How do you get to Niagra Falls Canada?

[HappyLawyer]

I live in illinois, i am planning a weekend trip, i have no idea how to get to the falls in canada, someone told me to fly into buffalo then take a cab it is like 50 bucks, is this true or not, also do i need to convert money or do they take us dollars?

Any help is appreciated.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

If you're going to fly, then yes, fly into Buffalo. If you can drive, rent a car once you get there and drive the rest of the way. (45 minutes) You'd drive to Niagara Falls, New York and then over one of the bridges to Niagara Falls, Ontario. Proof of citizenship is required; passport is best although not required if you're driving.

You don't need to convert money; merchants in that area will accept U.S. dollars although your change will likely be in Canadian dollars. Use credit cards for larger purchases, restaurants and hotels to get the best exchange rates as your credit card will convert it for you on your bill.

BobK/Orlando

 

[HappyLawyer]

If you're going to fly, then yes, fly into Buffalo. If you can drive, rent a car once you get there and drive the rest of the way. (45 minutes) You'd drive to Niagara Falls, New York and then over one of the bridges to Niagara Falls, Ontario. Proof of citizenship is required; passport is best although not required if you're driving.

You don't need to convert money; merchants in that area will accept U.S. dollars although your change will likely be in Canadian dollars. Use credit cards for larger purchases, restaurants and hotels to get the best exchange rates as your credit card will convert it for you on your bill.

BobK/Orlando

thanks, not sure i am confy with driving in ny i only drive in fl, but they told me the cab should be no more then 50 bucks

 

[Tess'smom]

I am originally from that area. I wouldn't recommend taking a cab from the airport. It can sometimes take quite a bit of time to get over the Peace Bridge depending on the time of day. I always drive over the Rainbow Bridge instead. Driving and traffic in Buffalo is not very bad at all. You may want to cosider a bus tour into Niagra Falls. There are quite a few bus tour companies up there to visit the Falls. I am not sure if they pick up at the airport though. If you get a bus tour, you would be able to hit all of the highlights that a taxi driver couldn't give you. The Canadian side of the Falls is sooooo much prettier than the American side. If you have the time, check out the Maid of the Mist Boat ride, the Butterfly conservetory, the whirlpool, the Caverns down the side of the Falls. Have a good trip.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

It's your call as to whether you're comfortable driving there or not, but keep in mind this is UPSTATE New York, not NEW YORK CITY. It's no harder than driving in Florida and it's all interstate highway from Buffalo's Airport to the city of Niagara Falls, NY.....and then a city highway directly to the Rainbow Bridge over the river and into Canada.

BobK/Orlando

 

[CleveRocks]

I agree with King Bob. Don't be put off with the idea of "driving in NY." NYC can be intimidating to drive in for some country mice, but New York State is largely rural, and Buffalo isn't exactly a scary metropolis.

I also agree with the person who said go to the Canadian side rather than staying in Niagara Falls, NY. The Canadian side is just much nicer and prettier. Well, still tacky-and-tasteless-and-fun as far as the tourist district goes, but much nicer than the American side.

A also recommend riding on a Maid of the Mist boat -- it's one of the ultimate touristy experiences. So is the walking tour of the caverns under/behind the falls -- you get some truly breath-taking, mind-blowing views of the falls.

If you're in the mood for some extra tourism, consider flying into Toronto instead. Toronto is a world class city. I was only there once for a long weekend, but it struck me as "New York City only cleaner and safer." You could rent a car there, and it's about an 80 mile drive to Niagara Falls, ON. It's an easy, pleasant drive.

 

[HappyLawyer]

I agree with King Bob. Don't be put off with the idea of "driving in NY." NYC can be intimidating to drive in for some country mice, but New York State is largely rural, and Buffalo isn't exactly a scary metropolis.

I also agree with the person who said go to the Canadian side rather than staying in Niagara Falls, NY. The Canadian side is just much nicer and prettier. Well, still tacky-and-tasteless-and-fun as far as the tourist district goes, but much nicer than the American side.

A also recommend riding on a Maid of the Mist boat -- it's one of the ultimate touristy experiences. So is the walking tour of the caverns under/behind the falls -- you get some truly breath-taking, mind-blowing views of the falls.

If you're in the mood for some extra tourism, consider flying into Toronto instead. Toronto is a world class city. I was only there once for a long weekend, but it struck me as "New York City only cleaner and safer." You could rent a car there, and it's about an 80 mile drive to Niagara Falls, ON. It's an easy, pleasant drive.

ok, i decided to rent a car and drive, we are staying in the Canada Area i just hope it is easy to get to from the airport.

 

[ducklite]

Just be sure that they are aware that you are taking the car into Canada when you rent it--some places will expressly forbid it.

Anne

 

[neonurse]

I grew up in Niagara Falls Canada and fly out of buffalo for all of our trips. The drive is easy if you go on mapquest and get directions to the Peace Bridge. Once on the canadian side you just follow the signs on the highway (QEW). You just need to know what cut off to take to get to your hotel. If you need more help I would be happy to assist. Just let me know the hotel you are staying at so that I can give you the proper direction.

Friendly Canadian

 

[ktglads]

Buffalo "traffic" is nothing most times this means that the speed goes down to 50 instead of the normal 55+.

