We do not provide travel guides by postal mail. 

NIAGARA FALLS BORDER CROSSING INFORMATION 

PASSPORT INFORMATION & IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NIAGARA FALLS BORDER CROSSING.

U.S. CITIZENS RETURNING TO THE U.S. AFTER VISITING NIAGARA FALLS CANADA ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE A PASSPORT, PASSPORT CARD OR ENHANCED DRIVERS LICENSE AT THE IMMIGRATION CHECKPOINT. If you  are a U.S. citizen living in the U.S. and cross the border to Canada and attempt to re-enter the U.S. you will need one of the above listed forms of identification. Effective June 1st 2009.

For U.S. citizens needing information on obtaining travel documents: www.getyouhome.gov

For official US border crossing information visit this link. The previous link changes often, you may need to start your search here: www.cbp.gov 

For official Canadian crossing border info, visit  www.canadawelcomesyou.net 

If you are bringing children with you their original birth certificates or certified copies are required. If the children are not yours you must provide a signed hand written note by the parent indicating how long the child will be in the country you are visiting along with telephone numbers for the parents. You will be denied entry if you are lacking proper documentation. Family photos can help too.

If you make purchases and travel between Niagara Falls Ontario and New York be sure to save 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. Please visit the duty free stores located at the bridges between the U.S. and Canada for more information.

VISA INFORMATION

Persons wishing to travel to Canada whom are not U.S. citizens (ie: foreigner) may be required to get a tourist visa from the Canadian consulate in the country from which they are arriving from. YOU CANNOT OBTAIN A TOURIST VISA AT ANY OF THE BORDER CROSSINGS. When contacting the Consul, inform them that you wish to obtain a "temporary resident visa". As of April 1st 2011 the fee per person is $75 for a single entry visa, $150 for a multiple entry visa or $400 for a family (multiple or single entry). To contact the Canadian consulate in Buffalo call 716-858 9591 Fax: 716-852-2477. For online information visit the Canadian Consul Website 

INTERNATIONAL BRIDGES

Although border security has increased significantly crossing of either the Rainbow bridge or the Queenston/Lewiston Bridge is usually less than ten minutes. Expect one hour delays on holidays including Canada Day, Fourth of July and Labor day weekend.   

There are three International bridges between the U.S. and Canada within six miles of the Falls.

500 yards (457m) from the American Falls is the "Rainbow Bridge" which offers a spectacular view of the Falls. There is no commercial traffic allowed. You can walk, bike or drive across. 

1.8 miles (2.9 km) North is the "Whirlpool Bridge". Only NEXUS cardholders can use the Whirlpool bridge. 

5.6 miles (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 click here   

Bridge status traveling into the U.S. click here   

General Bridge information click here

When crossing the international border be sure to bring a valid passport. You may be denied entry if you are lacking proper documentation.

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 visiting during the winter months all attractions are open with the exception of the Maid of Mist, Whirlpool Jetboat and Cave of the winds.

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!

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. If you have a vehicle leave nothing in plain view.

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: What will the weather be like when I visit Niagara Falls ?

A: See the Weather History & Almanac from our weather link . 

Q: Is there a charge to see the Falls ?

A: The parks are free and open to the public 365 days a year. During the busier months of May through September there is a charge for parking your automobile, r/v etc. 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 of the year to visit Niagara Falls ?

A: The best weather occurs from mid May until mid September. The first two weeks of October is usually the best time for viewing our Fall foliage. Due to the "micro climate" within the Niagara Gorge leaves tend to peak during the third or fourth week of October. Niagara Falls can be very spectacular even during the Winter. Nowadays more and more people visit the Cataract City year round.

Q: Where should I stay during my visit to Niagara Falls?

A: We recommend you try and stay as close to the Falls as possible. Parking is limited during peak season and getting around on foot & using the shuttle service is the best way to get around and see the sites. We have a list of suggestions and tips here: 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 NY?

A: Even though over 90 percent of the visitors go to Niagara Falls Canada you can still enjoy yourself on the New York side of the border. There is a saying that in Canada you can see the Falls but in New York you can feel the Falls, referring to the "Cave of the Winds". Both sides have their pluses and minuses. Niagara Falls NY is an aging city with not a lot to do after the sun goes down. Niagara Falls Canada has a lot more to offer if staying for a more than a day.

Q: How can I receive information about Niagara Falls by mail ?

A: We do not provide any literature by postal mail. You can use this link to obtain a Niagara Falls travel guide in the mail.

Q: Are there boat rides available year round ?

A:  Maid of the Mist and the Whirlpool Jet boat operate from early May until late October.

*during the months of November-April, Maid of the Mist, Jetboat, Cave of the Winds are closed. All other attractions and businesses are open year round. 

** During the winter months the NY Observation tower's elevators are closed but the observation deck is open.**  

Q: What is the best way to get to Niagara Falls ?

