How long is the wait at the Rainbow Bridge?
Depends on the day and time, but if you're crossing by car on a weekend or holiday, expect 45 minutes to 2 hours at peak times (like 10am-2pm or after 5pm). On a random Tuesday morning, it's often 10-15 minutes. For pedestrians, it's usually way faster—maybe 5-10 minutes unless there's a random spike. You can check live wait times on the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission website or app, but trust me, it's not always accurate.
If you're just going to the Falls themselves, don't bother crossing unless you have a specific reason (like cheaper hotels or better views from the Canadian side). The US side has perfectly good views and less hassle. For a quick walk-over to Canada for dinner or the casino, it's fine, but budget at least 30 minutes total for the round trip on foot. And bring your passport—they're strict.