A border crossing, built for bikes
On August 5, 2026, the Gordie Howe International Bridge in Windsor, Ontario, opened a new 2.5-kilometer toll-free trail for cyclists and pedestrians. This path, 12 feet wide, allows two-way traffic and directly links the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail in Canada to U.S. trails such as the Iron Belle Trail and Great Lakes Way in Detroit, Michigan. The bridge marks the first international border crossing integrated into a shared-use trail network, expanding cross-border active transportation in a historic way.
How the border works for trail users
Cyclists and pedestrians can now cross the border at facilities designed for trail users on both the Canadian and U.S. sides. This allows them to travel directly between Windsor and Detroit on foot or by bike without using a car. All they need is a passport, making the experience of international travel straightforward and accessible. While the full bridge for vehicles opened on July 27, 2026, it now serves a dual role as a transportation artery for people and cars alike.
A bridge for more than just bikes
The Trans Canada Trail, a nonprofit managing the expanding trail network, emphasized the bridge's role as an economic and cultural gateway. The new path connects trail users to major attractions on both sides of the river, including Essex County’s wine region, the Ojibway National Urban Park in Windsor, Detroit’s RiverWalk, and the Joe Louis Greenway. The trail network already sees more than 200 million visits each year and generates $23.1 billion in economic activity, supporting over 221,000 jobs.
Scott Bowen, Director of Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources, praised the bridge as a model for future international trail connections. He highlighted its potential to add to Michigan’s 13,700 miles of state-designated trails and boost cross-border tourism by encouraging active and healthy lifestyles. He described the bridge as a shared achievement that fosters connections between communities and landscapes across the Great Lakes region.
Marlaine Kohler, Executive Director of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust, said the trail opening reflects the Great Lakes region’s shared spirit. “This trail is more than a physical link — it celebrates shared history, culture, and natural beauty,” she stated. She views the bridge as a guide for future international projects and a key champion of active transportation and environmental preservation.
John Hartig, co-chair of the Great Lakes Way Advisory Committee, shared similar views, emphasizing the bridge's role in strengthening collaboration between Canada and the U.S. He pointed out how it highlights shared stories, encourages conservation, and improves quality of life for people on both sides of the border. This is especially meaningful, he added, because Canada and the U.S. share the longest international land border in the world.
The Trans Canada Trail now spans 30,000 kilometers through all Canadian provinces and territories, linking Canada’s three coastlines. Each section is managed locally to meet the needs of specific communities and activities. The nonprofit, a registered charity, receives funding from the Canadian federal government through Parks Canada, contributions from provincial and municipal governments, and support from private donors to continue its work.
This new connection not only enhances the trail system but also fosters closer ties between Canada and the U.S. by creating an accessible, scenic route for people to cross the border. It encourages exploration of both countries’ Great Lakes regions and reinforces the importance of sustainable, community-focused infrastructure.
With the trail officially open, visitors and residents can begin experiencing the benefits of the bridge firsthand. Whether for recreation, tourism, or daily travel, the multi-use path offers a new way to enjoy the unique natural and cultural landscapes of both nations.