Niagara Falls....

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Documentation requirements for entry into Canada can be found here:

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/security-securite/admiss-eng.html

"Non-Canadians:

When you enter Canada, a CBSA officer may ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if one is necessary. If you are a citizen of the United States, you do not need a passport to enter Canada. However, you should carry proof of your citizenship, such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, as well as photo identification. If you are a permanent resident of Canada or the U.S, you should bring your Permanent Resident Card with you."

If you have passports, I would bring them as well.

 

[kydisneyfans]

Documentation requirements for entry into Canada can be found here:

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/security-securite/admiss-eng.html

"Non-Canadians:

When you enter Canada, a CBSA officer may ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if one is necessary. If you are a citizen of the United States, you do not need a passport to enter Canada. However, you should carry proof of your citizenship, such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, as well as photo identification. If you are a permanent resident of Canada or the U.S, you should bring your Permanent Resident Card with you."

If you have passports, I would bring them as well.

You do not need one to get into Canada, but you must have one to get back into the US. The Enhanced license is for 4 states only.

 

[clori]

We have passports but the kids expired this spring. We just renewed them but if they don't come in time it looks like kids under 16 are okay with just birth certificates.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1082.html

 

[loveysbydesign]

You do not need one to get into Canada, but you must have one to get back into the US. The Enhanced license is for 4 states only.

THIS!!!!!!!!!!!
If you do not live in one of the 4 states that has the enhanced d.l. as an adult you MUST have a passport to get back into the USA!

 

[snowy76]

THIS!!!!!!!!!!!
If you do not live in one of the 4 states that has the enhanced d.l. as an adult you MUST have a passport to get back into the USA!

As these PP said, what you need to get into Canada, and what you need to get back OUT, are two different things.

The OP needs a passport OR a passport card (cheaper than a passport and only for travel within North America - like a regular passport, the State Department issues them).

HOWEVER, children under 16 traveling to Canada only need a birth certificate as long as mom or dad are carrying a passport/passport card.

 

[snowy76]

after staying in Niagra Falls for 3 nights we are heading to visit friends in Dunkirk! Any suggestions for that area with 2 boys?

thanks

Dunkirk is between Buffalo and Jamestown This might give you some ideas.

http://www.tourchautauqua.com/

You're still within an hour of Buffalo, though - you could easily drive up there for more sightseeing.

 

[mrsklamc]

If you are staying on the US side exclusively, you may want to check into this pass:

http://flash.destinationcinema.com/niagarausa/discoverypass.html

All attractions are worth doing except for the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center (its a "skip it" in this family's opinion).

Someone told me the aquarium was a skip as well. You disagree?

And are the views REALLY that much worse from the US side? Even if we do the Maid of the Mist? Like PP, I'm hesitant to purchase passports not knowing when they might be used again.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Someone told me the aquarium was a skip as well. You disagree?

And are the views REALLY that much worse from the US side? Even if we do the Maid of the Mist? Like PP, I'm hesitant to purchase passports not knowing when they might be used again.

The aquarium was "okay". Nothing spectacular, but not terrible either. You will maybe spend an hour or so here but that's likely it. Kind of dark, rather old, but they have a few interesting exhibits and a small marine animal show. If you get the Niagara State Park pass that includes admission, I would say go....after all, you have paid for admission .

If you don't have a passport and don't want to purchase one, you can have a very good time on the US side alone. lol, you won't miss what you don't see! The Observation Tower offers some good views if you don't choose to cross the border. You can definitely do the US side all in one day, though. On the Canadian side, you could spend much more time and see better quality attractions overall.

Must do's on the US side: Cave of the Winds, Maid of the Mist, and (if the budget allows) the Whirlpool Jet Boats. And of course, the Observation Tower.

 

[snowy76]

Someone told me the aquarium was a skip as well. You disagree?

And are the views REALLY that much worse from the US side? Even if we do the Maid of the Mist? Like PP, I'm hesitant to purchase passports not knowing when they might be used again.

We've done the MoM from the US side and it was great.

