International Falls Bridge Complete Guide: Minnesota-Ontario Border Crossing Tolls 2025
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International Falls Bridge Complete Guide
Official Name: Fort Frances–International Falls International Bridge (Aazhogan Bridge)
Location: Rainy River between International Falls, MN and Fort Frances, ON
Owner: Aazhogan LP (partnership of Rainy River First Nations and BMI Group)
Length: 1,200 feet spanning Rainy River
Traffic: Approximately 800,000 crossings annually
Do I Need to Pay Tolls on International Falls Bridge? 2025 Update
You pay tolls only when entering Canada (northbound). There are no tolls when entering the United States (southbound). Pedestrians and cyclists cross for free in both directions.
Key Reality: This is one of only two privately-owned toll bridges on the US-Canada border (the other being Ambassador Bridge in Detroit). The bridge is essential for northwestern Ontario and northern Minnesota commerce, serving as the busiest border crossing in Minnesota.
2025 Update: New ownership since 2023 with simplified toll structure. Current rates: $9 USD for cars, $72 USD for 12-trip commuter cards, with significant rate increases from previous years affecting local communities on both sides.
International Falls Bridge Toll Rates
The International Falls Bridge operates with a simplified toll structure implemented in November 2023, with rates charged only for northbound traffic entering Canada.
Current Toll Rates (2025)
| Vehicle Type | US Dollars | Canadian Dollars | Additional Axles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Vehicles (Cars, Pickups, Motorcycles) |
$9.00 | $11.00 | $3.00 USD / $4.00 CAD |
| Commercial Vehicles (Trucks, Semis, Buses) |
$13.00 | $16.00 | $3.00 USD / $4.00 CAD |
| Oversize Loads | $350.00 | $430.00 | By quote |
| Pedestrians/Cyclists | FREE | FREE | N/A |
Commuter Cards (2025)
| Card Type | Price (USD) | Price (CAD) | Savings per Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-Trip Commuter Card (2-axle vehicles only) |
$72.00 | $90.00 | $3.00 USD per trip |
| Cost per Trip | $6.00 | $7.50 | 33% discount |
Important Notes:
- Vehicles with trailers are not eligible for commuter cards
- Cards available from approved vendors in both International Falls and Fort Frances
- Cards remain active until expiration date or until used up
- No electronic payment - cash only at toll booth
How to Pay International Falls Bridge Tolls
The International Falls Bridge operates as a traditional cash-only toll bridge with manned toll booths on the Minnesota side for northbound traffic.
Payment Methods:
- Cash: US dollars or Canadian dollars accepted at toll booth
- Commuter Cards: Pre-purchased cards for frequent travelers
- No electronic payment: No credit cards, E-ZPass, or other electronic systems
Toll Collection Details:
- Location: Toll booth on Minnesota side (before entering Canada)
- Direction: Northbound only (entering Canada)
- Staffing: Manned toll booth 24/7/365
- Free directions: Southbound (entering US), pedestrians, cyclists
Commuter Card Vendors:
- International Falls, MN: Local businesses and approved retailers
- Fort Frances, ON: Local businesses and approved retailers
- Availability: Cards effective from purchase date printed on card
To calculate total travel costs including bridge tolls for your Canada-US trip:
Bridge History & Construction
Historical Development:
- 1895: First border crossing established (ferry service)
- 1909: Bridge construction began
- August 1, 1912: Bridge officially opened with day-long celebration
- Original purpose: Built by Minnesota and Ontario Paper Company to connect their mills
Engineering Features:
- Mixed-use design: Carries both road and rail traffic on same level
- Rail configuration: Single-track railway runs in center section
- Road configuration: Two lanes for automobile traffic on east side
- Heavy vehicles: Trucks and buses directed to rail portion for weight capacity
- Pipeline: Connects paper mills on both sides of river
Ownership History:
- 1912-2014: Jointly owned by paper companies (Minnesota & Ontario Paper, later Boise and Resolute)
- 2014: Fort Frances mill closure, ownership complications
- 2021-2022: PCA and Resolute sold shares
- 2023-present: Aazhogan LP (Rainy River First Nations & BMI Group partnership)
Border Crossing Information
Port of Entry Details:
- Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round
- US Classification: Class A port (designated for all foreign nationals)
- NEXUS lanes: Available for both US and Canada entry
- Commercial services: Available 24/7 for both countries
- Annual traffic: Approximately 800,000 crossings
Highway Connections:
- US side: Northern terminus of US Highway 71 and US Highway 53
- Canadian side: Connects to Highway 11 and Highway 71 (Trans-Canada Highway)
