Answers to many frequently asked questions and topics regarding a visit to Niagara Falls.
US citizens do not require a tourist visa to visit Canada. Citizens of other countries can verify requirements.
Contact the Canadian Consulate in your country to obtain a tourist visa if necessary. For detailed information visit the Canadian Consul Website.
CROSSING THE BORDER TO USA
U.S. Citizens returning to the U.S. from Canada are required to provide a US passport, passport card or an enhanced drivers license at the inspection checkpoint. Enhanced licenses are available only for residents of NY, MI, MN, VT & WA. Citizens from Canada and other countries must provide a valid passport to enter the U.S.
CROSSING THE BORDER WITH CHILDREN Children under the age of 16 are not required to have passports. An original or certified copy of their birth certificate is required. If the children are not yours you must provide a notarized signed hand written note by both parents indicating how long the child will be in the country along with telephone numbers for the parents. A printed copy of the parents license or passport can be helpful. Visit the CBP website for US and the CBSA website in Canada for more information.
OFFICIAL BORDER AGENCIES
For info about entering the USA visit the CBP- Customs Border Protection.
For info about entering Canada visit CBSA –Canada Border Services Agency.
Criminal Offense? If you have ever been convicted of a criminal offense you may be denied entry to Canada or the US.
DECLARING PURCHASES – If you make purchases and travel between countries be sure to save your receipts. When crossing the international border you will be required to declare all purchases. Certain items may be taxable or you may qualify for tax refunds. There are duty free stores at the bridges in Canada and the USA .
INTERNATIONAL BRIDGES – Crossing the Rainbow Bridge by car usually takes less than five to ten minutes by the time you clear customs and border inspection. To expedite your crossing have your identification ready and let the agent do the talking. Remove sunglasses and put your phone away. Be polite and you will be on your way in seconds. You can expect one hour delays on holidays including Canada Day, Fourth of July and Labor day weekend. Credit Cards are now accepted at all bridges for paying tolls.
There are three International bridges between the U.S. and Canada within 6 mi /9.6 km of Niagara Falls.
500 yds / 457 m from the American Falls is the “Rainbow Bridge” which offers a spectacular view of Niagara Falls. There is no commercial traffic allowed. You can walk, bike or drive across.
1.8 mi / 2.9 km north of the Falls is the “Whirlpool Bridge”. Only NEXUS cardholders can use the Whirlpool bridge.
5.6 mi / 9 km north of the Falls is the “Lewiston-Queenston Bridge”. This bridge is for all types of vehicles. Bicycles are allowed but not recommended.
Bridge status traveling into Canada
Bridge status traveling into the U.S.
Official Niagara Falls Bridge Comission
PETS – For travelers visiting Niagara Falls with their pets. Dogs are welcome in the park areas as long as they are leashed and cleaned up after. If you plan on crossing the border with a pet you may be asked to provide a current vaccination certificate. Most hotels do not allow pets. If you are interested in bringing your pet into Canada please visit the official Canada Inspection page. If you are interested in bringing your pet into the United States please visit the United States Department of Agriculture’s website. Only official guide dogs are permitted on certain attractions (therapy pets are not included). For more specific pet friendly information visit the Niagara Falls NY State Park or the Niagara Parks of Canada website.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS – During the busier months of July and August, three popular attractions Boat Rides below the Falls, Cave of the Winds and Journey behind the Falls can have long waiting lines. The best time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon.
If you are visiting during the winter months all attractions are open with the exception of the Boat Rides below the Falls, Whirlpool Jetboat, Whirlpool Aero Car and the White Water Walk. Cave of the Winds is now open year round and Niagara Zipline operates on a limited basis.
CURRENCY – If you visit Niagara Falls try to purchase everything using your debit, credit, or charge cards. You will usually receive the best exchange rate from your bank. There are currency exchanges at the bridges & casinos. Most businesses will exchange cash for you but do not expect a good rate.
