Plan Your Trip to Niagara Falls: Best of Niagara Falls Tourism
Niagara Falls, Canada
Essential Niagara Falls
Things to do
Food & drink
Niagara Falls Is Great For
Wine Tastings
Bars
Beer & Brewery Tours
Local eats
Half-day Tours
Bus Tours
Niagara Falls travel advice
Hotel Options
According to forum posts, popular hotels with good views in Niagara Falls include the Fallsview Casino Resort, Hilton Niagara, and Marriott Fallsview. These hotels are frequently recommended for their excellent views and proximity to local attractions.
Price Considerations
For many users, the cost of rooms with a view at these hotels can be significantly higher than rooms without views. The Sheraton Fallsview Hotel and Sterling Inn & Spa are noted for offering good value when sorted by traveler rankings on a travel website.
Alternative Accommodations
Some travelers said that for those not prioritizing a falls view, the Quality Fallsview Cascade is a favored choice due to its inclusion of breakfast and parking and its proximity to local attractions.
Location Advantages
Travelers have called out that staying close to Clifton Hill and Queen Victoria Park is ideal for walking access to attractions and dining, with the Sheraton Fallsview providing prime access to these areas.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Attractions at Niagara Falls
According to forum posts, must-do activities at Niagara Falls include the Hornblower Cruise, Journey Behind the Falls, and the Whirlpool Aero Car. The Butterfly Conservatory and Bird Kingdom are popular for those interested in wildlife and nature.
Adventure and Exploration
Some travelers suggested adventurous activities like the Mistrider Zipline, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, and the Wildplay Zipline. For those seeking a scenic experience, taking a ride up the Skylon Tower for panoramic views or the Whirlpool Aero Car over the rapids is recommended.
Cultural and Historical Sites
Travelers have called out the importance of visiting historical sites such as Fort George, the Niagara Power Station, and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum. These sites offer insights into local history and culture.
Family-Friendly Activities
For families, visiting Clifton Hill, which offers a range of amusement-style attractions, and engaging in interactive experiences at the Niagara Falls History Museum are highly recommended. The area also hosts the Winter Festival of Lights during the colder months, providing a festive atmosphere.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?View-Based Dining
Some travelers recommended dining at restaurants with views of the Falls, such as The Keg at Embassy Suites, which offers panoramic views, and the Table Rock House Restaurant, located right at the brink of the Horseshoe Falls. These locations are praised for both their food and exceptional views.
Casual Dining
For more casual dining options, forum users suggested places like Zappis for good pizza and Doc Magilligans Restaurant & Irish Pub on Lundys Lane for a traditional pub experience. These spots are favored by locals and are away from the more tourist-heavy areas, offering a more relaxed dining atmosphere.
Kid-Friendly Dining
Families with children might consider the Rainforest Cafe, Flying Saucer, or Boston Pizza, which are noted for being kid-friendly. These venues provide a comfortable setting for families looking to enjoy a meal together.
Local Cuisine
Travelers looking for local Canadian dishes have options like poutine and butter tarts available in various eateries throughout Niagara Falls, with Smokes Poutinerie being a specific mention for trying authentic Canadian poutine.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?General Transportation Options
Travelers have mentioned various transportation options to Niagara Falls from different locations. From downtown Toronto, options include Via Rail, Go Transit, Greyhound, and Megabus. From Buffalo Airport, suggested methods include renting a car, using Buffalo Airport Taxi, or taking a cab/Uber to the Rainbow Bridge and then walking across.
Cross-Border Travel
For cross-border travel from the USA to Canada, forum posts suggest taking a taxi or Uber to the Rainbow Bridge, walking across, and then continuing by taxi or Uber on the Canadian side. There are no direct bus or train services that cross the border at Niagara Falls.
Visa and Documentation
According to forum posts, non-US or Canadian citizens, such as those from New Zealand, need to obtain an I-94W Visa Waiver and possibly an ESTA to enter the US. For entry into Canada, a pre-approved Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is required, which is valid for five years or until the passport expires.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Documentation Requirements
According to forum posts, UK passport holders do not need a visa to enter Canada, but they might need to complete an I-94 waiver when entering the US. Travelers have called out that ESTAs and ETAs are generally for air travel and are not required for land crossings, although this may be subject to change as new regulations are introduced.
Crossing Procedures
Some travelers mentioned that the Rainbow Bridge is a popular crossing point and can be crossed on foot. The walk across the bridge is approximately 0.5 km. Users have noted that when crossing back into Canada, the ArriveCAN application must be completed.
Customs and Entry Advice
For many users, it is advised to check current requirements close to the date of travel as policies can change. For instance, proof of vaccination might be required in some cases. Additionally, it’s recommended to carry documents like the I-94W Visa Waiver when entering the US from Canada by land, which involves a process of being photographed and fingerprinted.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Availability and Routes
According to forum posts, the WEGO bus service in Niagara Falls does not provide a direct route to Niagara on the Lake; it extends only to the Floral Clock. From there, travelers previously could take a shuttle to Niagara on the Lake, but this service is currently not operational.
Service Operation
Some travelers mentioned that the WEGO operates effectively within the Niagara Falls area, connecting major attractions and stops. It is specifically mentioned that the Green Line of the WEGO bus stops at Niagara Glen, a popular destination.
Purchasing Tickets
Travelers have clarified that WEGO bus passes can be bought at any Niagara Parks attraction or Welcome Centre, not onboard the buses. This information is useful for those planning their transport routes and needing to know where to purchase tickets.
Cost Considerations
In discussions about costs, one user noted that the combination of a WEGO day pass and NOTL shuttle costs around $23 per person for a round trip, which might be comparable to taking a taxi for a group of three, providing more flexibility without the need to transfer.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Documentation Requirements
According to forum posts, when crossing the Rainbow Bridge by foot, travelers need valid documentation such as a passport. It's essential to have all necessary paperwork ready, including visas if applicable, to re-enter the U.S. or Canada.
Customs and Entry Procedures
Some travelers mentioned that U.S. Customs is located at the U.S. end of the bridge. There are also reports of customs checks on the Canadian side, where travelers might be asked about their plans and might need to show additional documentation, like travel tickets.
Accessibility and Fees
Travelers have noted that the bridge is accessible to pedestrians and there might be a small fee associated with walking across. It's highlighted that the walk across the bridge is not excessively long or strenuous, making it feasible for most travelers.
Views and Recommendations
Travelers often discuss that while the Canadian side offers better views and more attractions, walking across the bridge provides a unique experience and photo opportunities, with some choosing to walk across for these reasons.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Crossing Requirements
According to forum posts, pedestrians can cross the Rainbow Bridge at Niagara Falls by foot. Travelers need to be prepared with their passports and, depending on their citizenship, may also require an ESTA or I-94 form for entry into the US, or an eTA for entering Canada.
Procedure and Experience
Some travelers mentioned that crossing the bridge on foot is a straightforward process, offering scenic views of the falls. The bridge crossing involves a small fee of $1 and typically does not require any special apps or additional documentation beyond travel and immigration essentials.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?