Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls Border Crossing Information: 


IDENTIFICATION
When crossing the international border be sure to bring either a birth certificate or valid passport in addition to your drivers license. If you are bringing children with you, birth certificates are still 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 parent as well. You may 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 may be required to get a "tourist visa" from the Canadian consulate in the country from which they are arriving from. If you are in the USA on a visa and wish to visit Canada while in New York there is a Canadian consulate located in Buffalo New York. 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 August 2003 the cost was $150.00. To contact the Canadian consulate in Buffalo call 716-858 9591 Fax: 716-852-2477
MAILING ADDRESS:
Canadian Consulate General
Immigration Regional Programme Centre
3000 HSBC Center
Buffalo, New York 14203-2884 U.S.A.
For more information visit this link: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/index.html
International Bridges:
Although border security has increased significantly, crossing of either the Rainbow bridge or the Queenston/Lewiston Bridge are back to usual transit times. Expect delays on holidays, especially 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 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 North is the "Whirlpool Bridge". Currently (April 2004), you cannot cross from the U.S. into Canada unless you are a non-resident. Traffic has been suspended from Canada into the U.S. until the new NEXUS plan is implemented. 
5.6 miles 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 either a birth certificate or valid passport in addition to your drivers license. You may be denied entry if you are lacking proper documentation.
Recent road name changes:
In Niagara Falls Ontario, Oakes Drive and Buchanan Avenue South of Ferry Street have been combined into "Fallsview Boulevard". 
In Niagara Falls New York "Quay Street" has been changed to "John B Daly Boulevard".  
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 your pet, you may be asked to provide a current vaccination certificate. Most hotels do not allow pets.

 Niagara Weather

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average temp. (°F)

24.2

25.3

33.8

45.1

57.1

65.8

71.3

69.5

61.7

50.1

39.9

29.7

High temperature (°F)

31.5

33.1

42.5

54.9

68.5

76.3

81.7

79.7

71.9

59.7

47.4

36.6

Low temperature (°F)

16.8

17.4

25.1

35.1

45.6

55.2

60.9

59.4

51.3

40.5

32.2

22.7

Precipitation (in)

2.6

2.3

2.7

2.5

3.0

3.4

2.7

3.1

3.6

2.7

3.1

3.0

During the busier months of July and August, two popular attractions- Cave of the Winds and Journey behind the Falls can have long waiting lines. Best time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon. 
Bring appropriate clothing, Summer's for shorts and t-shirts. But during Spring & Fall the weather can go from sunny and warm to cold and wet in a very short time. A light parka is handy. Be sure to bring your walking shoes !
If you visit Niagara Falls from a foreign country (ie: your from the U.S. traveling to Canada) , try to purchase everything using your debit, credit, or charge cards. You will usually receive the best exchange rate from your bank. If you need to exchange currency in Niagara Falls Ontario, Casino Niagara gives the best exchange rate (But don't lose it all there!). There are also currency exchanges at the bridges & banks. Most businesses will exchange cash for you but do not expect a good rate.  
Niagara Falls has an extremely low crime rate. However DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES unattended either in your hotel room or vehicle. If necessary check valuables with your hotels security. If you have a vehicle, leave nothing in plain view. Don't make yourself a target for crime, It will ruin your vacation.
When driving to Niagara Falls via Robert Moses Parkway (exit 21 from I-190) in New York, be sure to reduce your speed to 35 mph when approaching the Park. If you don't, your friendly New York State Parks Police are there 95% of the time to give you a speeding ticket!