As far as views from land, though, keep in mind that on the US side, you're basically at the top of the falls at the place where the drop happens. So, no, you really don't get to see the falls unless you go out to the observation tower or do the MoM.

That being said, the view from the US is very cool in the respect that you can walk almost right up to the brink of the falls. The river is moving tremendously fast.

 

[Dancemomof3]

after staying in Niagra Falls for 3 nights we are heading to visit friends in Dunkirk! Any suggestions for that area with 2 boys?

thanks

I'm not sure I'm quoting this right, this is my first post ever. Dunkirk is about 30-45 mins from Randolph New York also. If you are interested in that sort of thing we have a very well established Amish trail. Most of the local businesses have maps of the trail. Keep in mind, these are the Old Order Amish, they are not quite as "advanced" as Amish in Lancaster County Pa. so it is truly a culture shock if yu're not used to seeing it. It's a lovely little drive, a very picturesque area (the Enchanted Mountains of Cattataraugus County) and the people (Amish and "English" alike) can't be beat.

 

[SenecaWolf]

Now I am wondering if I need to worry about the cell phones? Does that count as international? Off to check what my plan covers.

Yep it is international. I live across the lake from Canada in Angola and when I go to the beach clubs I pick up Rogers and Telus signals. I didnt pay attention to my phones alerts and was texting alot and realized the charges when my bill came in. Niagara Falls is close enough to the border that you should be able to pick up the american towers ok, just make sure you watch if you get alerts about being out of network.

Someone told me the aquarium was a skip as well. You disagree?

And are the views REALLY that much worse from the US side? Even if we do the Maid of the Mist? Like PP, I'm hesitant to purchase passports not knowing when they might be used again.

It's an ok thing to see, but I wouldnt go out my way for the Aquarium. Keep expectations low.

As for the Dunkirk area, I live 20 minutes from there and while there isn't a lot to do in the actual city, there are some really nice things to see around the area if you take a short drive. The Amish country is nice and there are many roadside stands selling goods, just realize that most of them are only open on Friday and Saturday and never on Sunday.

 

[RadioMom]

There are lots of things to do in Niagara that don't have to break the bank! We've got dozens of times and always have fun without spending a boatload of cash.
Take a picnic down to Dufferin Islands. It's an awesome little spot that's just down the road from the falls. It's free. You can go fishing, feed the birds and fish and hike around the waterways.
The Floral Clock is neat as is the park that's attached, also free.
The Brock Monument and park is free.
Walking along the falls and down onto Table Rock is free.
The best way to see some terrific attractions for low cost is buying a Parks pass for the attractions that interest you. Our favourites are the Butterfly Museum, Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara's Fury. The river walk is okay, but a lot of stairs.
Don't eat on Clifton Hill or anywhere around the falls as it will be costly. Head off the beaten path for great food.

 

[elaine amj]

Thanks everyone for the many tips.
From what I understand, you don't need a passport if you are travelling to Canada by land. If you don't have a passport, you will have to fly into Buffalo and take a car (bus or train too maybe?) to cross into Canada.

Be careful you have the right documentation Adults must have a passport or passport card or enhanced driver's licenses. Kids under 16 are ok with birth certificates. Native Americans only need their tribal documents.

A passport card is a nice alternative if you plan to drive, not fly. It is also valid for 10 yrs, just like a passport. Its only $55 - works well for everyone not living in the 4 states who are eligible for enhanced driver's licenses.

 

[crz4mm2]

GREAT info. We are heading that way in Aug (Canadian side).

 

[MapleGirl]

We are planning our first trip to Niagara for October. We'll be going for 3 nights and plan on staying on the Canadian side. I found this website that give hotel recommendations. I'm looking for an upscale hotel with a view of the falls. It will be just DH and I. I'm looking at the Sheraton. Any recommendations on where to find the cheapest rate or any other hotels I should consider?

The activities that interest us are:
Aviary
Caves
Maid of the Mist
Casino
Water park
Skywheel
and maybe the Journey behind the Falls and power plant

We will be driving so we'll have a car. Do the hotels charge parking? How can I get a discount for the casino buffet? I've heard it is quite good.