Really, from the airport, it would take you about 25 minutes to get to the Rainbow Bridge. This one would allow you to either cross into Canada by car or walking. Depending on what you want to do, I would say walk and save yourself the time crossing through customs. You would still need a passport/birth certificate or be prepared for some extra questioning if you just have a photo id since "a driver's license does not prove you are a citizen"

 

[Hannathy]

Don't forget but around January 20 something you will need a passport to go between the countries. I don't think they extended it again.

 

[FormrCastMbr]

I don't have much to add but we loved NFs! We stayed at the Embassy Suites...in a falls view room...the view was amazing! Won't stay anywhere else !

Have fun!

 

[ktglads]

Since you are staying in Canada, there would be a little more to know. Find out which bridge your hotel is closest to. There are 3 that you can use. The Peace Bridge is closest to downtown Buffalo and will bring you into Fort Erie, with the slots and the racetrack. The Lewiston bridge is in the middle and generally used by trucks, so the line can get long there (and there always seems to be construction there). The Rainbow Bridge is in Niagara Falls, NY and Canada. This is the one that will allow you to see the falls while crossing. This is the tourist area where the casinos and attractions are.

You can also look into Niagara on the Lake and the different winery tours that are available there if you don't want to stay in NF

 

[SoarinJ]

Don't forget but around January 20 something you will need a passport to go between the countries. I don't think they extended it again.

Actually, that is not true. The proposed changes between US-Canada have been delayed. You will need proof of citizenship (passport OR goverment id with a birth certificate).

IF you do rent a car, be clear with both the rental agency and your insuance company that you will be able to drive into Canada.

As far as driving to Niagara Falls, it is quite easy from the Buffalo Airport. PM me and I am happy to provide driving directions.

 

[HappyLawyer]

thanks everyone, i checked with alamo and they have no problem with driving into canada, i have decided on the deluxe 2 bedroom suite falls view at the mariott
i am excited just need to get air to buffalo, good rates but my dates are not open yet

 

[CleveRocks]

Don't forget but around January 20 something you will need a passport to go between the countries. I don't think they extended it again.

That is for air and sea travel, not for land crossings.

 

[2Princes2Princesses]

I live in the Buffalo area and driving here is NOTHING like driving in FL, so relax. The route from the airport to the Peace Bridge or Rainbow Bridge is all highway...you can literally get on the thruway (what we call our expressways here in Buffalo) straight out of the airport.

The thruway exit for the Peace Bridge puts you right on the bridge. If you drive into NF, NY, you make a left off the exit and you are headed right for the Rainbow Bridge.

I love the Falls. When I need a break from stress, I go to Goat Island and take in the Bridal Veil falls for an hour or so. Makes me feel small compared to the grand scheme of things, and whatever had me all stressed just doesn't seem so important.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

It's much cheaper to fly into Buffalo than into Toronto because it's a domestic flight. Flying to Canada adds $$ in international taxes plus the Canadian GST. And Buffalo is closer to Niagara Falls. But if you''re looking for a day trip, do drive over to Toronto (via the QEW EXpressway) as it is a world-class city.

No passport for driving to/from Canada yet. But proof of U.S. citizenship is required as before.

Alamo will give you a basic map which is sufficient to get you to Niagara Falls. Out of the airport it's all interstate highway, basically I-90 west to I-290 beltway around the north part of the metro area and then I-190 north. There are some tolls so if you're from Illinois and have I-PASS, bring it along because you can use it in New York's EZ-PASS lanes. If you're from Florida and have SUNPASS, don't bring it as it would not work there.

Before you go, call 1-800-BUFFALO and 1-800-ONTARIO and ask for tourism information to be mailed to you.

Your U.S. personal auto insurance is valid in Canada. Your liability insurance would apply to the rental car as would your collision/comp insurance.

BobK/Orlando

 

[HappyLawyer]

It's much cheaper to fly into Buffalo than into Toronto because it's a domestic flight. Flying to Canada adds $$ in international taxes plus the Canadian GST. And Buffalo is closer to Niagara Falls. But if you''re looking for a day trip, do drive over to Toronto (via the QEW EXpressway) as it is a world-class city.

No passport for driving to/from Canada yet. But proof of U.S. citizenship is required as before.

Alamo will give you a basic map which is sufficient to get you to Niagara Falls. Out of the airport it's all interstate highway, basically I-90 west to I-290 beltway around the north part of the metro area and then I-190 north. There are some tolls so if you're from Illinois and have I-PASS, bring it along because you can use it in New York's EZ-PASS lanes. If you're from Florida and have SUNPASS, don't bring it as it would not work there.

Before you go, call 1-800-BUFFALO and 1-800-ONTARIO and ask for tourism information to be mailed to you.

Your U.S. personal auto insurance is valid in Canada. Your liability insurance would apply to the rental car as would your collision/comp insurance.

BobK/Orlando

thanks for all the info and i will bring my ipass

 

[anniem923]

Hi HappyLawyer,
Just to reassure you about the driving...my family and I went to NF a few years ago and I had absolutely no problem with the driving and I had never been there before. We live about 2 1/2 hours South of the Falls. It is very easy to get around on the Canadian side and it is a great place to go! Arriving via the Rainbow Bridge puts you right in the middle of all the action and a Fallsview room is the best. You won't be able to stop yourself from watching the Falls, its breathtaking! Try the major attractions over there. The trip under the Falls and the Maid of the Mist are really fun as well as the butterfly sanctuary. If you like historical stuff, Fort Niagara is not too far away and it is a neat place to go to see some of the past. There is an IMAX theater in the tourist district that had a good movie about the Falls if you need to get out of the weather.
Have a great trip!
Anne