Canada Border Services Agency – Rainbow Bridge Border Crossing

Wow, that's totally super easy to cross into Canada. They ask a few questions like are you bringing Firearms, liquor, and cigarettes as long as you're honest they let you thru. Make sure you have your passport

DO NOT VISIT THIS BORDER FOR ANY IMMIGRATION PERMITS!
I came here for Closed Work permit and couldn't get it done here coz of STAFF SHORTAGE. There were other people who are coming from last 2-3 days. There was a pregnant lady, families with young kids who needed their permits to get health cards urgently but this CBSA spot don't help.
Very sad that there are not enough officers at the facility who can help people with immigration and particularly flagpoling matters. They do flagpoling applications only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8am- Midnight so don't go any other day. Coz even if you are visiting during these days and time still they will only accept applications till 8: 30 no matter how early you reach.
You might either have to come back for few days continuously or have to spend the night on the bridge in open air. So prepare yourself accordingly.
The office open at 8 and I was called inside at 8: 47 Nd the officer said that they are not accepting anymore flagpoling applications. He advised I can either try again during the day or come back tomorrow but there is no guarantee that they will open it again during the day. ITS HIT OR MISS

7/24/23 around 3-4pm. Rude officer! He used language like "use your head. " No matter what, he could have been more polite when we were nothing but respectful and try to obey their rules. We addressed him as "sir" "I didn't know/understand. " "Sorry. " Don't they train their officers some customer service? Don't they know they represent the first impressions of their country? Or they are too arrogant because tourists flog into Niagara falls? Ruin my feelings for the first day in Canada.

As a pedestrian crossing from the Canadian to the USA side, you need to pay a one-dollar bridge toll at the beginning. The toll machine accepts both US quarter dollars and Canadian quarter dollars. You can use either coin to make the payment. Additionally, if you don't have any coins, there is a machine at the entrance that dispenses coins. For Canadian dollars, it provides coins for 5 and 10 banknotes.

Please note that there is no way to pay with any credit/debit card or digital method. Only cash in the form of coins is accepted for the toll payment.

One of the worst experience I ever faced. I am 9 months pregnant. I visited the office to extend my work permit to renew my health card.
First time visit- officer asked me to visit at morning 7 for flag poling.
Second time visit- next week I visited at 6.30 am and reached canada after US entry denial. Waited for 3 long hours in the queue.
Had all documents on hand.
Officers were not in the mood to hear for what reason I am there. Suggested me to visit Sarnia. I asked the reason they said flag poling time is over but they proceeded with other person who stood behind me in the queue. I also let them know it is quite emergency and I have all the documents. They were really rude. Asked me to hire a car and visit some other office. I booked a taxi and visited the other bridge.
I got my work permit where I was cheated by cab driver paying $320 for just 2 hour service. Accommodation and food and travel I spent merely 800$. It was frustrating moment for me.
I wish the officers in rainbow bridge border service should understand the situation and help everyone equally.

Last summer, we visited Canada first time in a family trip. The white officer on the custom was so rude and he yelled us as we were answering his questions. We will never get into Canada via Rainbow bridge again. It was really unpleasant.

The customs agent was friendly. Good first impression of Canada as this was my first time in this country.

I'll not give any star to this but as we can't post so I given one star because I walked there two days like Wednesday and then again Thursday but have wasted my time and didn't done my work. This is so disgusting and depressed for me that they have done to me. I explained everything that if I'll not get my work permit today then I'll lose my job, but they didn't listened anything. I didn't understand that if they can't do there job properly then why they were sitting there just resign from job.
So badly they treated.
From my side there is big no don't waste time, you will be regret of being there.