CRIME? – Niagara Falls has a very low crime rate. However do not leave valuables unattended in your hotel room or vehicle. If necessary check valuables with your hotels security. Leave nothing in plain view.
CROSSING BORDER WITH MEDICATIONS? – Bring prescription medications in their original container and confirm that it has not expired. Only bring with you what you need for your visit.
FIREARMS? – Any and all firearms must be declared when crossing the border. Any attempt to cross the border without declaring a firearm can result in stiff penalties and possible incarceration. Regulations for bringing firearms into Canada or the USA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What time of the year is Niagara Falls open ?
A: Niagara Falls is open 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
Q: Are the Falls turned off at night ?
A: No
Q: Is there a charge to view the Falls?
A: The parks are free and open to the public 365 days a year. There are fees for parking a vehicle just about everywhere near the parks. There are also fees for municipally operated “attractions” ie: cave of the winds, maid of the mist, journey behind the falls.
Q: What is the best time to visit Niagara Falls and what will the weather be like?
A: The best weather in Niagara Falls typically occurs from mid May until mid September. Our peak season for visitors is during the warmest months of July and August. The first few weeks of September are very nice if you want to avoid the crowds and still enjoy the warm temps. The first two weeks of October are the best for viewing our Fall foliage. Niagara Falls can be very spectacular even in Winter. For monthly average temperatures view the graph below. Bring appropriate clothing. Summer’s for shorts and t-shirts. During Spring and Fall the weather can go from sunny and warm to cold and wet in a very short time. A light parka is handy and be sure to bring your walking shoes!
Q: Where should I stay during my visit to Niagara Falls?
A: It’s best to stay as close to the Falls as possible. Parking is limited during peak season and getting around on foot or using the shuttle service is the best way to see the sites. View Niagara Falls Hotel Tips.
Q: Which Fallsview hotel has the best view of the Falls?
A: Please visit our “Fallsview Hotel” page for more information.
Q: I don’t have a passport or visa to visit Niagara Falls Canada should I still visit Niagara Falls in New York State?
A: Over eighty percent of visitors stay in Niagara Falls Canada yet you can still enjoy yourself on the New York side of the border. The “Cave of the Winds” is superior to Journey Behind the Falls yet Niagara Falls NY is an aging city with not a lot to do after the sun goes down. Niagara Falls Canada is the Miami Beach of Canada and is much more vibrant and crowded. Some say the view of Niagara Falls is much better from the Canadian side of the border but remember the boat rides offer the exact same view!
Q: How can I receive information about Niagara Falls by mail ?
A: Just visit this link.
Q: What time do the lights turn on at Niagara Falls?
A: You can view the schedule here.
Q: When are the fireworks displayed at Niagara Falls?
A: The Fireworks schedule varies throughout the year. Typically every evening during the summer months and certain holidays. Schedule.
Q: Which hotel has the best view for watching the fireworks?
A: Fallsview Hotel list right here.
Q: Are there boat rides available year round?
A: The boat rides below Niagara Falls typically operate from mid April until late October.
During the winter months the NY State Observation Tower elevators are closed but the observation deck is open.
Q: What is the best way to get to Niagara Falls ?
A: By commercial airline you have to fly into either Toronto, Ontario or Buffalo, New York.
Toronto’s airport “Pearson International” is 78 mi / 125 km from the Niagara Falls. (1 hour & 11 minutes). Typically it is a 90+ minute drive.
Buffalo’s Airport “Buffalo/Niagara International” is 25 mi / 41 km from the Rainbow Bridge (35 minute drive). Usually no traffic delays.
To get to Niagara Falls from the airport you can either rent a car, take a shuttle bus, or arrive by taxi. More information is available from our transportation. page.
Greyhound Bus Service and Amtrak (US) /VIA (Canada) train service is available directly to the cities of Niagara Falls.
Hotels do not provide courtesy shuttles to or from the airports.
Q: What is the best way to visit the Falls and see the attractions?