- Regional importance: Busiest border crossing in Minnesota
- Northwestern Ontario: Primary access to United States
Future Developments:
- US Land Port of Entry: New facility planned to alter crossing procedures
- Bridge replacement: Local officials considering new bridge construction
- Maintenance projects: Ongoing bridge maintenance supported by toll revenue
Recent Changes & Community Impact
2023 Toll Structure Changes:
- Simplification: Reduced from 7 to 4 vehicle categories
- Rate increases: Car tolls increased from $7 to $9 USD
- Commuter card impact: 12-trip cards increased from $22 to $72 USD (over 200% increase)
- Implementation: New structure effective November 1, 2023
Community Response:
- Local concern: Significant impact on cross-border communities
- Economic impact: Potential cost of $2,000+ annually for regular commuters
- Government involvement: Minnesota Senate Capital Investment Committee reviewing situation
- Binational cooperation: Both International Falls and Fort Frances mayors coordinating response
Bridge Owner Justification:
- Maintenance needs: Support for ongoing bridge maintenance projects
- COVID impact: Compensation for lost revenues during pandemic
- Regional alignment: Align with other international toll crossings
- Review schedule: Toll structure to be updated minimum every two years
Planning Your Border Crossing
Travel Tips:
- Bring cash: US or Canadian dollars for toll payment
- Exact change helpful: Speeds up toll booth process
- Consider commuter cards: Significant savings for frequent travelers
- Peak seasons: Expect delays May-September and holidays
Border Requirements:
- Valid passport: Required for all international crossings
- Enhanced driver's license: Accepted for US and Canadian citizens
- NEXUS cards: Available for pre-approved travelers
- Commercial documentation: Required for commercial vehicles
Cost Considerations:
- One-way trip: $9 USD entering Canada, free entering US
- Round trip: $9 USD total (only pay once)
- Regular commuter: $72 USD for 12 trips (save $36)
- Annual commuter: 5+ trips per month benefit from commuter cards
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay tolls in both directions?
No, you only pay when entering Canada (northbound). There are no tolls when entering the United States (southbound). This makes round trips cost only $9 USD total.
Can I use credit cards or electronic payment?
No, the bridge accepts only cash (US or Canadian dollars) or pre-purchased commuter cards. No credit cards, E-ZPass, or other electronic payment methods are accepted.
Are there alternatives to the International Falls Bridge?
This is the only vehicle crossing between International Falls and Fort Frances. The nearest alternative crossings are hours away in either direction, making this bridge essential for the region.
What happens if I don't have exact change?
The toll booth operator can make change, but having exact change speeds up the process. Both US and Canadian currency are accepted at current exchange rates.
Are there any discounts available?
The main discount is the commuter card: $72 USD for 12 trips versus $108 USD for 12 individual trips, saving $36 USD (33% discount). No other discounts are currently available.
International Falls Bridge vs. Other Border Crossings
| Bridge | Location | Toll Rate | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Falls Bridge | MN-ON | $9.00 USD | Private (Aazhogan LP) |
| Fargo-Moorhead Bridge | MN-ND | $0.75 USD | Private |
| Ambassador Bridge | Detroit-Windsor | $6.25 USD | Private |
| Most Canada-US Bridges | Various | $0.00-$5.00 | Government |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Minnesota Toll - Complete Minnesota toll information
- Fargo-Moorhead Bridge - Other Minnesota toll bridge
- Minnesota Express Lanes - Twin Cities express lanes
- Canada Toll - Canadian toll road information
- US-Canada Border Crossings - Other international crossings
Official Resources:
- Aazhogan LP (Bridge Owner): [email protected] or [email protected]
- US Customs and Border Protection: cbp.gov
- Canada Border Services Agency: cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
- International Falls Tourism: rainylake.org
- Fort Frances Tourism: fortfrances.com
Real-Time Information:
- US Border Wait Times: cbp.gov/travel/port-locations-and-hours
- Canada Border Wait Times: cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html
- Weather and Road Conditions: 511mn.org (Minnesota), 511on.ca (Ontario)
- Current bridge conditions: Contact bridge operator
Local Information:
- International Falls Chamber of Commerce: ifchamber.com
- Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce: fortfranceschamber.com
- Rainy Lake Visitors Bureau: rainylake.org
- Sunset Country (Northwestern Ontario): sunsetcountry.ca
