New route connects two cities across the river
The recently opened pedestrian and cycling path on the Gordie Howe International Bridge offers a new way to travel between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. The route, which began welcoming the public on 5 August, is the first new pedestrian cross-border link between the two cities for decades and forms part of a wider network of trails on both sides of the river.
Authorities reported that the path saw nearly 3,400 walkers, runners and cyclists on its opening day, a strong early indicator of demand for a route that links existing waterfront amenities. The full port-to-port crossing measures 1.8 miles in length and the journey takes about 20 minutes by bicycle or 45 minutes on foot, one way.
"Detroit and Windsor have always been a two-nation destination, two cities, two countries, and one incredible experience along the river," said Claude Molinari, President and CEO of Visit Detroit.
Operating hours and connections
The path will operate daily with differing winter and summer hours: from April to October it will be open 8am to 8pm, and from November through March it will be open 8am to 4pm. It connects directly to existing trails on both sides of the border, providing continuous routes for local leisure users and visitors.
- Links on the Detroit side: Detroit Riverwalk and the Iron Belle Trail.
- Links on the Windsor side: Windsor's Riverfront Trail, the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail and the Trans Canada Trail.
- Vehicle traffic on the new bridge began when the motorway lanes opened on 27 July; early figures show strong demand with about 8,000 vehicles in the first 12 hours of operation.
What this means for Windsor and visitors
For Windsor, the new pedestrian and cycle path strengthens the city's riverside offering and enhances cross-border tourism and recreation. The direct trail connections make it easier for residents and visitors to plan circular routes incorporating both sides of the Detroit River, while the seasonal opening hours provide a balance between access and operational considerations for a new international link.
Transport and tourism bodies on both sides are positioning the crossing as part of a shared visitor experience. The path is also notable for its inclusion in the national trail network — it is the first international border crossing to be integrated into the Trans Canada Trail — a point likely to boost its profile among long-distance walkers and cycle-tourists.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length (port-to-port) | 1.8 miles |
| Typical travel time | 20 minutes by bike; 45 minutes on foot |
| Opening day visitors | Nearly 3,400 |
| Vehicle traffic (first 12 hours) | About 8,000 vehicles |
| Operating hours | April–Oct: 8am–8pm; Nov–Mar: 8am–4pm |
Locally, the path is likely to influence how people use the waterfront and plan trips that cross the international boundary by foot or bike. For communities on both shores, it represents new opportunities for events, guided tours and active-travel initiatives that promote healthier, low-carbon journeys.
Although the crossing is in North America and connects Detroit with Windsor, Ontario, the arrival of a high-profile international pedestrian link underscores wider trends that British towns and cities watching riverfront regeneration may find familiar: improved access, integrated trail networks and the potential to attract visitors through distinctive, walkable infrastructure.
Officials on both sides will monitor usage patterns as summer turns to autumn and the path's seasonal timetable changes. For now, early numbers suggest the crossing has captured public interest and could become a lasting feature of the Windsor–Detroit riverscape.
