Niagara Falls: Canada side or US side?

Sharon21 · December 2011

We are going to be taking a family vacation to Niagara falls and was wondering about others experiences. I have only been there once and I was three so I don't really remember much. One of my concerns is that my parents and my LO don't have passports so if we wanted to go to the Canadian side we would have to get those first. Do you think it is worth getting the passports to be able to go to the Canadian side or do you think the New York side is better anyway? Any advice on activities or good places to eat there?

MayorMcCheese000 · December 2011

The Canadian side of NF is WAY WAY WAY better than the American side. I would highly reccommend the Canadian side. If you do the American side-a day trip there is more than enough- I would not "vacation" there, you would be better off staying in a hotel in Buffalo if you are doing the American side.

Pookie's_Girl · December 2011

Agreed. The Canadian side is awesome, and there's not a whole lot to do on the American side.

However, you do not need passports to get into Canada if you're American citizens. All you need are your driver's licenses, and your birth certificates. If you want more info on that, you can check out this website:

https://www.us-passport-service-guide.com/canada-travel-requirements.html

Stacyc625 · December 2011

The Canadian side- no doubt.

you can't see MUCH AT ALL on the American side.

get your passports- I can give you a ton of suggestions for activities and places to eat. We actually go up there quite a bit. Gisele loves it. She calls it the 'Big Water' -- I used to work in Canada- so I was up that way and explored a lot.

There is PLENTY to do- in VERY close proximity- it is VERY walkable friendly-

there is an amazing butterfly observatory/conservatory- DEFINITELY see that.

do the maid of the mist boat tour- you will get wet- they have goofy ponchos. Amazing- completely worth looking like a dork!

For hotels- I recommend staying at the embassey suites- rooms are very awesome- big enough for extra people. A lot of the rooms overlook the Falls- which is just awesome hearing the water as you fall asleep.

the skylon tower is pretty cool to check out

Fallsview Indoor Water park is neat-

definitely check out the 'white water boardwalk' you can walk right down along the falls- amazing. Great photo opportunity- and there is a lot of 'educational' plaques showing some of hte history of the falls with the barrel jumpers etc.

do the journey behind the falls- AMAZING

there is a Ripley's Believe it or not- if you need a quick step away from the water stuff

People usually choose between doing the Maid of the Mist and the 'Aero car' BOTH are very cool- I think if you are time pressed I would suggest the MotM. But look at both options and decide what is better for your group. They also have pretty amazing 'jet boat' tours. A little more on the adventure side- DH and I did it before kids- and it was just pumped full of adrenaline.

- Also- up there- there is a lot of 'Anne of Green Gables' memorablilia- not quite sure why because it a long way from 'PEI' but if you are a Anne fan- you can buy alot of pretty cool stuff.

-There are AMAZING wineries around there to poke around at- they are kid friendly- and most you can take a quick tour, try some samples, buy some wine. Chateau des Charmes was my fav. with Magnotta being a very close second.

I can't remember the name of it- but there was a very cool tour of hte hydro electric plant associated with the falls- the tour was SUPER interesting. Tells how they used the water's power for the area- etc.

the guiness world record museum is REALLY cool too.

-

Stacyc625 · December 2011

Also-

Per eating out- just know that the Canadian taxes things VERY differently- so be prepared to have a VERY hefty tax bill on eating out. Their VAT tax really tacks on a lot to your bill. So just be warned.

Stacyc625 · December 2011

Also when going there- make sure you find the 'tourist coupon booklet' type thingy. There is a ton of coupons on attractions/restaurants etc

littlemermaid · December 2011

Pookie's_Girl:

Agreed. The Canadian side is awesome, and there's not a whole lot to do on the American side.

However, you do not need passports to get into Canada if you're American citizens. All you need are your driver's licenses, and your birth certificates. If you want more info on that, you can check out this website:

https://www.us-passport-service-guide.com/canada-travel-requirements.html

Anybody over the age of 15 needs a valid passport to cross the border. Children under 15 just need a valid birth certificate. I have a second home in Canada and trust me you need those passports. You will be detained at the US Customs for questioning if you do not have your passports to enter back into the US.

Stacyc625 · December 2011

littlemermaid:
Pookie's_Girl:

Agreed. The Canadian side is awesome, and there's not a whole lot to do on the American side.

However, you do not need passports to get into Canada if you're American citizens. All you need are your driver's licenses, and your birth certificates. If you want more info on that, you can check out this website:

https://www.us-passport-service-guide.com/canada-travel-requirements.html

Anybody over the age of 15 needs a valid passport to cross the border. Children under 15 just need a valid birth certificate. I have a second home in Canada and trust me you need those passports. You will be detained at the US Customs for questioning if you do not have your passports to enter back into the US.

Exactly this- DH lived on the border- and most of his family is border patrol officers- adults need passports. Personally- even if they didn't I woudn't travel 'abroad' without one- both of my kds have passports (we are on the border and across Canada often)

shortstuff15 · December 2011

Stacyc625:

Also-

Per eating out- just know that the Canadian taxes things VERY differently- so be prepared to have a VERY hefty tax bill on eating out. Their VAT tax really tacks on a lot to your bill. So just be warned.

