Nestled in the northeast corner of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge offers visitors the chance to drive across the U.S.-Canada border.
The three-arch International Bridge represents Michigan’s northernmost border crossing among four statewide; the other three are in the Lower Peninsula, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation. The bridge crosses the St. Marys River at the northern tip of I-75, linking Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
“The International Bridge at Sault Ste. Marie is the only vehicular crossing between Ontario and Michigan within a 300-mile distance,” Pure Michigan notes. Vehicles otherwise must head northwest to Minnesota or southeast to Port Huron or Detroit.
Here’s what to know.
Which cities does the International Bridge connect?
The International Bridge over the St. Marys River links Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, in the U.S. and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, in Canada.
The steel truss bridge includes three arches, a double-arch span on the U.S. side and a single-arch span on the Canadian side, the Federal Bridge Corporation, which operates the bridge, says.
How long is the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge?
The International Bridge in Sault Ste. Marie is 2.8 miles long, according to the Lake Superior Circle Tour.
How much does it cost to cross the International Bridge in Sault Ste. Marie?
Drivers must pay a toll when crossing the International Bridge in Sault Ste. Marie, with cost varying by vehicle type.
Current toll rates include $4.40 for cars, light duty trucks and motorcycles, the bridge’s website says.
When did the International Bridge open?
Construction on the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge began on Sept. 16, 1960, according to the bridge’s website. The International Bridge opened Oct. 31, 1962.
How many travelers cross the bridge each year?
The International Bridge in Sault Ste. Marie reported more than 1.5 million vehicular border crossings in 2024 — a record, the Federal Bridge Corporation’s website says.
Does the bridge have live cams to watch?
The operator offers two perspectives of traffic on the bridge, one from the U.S. side and one from Canada.
What documents do you need to cross the International Bridge at Sault Ste. Marie?
You will need to present travel documents to cross the international border. Here are some acceptable options, the Sault Ste. Marie Visitors Bureau notes:
What are Michigan’s other international border crossings?
With much of Michigan bordering Canada, the state also features the following three border crossings:
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Northern Michigan features international border crossing. What to know
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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