Slow does not even describe. 4 wickets
out of 15 open. Monday afternoon at 230pm. More than 30 minutes to get through. DO better border services

3 days ago at 10: 30 am I went with my wife to do flagpoling to extend our visas (student visa for my wife and work visa for me). Before arriving, we researched on the official website of IRCC to check if it was possible to do this procedure in this place or not. Once we got back to the Canadian side, we told the immigration officer what we wanted to do, and he told us that during that day they had attended to 40 people, and that they were not going to attend more people. We remind them that their schedule is from 8: 00am to midnight. The officer's response was to say that he was a simple messenger, and that it was not possible to do this procedure. Can you imagine going down the street and witnessing a traffic accident, you call 911 to ask for an ambulance, and they answer saying that they have already attended 40 calls today, and that they do not attend any more? This is Canada?

Traveled from NYC and was denied visa into Canada since we were not aware a visa is requiered if you are not American. Wasted an hour of our time just to inform us this. We were staying over night after we would see the falls. We had even reserved a hotel on canadian side. Horrible service, agents were talking about their weekend plans next weekend. No one wants stay in this country were you can get put down if you are sick. Ill gladly spend my money on the AMERICAN side.

Did some cross border shopping and had to pay the HST on my purchase. Staff was very friendly. It is really hard to get excited about paying more taxes.

It's easy to cross either from both sides.just did it from usa to canada and vice versa last night.no covid restrictions just carry your passport.for my case I had both usa and Canadian visa. 5mins walk to cross. I just hoped evening to Canadian side and came late night back to usa.carry 1 $ change ita must for the gate at candadian exit.and wear proper winter dress and water proof shoes recommended.

Nelson (Border patrol agent) You need to quit your job if you don't like it. Very rude and unwelcoming. We travel to your country to enjoy the beauty of it and to spend money but people like you give a bad reputation to Canada.

I would give all the staff and officers full 5 stars for their friendly behavior but you know how they say one bad apple spoils the bunch. Today I got schooled by 1 officer about personal goods that he claimed are commercial goods. And i could have gotten fined for claiming them improperly. For GOD sakes pleaseee educate the officers properly and please have a check and balance system. To us frequent travelers some of these officers act like they are GOD. I wish I had noted the officers name. But he got me so nervous and confused that I started questioning my knowledge and forgot about every thing else. Even though I have bought tools for personal use but according to the officer. They are considered commercial goods. I would then have to go through commercial side of the border hire a broker ask the broker to clear my personal tools and then I can bring them to canada. He also said I have to open a GST account even though I don't own a business. I then went inside to pay the duty and 2 officers inside verified that any personal use items tools or parts are not considered commercial goods. For no reason that officer got me worried. WHY. WHY. How can we trust you. You guys are our pride and protectors and you are so uninformed. What really bothered me is he kept schooling on something that was completely wrong and unnecessary. To all the other officers I am really sorry for this, I love you all and thank you so much for your great service but getting stressed for no reason what so ever is just unfair.

I would give a zero star rating if I could.

We tried to enter Canada on foot to look at the Niagara Falls from the other side of the boarder. We are REQUIRED (REQUIRED!) to have the ArriveCAN app installed and scan our documents and proof of COVID-19 vaccination. But there was no sign reminding people when everyone was waiting on the bridge under the sun. So many people try to download the app at the entrance, of course data and WiFi is jammed so no way to get the app and upload photo of Covid-19 vaccine card. One officer was not helpful and talks in a harsh tone my son who is 8 years old got upset. Another officer with a name tag “Small” was nicer. He tried to help but the app requirement and lack of advance notice is causing the chaos.

Finally we decided to turn back. It’s not worth the effort. Canada, so long!

I wanted to review this place because when i was about to go there to flagpole, i was so stressed out due to the reviews i read here about how horrible it was and etc. No, it worked out perfectly. The canadian border services agents were kind, chill and relaxed. It made me feel immediately comfortable. I went there to get my study permit, to be honest it wasnt crowded at all, just waited there and the border police officer issued my study and work permit docs! It was easy! Dont worry they are chill.

