essex Trails

US: 

For additional information on cycling in Detroit check out Detroit Greenways Coalition. 

 

Connections to Detroit Trails

Use of the multi-use path is FREE.

  • Open: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm from April 1 – October 31; 8:00 am to 4:00 pm from November 1 – March 31.
  • Access to the path will end one hour before closing time to allow users to complete their journey within the hours of operation.
  • Hours of operation may be affected by agency operations, scheduled closures, inclement weather (extreme hot or cold, snow, ice, etc), maintenance activities or emergency situations. Closure notifications will be posted on the homepage of gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com and official bridge social media channels.

The following methods of transportation are permitted on the path: 

  • Pedestrian (walking, jogging, running)
  • Cycling (bicycles, cargo bikes/trikes, folding bikes)
  • Pedal-assist-only power-assisted bicycle models where the electric motor provides power onlywhen the rider is actively pedaling; the bike is not to include a throttle and the motor assistance must automatically cut off when 32 km/h or 19 m/hr is reached – SPECIAL NOTIFICATION: FOR THE FIRST FEW WEEKS OF OPERATION AFTER AUGUST 5, 2026, PEDAL-ASSIST BIKES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO ENSURE SAFETY DURING INITIAL OPERATIONS. WATCH FOR UPDATES ON THIS WEBSITE AND GORDIE HOWE INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE SOCIAL MEDIA SITES.
  • Mobility devices used by persons with disabilities, including motorized wheelchairs and mobility scooters as defined under applicable accessibility legislation

The following means of transportation are not permitted on the path:

  • Other models of motorized power-assisted bicycles than as defined above such as those that are throttle-equipped bikes or can travel faster than 32 km/hour or 19 m/hr with pedal-assist
  • Motorized power assist rideable (electric scooters, electric skateboards, segway, hoverboards, one wheels) 
  • Skateboards, roller-skates, in-line skates, and similar devices.

Yes. Walking, jogging and running are permitted on the path.

Yes. Bicycles, cargo bikes/trikes and folding bikes are permitted on the path.

Pedal-assist-only power-assisted bicycle models where the electric motor provides power onlywhen the rider is actively pedaling; the bike is not to include a throttle and the motor assistance must automatically cut off when 32 km/h or 19 m/hr is reached are permitted on the path.

SPECIAL NOTIFICATION: FOR THE FIRST FEW WEEKS OF OPERATION AFTER AUGUST 5, 2026, PEDAL-ASSIST BIKES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO ENSURE SAFETY DURING INITIAL OPERATIONS. WATCH FOR UPDATES ON THIS WEBSITE AND GORDIE HOWE INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE SOCIAL MEDIA SITES.

No. Rollerblades, roller-skates, in-line skates and skateboards are not permitted on the path.

No. Motorized power assist rideables (electric scooters, electric skateboards, segway, hoverboards, one wheels) are not permitted on the path.

Mobility devices used by persons with disabilities, including motorized wheelchairs and mobility scooters as defined under applicable accessibility legislation are permitted on the path.

 

Yes. The path is separated from vehicular traffic by concrete barriers. This is one of the features installed on the path to promote user safety.

No. Pets are not permitted on the path.

Yes. Service animals are permitted on the path. Service animals must be appropriately identified as such, are to remain leashed and must be kept within the owner’s control at all times and are not allowed to disrupt the enjoyment of other users. It is the owner’s responsibility to clean up after their animals.

Users are allowed to return to their country of origin at any point along their journey. Border inspection is mandatory upon entering the country regardless of duration or length of trip on the path. 

Emergency call stations can be found along the path. These call stations will connect users requiring assistance or experiencing an emergency with local first responders.

Bags, water and snacks are permitted across the path at the discretion of Canada Border Service Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Review customs rules before arrival. When entering Canada refer to Canada Border Service Agency guidelines. When entering US refer to U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidelines.

Be aware that there are no garbage or recycling bins along the path and littering is prohibited. Users are expected to keep their trash with them until they can find an appropriate trash bin.

Yes, you may stop to take photos along the path. It is encouraged that while doing so, you pull off to the side of the path so as not to block or interfere with others using the path.

It is encouraged that groups of 20 or more provide advanced notice to Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority of their intended time to cross. Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority can be reached through email at [email protected] or toll free at 1-844-322-1773.

Know customs rules before arrival. When entering Canada refer to Canada Border Service Agency guidelines. When entering US refer to U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidelines.  

Entrances to the path can be found at 4389 Sandwich Street, Windsor, ON and 6366 West Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, MI.

Entrances to the path can be found at 4389 Sandwich Street, Windsor, ON and 6366 West Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, MI.

No on-site parking is available. Users are encouraged to find local parking options. Local parking suggestions include Malden Park Trailhead in Windsor and Clark Park in Detroit.

Yes, local bus stops are available near the path. View local bus routes through Transit Windsor and Detroit Department of Transportation.

The path may close for a variety of reasons including weather or maintenance. Users will be notified of closures through Gordie Howe International Bridge | Official Website and social media channels

Path hours of operation and closures can be found on the Multi-Use Path page of our website.

Wait times to enter the path are based on user volumes. Users can expect wait times to fluctuate.

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