Advice for First Time Travelers to Niagara Falls

The following is a list of essential information you will need when visiting Niagara Falls. Over 90% of the questions received by HelloNiagara.ca are answered by the following points:

• Most attractions are located in and around the tourist area Clifton Hill. You will do a lot of walking.
• The tourist area of Niagara Falls is vast; however walking is your best option for getting around.
• Plan what you want to visit in advance. There are literally hundreds of attractions in Niagara Falls. Do your research, plan ahead.
• Bring your passport, sunscreen, cash, camera, and walking shoes.
• American citizens do not require a passport when entering Canada by land or sea. Americans still require some form of citizenship identification (birth certificate).
• Research your hotel. There are over 100 hotels and motels to choose from. Some are very nice, some are very bad.
• Research your restaurants. Again, there are over 100 restaurants to choose from. Restaurants around Clifton Hill are generally safe.
• Best time to visit is middle to late spring. The summer is usually very busy and the winters are very cold.
• The best shopping is outside of the traditional tourist area. The best shopping opportunities are the Factory One Outlet Mall on Lundy's Lane and The Pen Centre in St. Catharines.
• American cash is accepted at most establishments.
• The Maid of the Mist, Whirlpool Aero Car and the Skywheel are among the best attractions.
• Fewer attractions are open during the winter.
• The falls are illuminated every night.
• The falls never shut off.
• The falls never freeze over thanks to the annual 'ice boom' installation in Lake Erie.
• The best viewing is from the Canadian side.
• You have to be 19 years old to drink.
• You have to be 19 years old to enter the casinos.
• You have to be 19 years old to purchase cigarettes. Smoking is not allowed in enclosed public areas (restaurants, theatres, buses, etc.).
• The tourist area of Niagara Falls is very safe. Going for a midnight stroll is perfectly acceptable.