It was quick and easy getting through this point of entry. It is the closest to the actual Niagra Falls attraction, the boat tour, and zip line. Also there is a whole world of restaurants like Hard Rock Cafe, Benihnna, IHOP, Ruby Tuesday's, Rain Forest Grill, a brewery, wax museum, cany shops, cafes and so so very much more. Blocks and blocks of things to do and places to eat, drink and rides. Yes, rides. A ferris wheel, roller coaster, go carts, bowling. Everything is right there by the falls. There is makeshift parking spot with attendants right around the corner for $5 per hour or $20 the entire day. They take cash or cards. Go for $20 because you will not only be there for one or 2 hours. Fun for families, couples or friends.

Have babies in the car and it took 4 hours to cross the border because they only had one person working.

Canadian border officers at Rainbow Bridge Crossing are irritated and unkind. They would try to complicate your trip as much as they can.

U. S.to Canada crossing was terrible. Long wait times. If BC needs to ask more than a few questions, they should pull that car over for another inspector. I was in what I call the **hole line. It became clear that the agent was taking his time with each and every vehicle US or CAN. ARRIVE Can is a joke, it exists for tracking you and profiling you. It doesn't speed anything up. I have visited Toronto (by car) numerous times with no issues. We went to the Canadian side b/c of more activities, better views etc.and spend our money in your country only to be treated suspiciously. Never again.

Very disappointing experience not just because of long waiting queue but the tone of the officers. Clear lack of empathy and unprofessional way of talking. I am not sure why were those two officers so frustrated but clearly need to be taught how to deal with fellow humans. I feel sorry for them for lacking basis human emotion called empathy.

Had the worst experience with SCOTT at the rainbow bridge. We started timing he took approximately 7 min per vehicle when we went up he harassed us and even pulled us over. The officers at inspection laughed and sent us on our way. Awful job and unprofessional

First time give something one star.trying twice go through borders the first guy say arrives can app is requested then send me back and then after I done all the works the second guy said (IDONT NEED it) can they be on the same page? Wasting peoples time

Had to go to the US to have some documents scanned after the death of my husband. Was in Niagara US less than 2 hours, having never left Canada since 1991. Came back and was questioned and given a covid test kit, even though I have had 3 shots and was in the US for an hour and 45 minutes. Welcome back to Canada! Disgusting.

If you are looking to do flag poling, pay attention to this review, my recommendation, obviously, in addition to of course having the necessary documents, is the following.

- It is open only Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 am.

- If you don't drive, spend the night in a hotel/hostel near the border, of course if you drive, arrive early.

- Cross the bridge early, tell the American office that you are not going to enter that you want to do flag poling, they will give you a white paper.

- Stay in the bridge until 8 a.m DON'T come back to the Canadian office before 8, they will take the white document and tell you that they are closed, at 08: 00: 01 am, enter to border Canadian side, and explain your case and present your documents, they will give you a yellow document, and explain to you the final steps.

I was successful on a Tuesday that day the agents were very kind, but I had gone on a Thursday, I had tried to do it 4 times without success, on those occasions, the agents were quite rude. I explained here the method that worked for me.

There was a big guy working there with almost Russian accent. Three words to describe that border agency working there. DISGUSTING, MANNERLESS, and DISRESPECTFUL that treats people in a very poor manner. I am an American citizen trying to know requirements to visit Canada and watch Niagara Falls from other side just for short period of time. Plus there was nobody outside the rotational door for the information and I was almost stuck between Canada and US.

I don't normally review anything, but after seeing the poor reviews I have to chime in.

Both entering and exiting Canada through this border was a pleasant experience! Both border agents on the Canadian and US side were very kind and even entertained my 3YO nephew sitting behind me as they made sure everything was in order.

The reviews had me expecting to deal with the same type of people that work at the DMV or SSA. As long as you come prepared (ArriveCan, all passports, and proof of vaccination), you're good.

Seriously frustrating. Tried to cross last night under the new mandates 8 minutes early and was sent back to the USA.

