Fort Frances – International Falls International Bridge

The Fort Frances-International Falls International Bridge is a combined road and rail crossing spanning 274 meters over the Rainy River. Vehicles and trains share the same level, with trucks and freight services using the central section alongside passenger traffic.

Built in 1912 by a paper company, the bridge has functioned as a vital gateway between Canada and the United States for over a century. Its steel structure became a crucial crossing point for trade and travel between the two nations.

The bridge serves as a physical connection between two border communities, allowing daily interactions and the free flow of people between Ontario and Minnesota.

Be ready for delays when trains pass, as they take priority and temporarily close the crossing to vehicles. Pedestrians and vehicles heading south can cross without paying any toll.

What makes this crossing unusual is that trains and vehicles operate on the same level without separation, requiring careful coordination between different types of traffic. This shared approach is rare among border crossings where rail and road typically operate on different levels.

Location: International Falls

Location: Fort Frances

Length: 274 m

Part of: Canada–United States border

GPS coordinates: 48.60722,-93.40194

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:48