Gordie Howe Bridge Walking and Biking Path to Close Four Hours Earlier Starting November 1

Published: October 23, 2026 | Detroit River Live News

Visitors planning to walk or bike across the Gordie Howe International Bridge between Detroit and Windsor will soon have a shorter window to make the trip.

Beginning November 1, 2026, the bridge's multi-use path will switch to its winter operating schedule, closing four hours earlier each day.

According to the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, the path will operate from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the last entry permitted at 3 p.m.

The winter schedule will remain in effect through March 31, 2027.

What's Changing?

The bridge's pedestrian and cycling path follows two seasonal schedules:

Current Hours — Through October 31

• Open: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Last entry: 7 p.m.

Winter Hours — November 1 through March 31

• Open: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Last entry: 3 p.m.

The earlier cutoff gives visitors time to complete their crossing before the path closes.

These changes affect the walking and biking path, not the bridge's vehicle traffic schedule.

A Free Way to Cross the Detroit River

The Gordie Howe International Bridge offers pedestrians and cyclists a unique opportunity to cross the Detroit River between the United States and Canada.

Unlike motorists, pedestrians and cyclists do not pay a toll to use the multi-use path.

The complete route between border inspection areas measures approximately 1.8 miles (3 kilometers) in one direction.

The bridge authority estimates:

• Walking: Approximately 45 minutes

• Cycling: Approximately 20 minutes

These estimates do not include the time required to clear international border inspections.

The path has a grade of approximately 5% in some areas, making the crossing a little more physically demanding than a typical flat walking or cycling trail.

Don't Forget Your Travel Documents

Although the crossing is free, the Gordie Howe International Bridge remains an international border crossing.

Pedestrians and cyclists must carry the appropriate documents required to enter or re-enter Canada and the United States.

Travelers should also allow additional time for border processing, particularly during busy periods.

There is no on-site public parking at either bridge port of entry. The bridge authority identifies Clark Park trailhead in Detroit and Malden Park trailhead in Windsor as nearby parking options.

Check Conditions Before Heading Out

The bridge's multi-use path may close temporarily because of severe weather, maintenance, emergency situations, or border agency operations.

Cold temperatures, snow, and ice can affect path availability during the winter months.

Visitors should confirm operating conditions through the official Gordie Howe International Bridge website before departing.

For those hoping to experience the Detroit River from this new perspective, the important date to remember is November 1 — and the new 3 p.m. last-entry deadline.

Sources and Additional Information

Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority — Official Multi-Use Path Information

https://gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/toll/multi-use-path/

Bridge Michigan — What to Know Before Walking Across the Gordie Howe Bridge

https://bridgemi.com/quality-life/what-to-know-before-walking-across-the-gordie-howe-bridge/

Reporting by Detroit River Live News. Information verified October 23, 2026. Operating schedules and crossing requirements are subject to change. The accompanying video features original Detroit River Live footage of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.