Treat you like absolute garbage as a Canadian citizen reentering Canada. Our tax dollars are surely wasted on this agency

Haven't been to Canada in 12 years and found out I could so with my birth cert.and permanent resident to return. Husband drove me 5 hours so I can get on home soil for maybe an hour. The officers might have thought I I crazy and I didn't come fully prepared but three in particular were a HUGE help with making this experience everything I wanted it to be! Thanks so so much and I appreciate all that you do.

Niagara Canadian immigration are one of my top competitors for best border experience ever. First time I crossed here was as a Brit in 1988 and the US was having an outbreak of nastiness against Canadians, so the Canadians were retaliating. The shift lead walked down the line of cars asking to see passports, he pulled us out of line and told us "welcome to Canada, drive straight through". Last time we were here, as US citizens, I had intended to drive all the way to Cape Breton Island. While a bunch of other cars waited the customs officer showed us on our map how long that would take and advised us to reconsider our plans. Then let us head to our hotel.

We went through the rainbow bridge for our PR landing at around 8 am on a Tuesday. The entire process was done in an hour. The officers were extremely friendly and explained all the processes very clearly. We as a family loved the experience.

Honestly I preferred to fly to Toronto Pearson from Pennsylvania to visit my Sister then drive through a land border crossing at at Niagara Falls. The officers at the airport are super friendly and I was never questioned for 45 min. Now that Covid reared its ugly head it will be a while till I get up to Hamilton to see her again.

Reposting the screen shots I took of my initial review which somehow was conveniently deleted by someone

WORD OF ADVICE: NEVER cross back to the Canadian border BEFORE 8: 00: 00am sharp else you will lose your chance. Good luck!:)

I came to the Rainbow bridge for my PR landing. Knowing there is a limited quota on Tuesdays to Thursdays only, I arrived bright and early before 7: 30am, half an hour before the processing starts. The US officers let us line up at a gate until 7: 55am. I was the first one to cross back to the Canadian border at 7: 58am and I was informed by the officer that it was too early for landing and I cannot park around the office building to wait. The officer told me if I turn around (get a flagpole slip from the states and turn back to enter Canada) right away I can make it for the landing process when I come back.

As a result, I went back to the US border for another flagpole slip and reentered the Canadian border around 815am. However, this time we were told the processing quota for the morning was out. While I drove away, all those cars that were waiting behind me made the quota since they pass the border after 8: 00am sharp.

The officer said the peace bridge would probably be busy too and recommended the Queenston bridge border. I arrived at the Queenston bridge for the landing service at around 9am and were finally able to get a spot for landing purpose. Else I would have been so frustrated.

I obtained 3 flagpole rejections in one day and paid 2 extra border crossing fees:)

No, no and No. Skip this border!
Being a Canadian citizen and have no respect from them, doesnt make any any sence

Great professional officers here on both side of the Borders. They are very busy, but still kind and try to help us as much as possible. Officer Shrarer and Officer Bainwright helped us to get the paper work. I appreciate their courteous service. Thanks

I went to this place Rainbow Bridge along with my friend for port of entry for my PR confirmation. Both Canada and USA border officers are very very friendly and helpful. I went there around 8 PM hesitantly as i had gone through reviews before i start and most of them were very negative. But my experience was really amazing and wonderful. Soon i met Canada border officer he greeted me well and suggested me to go to the USA side. When i went to that side by walk there also border officer very friendly and gave me flagpole slip, told me to return to Canada. Once i returned Canada Officer showed me the opposite office to complete my process. After i entered into that office the whole process was finished in hardly 15 minutes. There three officers were there and all of them very friendly. The officer who has dealt my case she was very polite and has lot of patience in explaining things in a detailed manner. On the whole i can say that port of entry process at Rainbow bridge Niagara falls was very smooth and really good in my experience. Finally thanks a lot to both Canada and USA border officers.

They will tell you something else on the phone and when you reach there after driving for 2 hours, they’ll refuse to help you because they have ‘too much work to do’, like they aren’t getting paid by our tax dollars to do that work.

