Plan your next cycle trip to Windsor Essex – and use the Gordie Howe International Bridge on that trip and the Toll-Free Multi-Use Path. The new bridge has redefined how people move between Windsor Essex and Detroit, and a whole new way to experience our region by bike! Check out our NEW Cycle Tourism Map – and request a print copy to be mailed to you today!
The new map is live! With the opening of the Multi-Use Path on the Gordie Howe International Bridge we’re seeing new ways to visit Windsor Essex on two wheels. Download a copy of our Cycle Tourism Map and start planning your route, or pick up a print copy at any of our Visitor Information Centre’s. To explore more cycling partners in Windsor Essex, please click here.
VIEW THE CYCLE TOURISM MAP (PDF)
For cyclists and walkers, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is a game-changer as the first international crossing to be part of the Trans-Canada Trail. The dedicated multi-use path connects you to local cycling routes on both sides of the border, unlocking new cross-border adventures and making Windsor Essex a true hub for international cycle tourism. And access to the multi-use path is Toll-Free! Whether you’re riding, strolling, or simply taking in the views, the Gordie Howe International Bridge offers a bold new way to experience the region—one that quite literally brings two countries closer together. The map will feature 125+ Bike Friendly Certified stops – businesses and attractions ready to welcome you with open arms! Our new map will also featured recommended Ride With GPS routes to make your next cycle adventure easy – making this available in print and digital format.
About The Multi-Use Path
- Toll-free for all cyclists, walkers and runners
- Summer hours of operation: 8am to 8pm
- Separate customs plaza from vehicular traffic
- Parking for the Multi-Use Path is available at Malden Park in Canada or Clark Park Trailhead in Windsor, approximately a 3k walk or ride. There is no on-site parking for access to the path.
- The path is 3km/1.8 miles in length with a 5% grade. Total length of travel on the path including customs plazas is 3km or 1.8 miles one-way. Total distance trailhead Malden Park to trailhead Clark Park is 8km/4.9 miles
- Anticipate a 20 minute crossing by bike or 45 minutes by foot. Border processing times are not included in these estimates and may add to the total length of time.
- In the event of adverse weather, the trail may be closed to pedestrian traffic. Check their social media channels and website if there is potential weather events in the area.
Details About The Multi-Use Path Opening
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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.
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Be prepared: Remember to bring your cross-border travel documents that are required upon entry/re-entry into both Canada and the US.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 20km/h or 12m/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.
Path rules and guidelines are now available at Multi-Use Path | Gordie Howe International Bridge.
In Windsor:
- Direct connection to our Windsor Riverfront Trail and Parkway Trail below
- Direct connection to both the Trans Canada Trail and Great Waterfront Trail at the gates of the Gordie Howe International Bridge Multi-Use Path
- 3km to Sandwich BIA
- 5.6km to the Riverfront Trail
- 3km to Malden Park
- 5km to LaSalle Trails
- 3.3km to the Herb Gray Parkway Trail
In Detroit:
- 1.6 miles to Clark Park
- 2 miles to Mexicantown
- 2.7 miles to Fort Street Bridge Interpretive Park
- 3.9 miles to Detroit Riverwalk & Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park
- 9.7 miles to Belle Isle
Documentation
You need at least one of the below to cross by bike, by vehicle or by foot.
- Valid passport
- NEXUS card or FAST card
- Children 15 and under need a birth certificate or passport
- Valid passport
- Passport card
- NEXUS card or FAST card
- Enhanced driver’s licenses
(MI, MN, NY, VT and WA residents) - Children 16 and under need a birth certificate, U.S. citizen identification card or passport
- Valid passport, and in many cases a U.S. visa
For border wait times and real time documentation information head to crossingmadeeasy.com.
Check out a list of businesses certified Bike Friendly and ready to welcome you!
View the Routes
Click the link below to access all these routes on Ride With GPS.
