Yes, for the vast majority of travelers in 2026, a valid passport is mandatory to cross the border between the U.S. and Canada at Niagara Falls, whether you are crossing the Rainbow Bridge, the Whirlpool Bridge, or the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge. For U.S. and Canadian citizens, an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or a NEXUS card is also accepted as a valid alternative for land crossings. However, a standard "Real ID" or a basic driver's license is not sufficient for international travel. If you are a citizen of a country that requires a visa for either the U.S. or Canada, you must have that visa in your passport before you attempt to cross. Children under the age of 16 who are U.S. or Canadian citizens can often cross by land using only an original birth certificate, but a passport is still strongly recommended for all travelers to avoid delays. Without the proper documentation, you will be denied entry by the border agents, and there are no exceptions for "just wanting to see the view" from the other side.