A: The best thing to do is map out your itinerary before you arrive. To walk from one side of the Canadian Falls to the other via the Rainbow Bridge is 4 km/2.5 miles (8km/5 miles roundtrip). If staying overnight find the proximity to the Falls and plan your activities from there. A typical visitor will take a boat ride below the Falls, view the Falls from Queen Victoria Park in Canada or the Niagara Falls State Park in the USA. In Canada you can easily walk from Table Rock visit Journey Behind the Falls and then walk to the Hornblower Niagara City Cruises docks. On the US side you can walk from the Falls Experience visitors center to Prospect Point and ride the Maid of the Mist and then walk to Goat Island for the Cave of the Winds, Terrapin Point and the Three Sisters Island.
The parks departments offer a transit system that stops at major attractions. The Niagara Falls Canada “WeGo” transits along the Niagara River from the Power Station to Queenston Heights Park with thirteen stops. In the US the Parks Trolley system runs a three mile circular route and has six stops.
Many options for Tours are available. Be sure to compare what is included with the tour including admissions to the attractions you will visit, taxes and gratuities. While tours tend to be more expensive they are very informative and will save you energy for evening activities.
Q: How far is the train station from the Falls itself ?
A: In Niagara Falls Ontario, the Via Rail station (4223 Bridge Street, tel:1-800-361-1235) is 1.6 mi/2.5 km from the Rainbow Bridge. In Niagara Falls NY the Amtrak train station (825 Depot Ave W) is 1.6 mi/4.5 km from the Rainbow Bridge.
Q: How far is the Bus terminal from the Falls.
A: In Niagara Falls NY, the Greyhound bus terminal (120 Old Main Street, Niagara Falls, NY) is .6 miles/1 km from the Rainbow Bridge. In Niagara Falls Ontario the GoTransit terminal (4555 Erie St. tel: 905-357-2133) is 1.6 mi/2.5 km from the Rainbow bridge.
Q: Where can I view a map of Niagara Falls ?
A: Visit our maps page.
Q: Where can I park my car when visiting Niagara Falls ?
A: Visit our Parking page for details.
Q: Is a US drivers license valid in Canada and vice versa?
A: Yes.
Q: Is automobile insurance valid while in Canada and vice versa?
A: In most cases yes including car rentals. You may want to verify this with your insurance company.
Q: Will my US cell phone work in Niagara Falls Canada and vice versa?
A: Most major carriers service works within about a mile of the border. If you place your phone in roam mode additional charges may be applied. Most carriers now offer discount options. Check with your carrier before you arrive.
Q: Do you arrange tours of the Falls?
A: You can reserve a tour by checking our “tours” page.
Q: Where can I exchange my currency ?
A: There are quite a few currency exchange locations in the area and on both sides of the Rainbow Bridge. The best way to pay for your visit is to place everything on credit cards and typically you’ll get the best exchange rate from your bank.
Q: I’ll be in New York City and would like to visit Niagara Falls. What are my options ?
A: New York City is 406 mi/653 km from Niagara Falls.
By car: It’s a 6.5 hour drive. The quickest route from NY City is to take interstate 80 west to 81 north to 90 west then 190 north to the Niagara Scenic Parkway.
By plane: It is a 45 minute flight. From JFK airport to Buffalo airport. It usually takes three to four hours including driving time to the falls. You can arrange for Buffalo Airport pickups through Buffalo Airport Taxi. It’s a 30 minute drive from the Buffalo airport to the Falls.
By Train: The train ride is great, much of the route follows the New York State Barge Canal and Hudson River. The trip takes nine hours and costs $55.00 each way. Usually four departures daily starting at 7:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. Amtrak offers service from Penn Station in Manhattan. Visit Amtrak’s website for more details.
Greyhound & FlixBus offers bus service to Niagara Falls. This route takes 9-11 hours and the fare is typically $69.00 each way. Many departure times are available but the ride is exceptionally long.