A: By air, you have to fly into either Toronto, Ontario or Buffalo, New York. 

Toronto's airport "Pearson International" is 78 miles (125 kilometers) from the Rainbow Bridge (1 hour 14 minute drive)if traffic is not congested. You can double the drive time if caught in rush hour traffic.

Buffalo's Airport "Buffalo/Niagara International" is 25 miles (41 kilometers) from the Rainbow Bridge (35 minute drive). You will rarely encounter traffic congestion between the Buffalo Airport & the Falls.

To get to the 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 link".

Trailways Bus Service and Amtrak/VIA train service is available directly to cities of Niagara Falls. 

Hotels do not provide courtesy shuttles to or from the airports.

Q: How long will it take to cross the bridge and clear customs?

A: Provided it is not a major holiday, you can normally get through inspections in less than ten minutes. Expect a ten to twenty minute wait on Fridays and Saturdays during the late afternoon and early evening going to Canada. Sunday mornings there are delays going in to the US and in the evening going back to Canada. Expect delays of thirty minutes or more on Memorial Day, Canada Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.

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 Horseshoe Falls to the other via the Rainbow Bridge is 4 km/2.5 miles (8km/5 miles roundtrip) and that is a long walk! First you need to figure out how you will get to the general area of the falls itself. If you are staying at a local hotel find out the proximity to the Falls and plan your activities from there. A typical tourist will visit the maid of the mist boat ride, view the Falls from either Queen Victoria Park in Canada or the Niagara Reservation Park in the USA (or both). In Canada you can easily walk from Table Rock visit Journey Behind the Falls and then walk to the Maid of the Mist docks. On the US side you can walk from the visitors center to Prospect Point and catch the Maid of the Mist and then walk to Goat Island for the Cave of the Winds, Terrapin Point and the Three Sisters Island.

Both the Niagara Falls U.S.A and Niagara Falls Canada Parks departments offer a transit system which stops at the major attractions in their respective countries. The Niagara Falls Canada "people mover" transits along the Niagara River from Table Rock to Queenston Heights Park with thirteen different stops. To preview it's route visit this link: www.niagaraparks.com. In the US the Parks Trolley system runs a three mile circular route and has six stops. For rates and info visit this link: www.niagarafallsstatepark.com.  

Tour companies are abound in Niagara Falls. Be sure to compare what is included with the tour including admissions to the attractions you will visit. While tours tend to be more expensive, they can take a lot of hassle out of walking everywhere and at the end of the day you are still left with plenty of energy for the evening.

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 miles (2.5 km) from the Rainbow Bridge. In Niagara Falls NY the Amtrak train station (27th Street & Lockport Road tel: 716-285-4224) is 2.8 miles (4.5 km) from the Rainbow Bridge. ($10.00 cab fare)

Q: How far is the Bus terminal from the Falls.

A: In Niagara Falls NY, the Trailways® bus terminal (303 Rainbow Blvd. tel: 800-776-7548) is .6 miles (1 km) from the Rainbow Bridge. In Niagara Falls Ontario the terminal (4555 Erie St. tel: 905-357-2133) is 1.6 miles (2.5 km) from the Rainbow bridge.

Q: Where can I obtain driving directions and a map of Niagara Falls ?

A: Visit our maps & info page.

Q: Where can I park my car when visiting Niagara Falls ?

A: If you are visiting just for the day there are municipally operated parking lots which charge a fee. In Niagara Falls New York you can park at the Niagara Reservation State Park near the Rainbow Bridge or on Goat Island. In Niagara Falls Canada there are parking lots near the "Table Rock House" adjacent to the Horseshoe Falls. When the lots fill up there is a shuttle service to satellite parking. If you are spending the night all hotels offer parking and there is almost always a fee. You can get discounted parking at the Fallsview Casino if  you obtain a "frequent player card" which involves filling out a form to receive newsletters and other promotional information.

Q: Is my US drivers license valid in Canada and vice versa?

A: Yes.

Q: Is my automobile insurance valid while in Canada?

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 (Verizon, AT&T, Rogers) service will work within about a mile of the international border. If you need to place your phone in roam mode additional charges are incurred. Usually $1.00 per minute.

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 always at both sides of the Rainbow Bridge. The best way to pay for your visit is to place everything on credit cards, 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 miles or 653 kilometers 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 Robert Moses Parkway.

By plane: It is a 45 minute flight. From airport to airport it will usually take three to four hours including driving time to the falls. You can arrange for Buffalo Airport pickups and tours at niagaramajestic or taxi service 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 $78.00 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.  

By Bus: Greyhound offers bus service to Niagara Falls. This route takes  9-11 hours and the fare is roughly $55.00 one way or $105.00 round trip. Many departure times are available but the ride is exceptionally long.