Thanks!

 

[lizabu]

We are planning our first trip to Niagara for October. We'll be going for 3 nights and plan on staying on the Canadian side. I found this website that give hotel recommendations. I'm looking for an upscale hotel with a view of the falls. It will be just DH and I. I'm looking at the Sheraton. Any recommendations on where to find the cheapest rate or any other hotels I should consider?

The activities that interest us are:
Aviary
Caves
Maid of the Mist
Casino
Water park
Skywheel
and maybe the Journey behind the Falls and power plant

We will be driving so we'll have a car. Do the hotels charge parking? How can I get a discount for the casino buffet? I've heard it is quite good.

Thanks!

Pretty much every hotel will charge for parking in that area. I would pick the Four Points by Sheraton over the Sheraton on the Falls as its newer. My BIL stayed at the Sheraton recently and they said there was a damp smell in their room.

An Adventure pass will include the Maid of the Mist and the Journey behind the Falls and just those 2 attractions will cost $35 when purchased seperately. The adventure pass is $45 and will also include Niagara Fury and White Water walk.

My SIL belongs to the Players Advantage Club and she's always getting free rooms and free meals at the casino. I don't gamble but if you do definitely sign up.

ETA- I just remembered Team Buy has a Four Points offer up right now http://www.teambuy.ca/york_region/28138241

 

[Sabrefan]

Check out the buffet at the Seneca Niagara Casino. We take our kids there and they love it! Not cheap but good food! They also have a hotel if you're interested. The players card is free and will save you a couple bucks off each plate at the casino.

 

[daystar91]

I'm originally from Niagara Falls Canada...I still go back for often visits with the family...
The hotels i would suggests..
The Best Western Cairn Croft, on Lundy's Lane
The Great Wolf Lodge---Indoor waterpark, very clean
Fallsview Hilton
Americana Resort--Indoor waterpark

Places to go...
MarineLand
Bird Kingdom
Clifton Hill, has tons of museums, arcades..(expensive but you can buy packages that will be cheaper)
Maid of the Mist
Skyline Tower
Butterfly Conservatory

Places to eat...
Mandrin...My kids favorite, tons for everyone..Buffet Style..
Flying Saucer---Lundy's Lane
Nick & Angelo's--Lundy's Lane
Rain Forest Cafe--Clifton Hill
Boston Pizza--Clifton Hill

I usually go to the information booth for tourist to see if there is any coupons for anything...If you eat on the Hill it is more expensive then anywhere else unless your eating at the Mandrin...The Mandrin is in the back of Niagara Square Mall..

 

[Escape Artist]

We are going in a couple weeks, and I too did not think about the money. We usually credit card everything, thinking this should not be a problem, right? It would make it easier not having to exchange any money.

We did that at Niagara Falls last year, and got hit with big fees from the cc company on our next bill. Apparently they'd changed their policy (and I didn't read it in the fine print stuff they mail out), so I had to pay it.

I'd check with your cc company ahead of time to make sure there are no foreign exchange charges on your card.

Sue in Texas

 

[sixkristy6]

My DH proposed in NF (Ontario), and I love NF. The jet boats are amazing! They are not inexpensive but a fabulous time. If you go to NY I recommend crossing at the Rainbow Bridge, especially if you plan on going to Goat Island, Cave of the Winds. I love Niagara Falls State Park and Goat Island. We go there once a year. It is fun to walk near the rapids (do not go in the water! It is common sense but people do it all the time).

If you want to save money, stay away from chain food (Denny's, the place on Clifton Hill at the top....I forgot the name, Boston Pizza).

I have never had good breakfast food in NF Ontario. DH and I stayed up there a few times a year before we had DD to get away for a day or two. The only place where we had a good meal, was at the nicer hotels (Mariott, Sheraton). I would recommend bringing your own snacks.

My favorite restaurant is http://anticapizzeria.ca/ It is on Victoria Ave. The prices are excellent, and the food is amazing! They bake it in a wood oven and it is so good!!