This boarder claims it's open for work permits from 8-12pm. I drove here 3 times at around 10am and was told 3 times we are closed now. If it says it's open then it should be open. Please dont post false information. Fraud, and you are government agency, who is paid out of my taxes. SHAME

Never had an issue here. The agents have always been very professional and polite. Yes they can be serious, but that's their job.

Also a lot of the negative reviews on here are completely unwarranted complaints about "flag poling". It's abusing the border and should just be disallowed if this is going to be the result of it.

If you're going for COPR, please be aware that they have a daily quota that fills up really fast. The immigration officer informed me that people actually spend the night outside waiting for them to open. Consider calling IRCC an appointment instead.

Though I couldn't make my COPR, the immigration personnel were very friendly.

Canada is crazy. We have to pay one dollar to cross the Rainbow Bridge. Justin is running out of money for his election campaign or what!

Go anywhere else on Earth. Fly out to China and back if you want to flag poll, it will be faster.

NOT RECOMMENDED for confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) processing. Even though I came within designated hours for COPR (Tue-Thu), I was turned away at the bridge before even entering the office, and the officer didn't appear honest at all, he seemed to be just covering for his buddies in the office to save them work. Go straight to the Queenston Lewiston Bridge Border Services Agency to get your COPR done. If you are not by car, use Brock Q Taxi Inc, they will give you a reasonable flat rate to take you to the US border (you can't walk over that bridge). Avoid taxi companies in Niagara, they are scammers.

Worst experience at the border during flag.stayed in Niagara for 3 days for flag poling.they made me cross border many times. First i crossed border Around 7: 51 am at per one of their officers's saying then other officer said i am early 9 minutes because service starts at 8 am. I crossed border again as per officer stated. In next attempt I entered at Canadian border sharp 8: 04am then different officer said its closed.

I have never had a problem here, but then again, I am a white Canadian dude and cannot speak for the minorities here. I hope the border patrol comes to realize that not everyone is harmful, and people just want to go places or see family.

Waited FOREVER on this pedestrian toll bridge. Can’t understand why the custom agents were so slow. Not worth the wait!

: D I had a really nice experience here (surprisingly! I really didn't expect it since I know how most borders are.) The officer was very patient and had a smile on the whole time. I guess it really depends on which day you go and which officer you get to interact with

Extremely rude and inhuman behaviour. The officer THREATENED me to pull out my application and move it to the last when i went to clear an innocent doubt.
They made me wait for 28 hours before they gave me my permit. My permit is my right and i have earned it not by birth but with blood and sweat. The last thing I want is to be humiliated for being a law abiding member of the country.
Extremely disappointing!

TURN AROUND! It's not worth it! Once you go inside and they take your passport or id, you're officially under examination and you can't leave until they dismiss you. We were talking with people in the waiting room about how long they were waiting and one of their employees started telling at is telling us she couldn't hear herself think and we needed to be quiet so they could do their jobs. Probably one of the rudest employees I've ever encountered. We were just trying to get to the falls. Turn around and go back unless you want to waste your entire day!

The last officer who fixed my papers was friendly but the previous ones were rude.

I arrived there at 11 am and got out at 7 pm. Most officers just tell you wait there, we are not open yet or reviving any application because we are busy etc etc.

If you go there and need to get work or student permit don’t be afraid in asking questions.

You can also start by crossing the border to the USA so you get your forms required to start your process at the CBSA.neither officers from USA or Canada like to make those comments because the more application come in the more they have to work.

My first time going there was great this time it was disappointed.

Time: 7: 00 PM on a Wednesday, traveling alone. There was no line. It was my first time crossing into Canada. The agent was polite. He asked a few questions (origin, reason, contraband, employer, vehicle owner) and then asked me to pull over where two more agents came out after a couple minutes and asked me the same questions and looked inside my vehicle with a flashlight. After they went back inside for 5 minutes they came out and said I could enter. I'm glad I could end this day on a high note with no headache.

Never a bad experience crossing here. Just have proper documentation ready, observe the signs, answer the questions in a straight forward manner and be polite to the officers. If this is too much for you, please stay in the USA