Niagara Falls?

[TwinMom7]

DH and I went for the first time about a year and a half ago. It was well worth waiting for. I did a lot of research before we went and we stayed on the Canadian side - at the Embassy Suites Fallsview. We splurged and did a weekend package - Junior Presidential Suite looking over the falls. The view was SPECTACULAR - ceiling to floor windows, a jacuzzi and a fireplace in our room.

We did Clifton Hill on one night and the casino on the second night. We also did the Imax Theater and that is not to be missed!

We did not need birth certificates - just our drivers licences, but I've read that is soon to change. I'll just tell you that it was harder to get into Canada than it was to get back into the U.S. - didn't even ask to see our drivers license.

 

[funhouse8]

as of Jan 1st. 2007 you will need a passport to enter canada.

 

[pigletof4]

DH and I went for the first time about a year and a half ago. It was well worth waiting for. I did a lot of research before we went and we stayed on the Canadian side - at the Embassy Suites Fallsview. We splurged and did a weekend package - Junior Presidential Suite looking over the falls. The view was SPECTACULAR - ceiling to floor windows, a jacuzzi and a fireplace in our room.

We did Clifton Hill on one night and the casino on the second night. We also did the Imax Theater and that is not to be missed!

We did not need birth certificates - just our drivers licences, but I've read that is soon to change. I'll just tell you that it was harder to get into Canada than it was to get back into the U.S. - didn't even ask to see our drivers license.

Just remember if you have children with you, you will need a birth certificate. My son was born a couple of months before 9/11 and we were just going to the falls for the day. We hadn't received his birth certificate yet so then they asked if I had any pictures of him which I didn't yet, but did have dd. They almost didn't let us cross the border because of this. Even now I carry birth certificates for dh and myself because we have been asked for them.

 

[TwinMom7]

I took our birth certificates because I had read that we would need them. All we were asked for was our drivers license. We were asked a few questions - the purpose of our trip, how long we planned to stay, etc. That was it. Coming back into the U.S., we weren't even asked for our drivers license. Go figure??!!

 

[Azure]

Well did you know that the Canadian side as it is being referred to as is not really called Niagara Falls? I think it's called Horseshoe Falls. Oh yes, if you do choose to go to the Canadian side please do take a ride down the Niagara Parkway. Niagara Falls is also close to Marineland which is a fun place... I think.

 

[LisaNJ25]

as of Jan 1st. 2007 you will need a passport to enter canada.

Do you think this will have a big effect at the tourism for Niagara falls?

 

[damo]

as of Jan 1st. 2007 you will need a passport to enter canada.

The latest from the U.S. Department of State is that the proposed implementation timeline is as follows:


December 31, 2006 – Passport required for all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
December 31, 2007 – Passport required for all land border crossings, as well as air and sea travel.

This is still just proposed and is to coincide with the U.S. regulations for passports entering the US.

What will hurt tourism more is the "U.S. government's decision to soon require that its citizens carry special identification cards to re-enter the country could cost Canada as much as $400 million a year in lost tourist dollars, a new study predicts." (from the Toronto Star)

 

[funhouse8]

Do you think this will have a big effect at the tourism for Niagara falls?

You bring up a good point.
I would think so, This is going to make it harder for tourists now that they will have to do alot of planning ahead. We are going on a cruise this DEc into Jan and will also need a passport for after new years to get off in those ports. This will probably hurt the cruise industry too.

But to get back to the ops thread, Yes, Your children will need their birth Cert. with the raised seal on it. They didn't want to see them going into canada but we had to show them leaving. I guess they thought I was picking up kids in Canada.

 

[threeboysmom]

We are traveling to NF in May 2006 - will we need a birth certificate for each of our sons at this time, or is that really in effect in 2007 when the passport requirement comes into play?

 

[damo]

Yes, you will need proof of citizenship. A birth certificate is good. You do not need photo id for children.

 

[SeeDisney]

Bumping this thread here.


We're planning on going to Niagra Falls during the second week in August. Can anyone recommend a good hotel for a family of 6?

I've read every post on this thread and it looks like Canada is the way to go. And the tourist spots too, like Ripely's and Lego --- How long should we stay for? One night or two?

Any great themed restaurants great for kids to recommend as well?

Thanks for your input..