As a Canadian who has never been to Niagra because I live on the opposite end of the country I can't really comment on the stuff to do, but this VAT tax that you talk of is not Canada wide. I have never heard of it so it may just be an Ontario/Niagra thing because every province taxes differently.

MJCF · December 2011

We went there a couple of years ago on our way from Buffalo to Toronto. It was a quick stop so we didn't get to do any of the tours or anything but as far as the Falls go I'd say on the US side you can get closer to the falls and on the Canadian side you get a more panoramic view. I would probably stay on the Canadian side and spend a day on the US side. I like seeing it both ways.

jnksmom · December 2011

I have no advice but wanted to say I am glad you posted this. H and I were just talking about going to Niagara Falls this spring/summer. Thanks for all the helpful info Stacy.

Sharon21 · December 2011

Thanks ladies! Sounds like the Canadian side wins. Myself, DH, and DD#1 all have our passports and it sounds like DD#2 doesn't need one because she is so young but it might be a good opportunity to go ahead and get her one. I know my parents don't have them but there is plenty of time to get them if we start planning now.

Stacy- Thanks for all the info! I went and checked out the Embassy Suits site and there is a ton of information on it. It does look like a really nice place with the views it has. We have stayed at Embassy Suites several times in the past and they are always nice. Have you eaten at the Skylon Tower? It looks pretty neat but is it worth it?

Also, I do remember being on The Maid of the Mist when we were there when I was three. That is the only memory I have of Niagara Falls and probably my earliest memory at all. I clearly remember clinging to my Dad for dear life because I was terrified! I think I will enjoy it a lot more this time.

Pookie's_Girl · December 2011

My mistake about the passports. You don't need them to get into Canada, but you will need them to get back home. Sorry.

Also, you'll probably want to bring a change of clothes with you if you do the Maid of the Mist. The ponchos protect you some, but you'll still get pretty soaked.

Also, it's pretty pricey, but if you can afford it, check out the Whirlpool Jetboat tours. I did that one year when I was younger and it was an absolute blast!

Stacyc625 · December 2011

Sharon21:

Thanks ladies! Sounds like the Canadian side wins. Myself, DH, and DD#1 all have our passports and it sounds like DD#2 doesn't need one because she is so young but it might be a good opportunity to go ahead and get her one. I know my parents don't have them but there is plenty of time to get them if we start planning now.

Stacy- Thanks for all the info! I went and checked out the Embassy Suits site and there is a ton of information on it. It does look like a really nice place with the views it has. We have stayed at Embassy Suites several times in the past and they are always nice. Have you eaten at the Skylon Tower? It looks pretty neat but is it worth it?

Also, I do remember being on The Maid of the Mist when we were there when I was three. That is the only memory I have of Niagara Falls and probably my earliest memory at all. I clearly remember clinging to my Dad for dear life because I was terrified! I think I will enjoy it a lot more this time.

yes we have eaten at the Skylon several times. The Maid of the Mist is a little intimidating- Gisele didn't mind it- she wasn't scared. It is definitely a humble opinion to say the least. Water is an amazing force.

The Embassy is a good choice- because they VERY often bump you up to nicer rooms. esp if you travel with kids.

Stacyc625 · December 2011

KateB1984:
dhviel:
Stacyc625:

Also-

Per eating out- just know that the Canadian taxes things VERY differently- so be prepared to have a VERY hefty tax bill on eating out. Their VAT tax really tacks on a lot to your bill. So just be warned.

As a Canadian who has never been to Niagra because I live on the opposite end of the country I can't really comment on the stuff to do, but this VAT tax that you talk of is not Canada wide. I have never heard of it so it may just be an Ontario/Niagra thing because every province taxes differently.

Interesting. Their tax bill is normal to me. Ontario's HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) rate is 13% OP, in case you're wondering. I live in BC where it's 12%, so I'm used to that.

I've never noticed when going to the US that taxing was very different. Maybe I'm just unobservant - lol.

ETA: Nevermind. That's right. Before restaurant meals would have been taxed 5% for the federal tax and nothing for provincial (7%). Now that they're combined, there's more tax on restaurant meals. So, yes, it is a lot.

lol- just being a tax person- I thought it was something to mention-

especially mentioning it to a traveller- who is apt to eat most of their meals out- ... it is a nice chunk of money when you slam on +++% on to your bill.

Sharon-

This is what it says- I had to look it up- because I didn't remember the exact sales % However this is what the restaurant taxation says for Niagra

Dining out in Niagara does not have to be an expensive venture, but be aware that taxes are high. Meals are subject to 8% provincial sales tax and 6 % GST, so when you factor in an average tip, a whopping 30% is added to the bill. Tipping is usually left to the diner's discretion, although some establishments add 15% to the bill for parties of six or more.

Pay attention to the wine prices in restaurants ? they can be quite high, even for the local Niagara wines. Don't be surprised to find your favorite vintage at double the price you'd pay at the liquor store or sometimes even at the winery. Savvy diners can take note of wine prices in the winery boutiques and compare them with those on the wine list in their chosen restaurant in order to better gauge hosv much markup has be-n applied. Note that a 10% liquor tax is added to alcoholic beverage purchases.

Stacyc625 · December 2011

jnksmom:
I have no advice but wanted to say I am glad you posted this. H and I were just talking about going to Niagara Falls this spring/summer. Thanks for all the helpful info Stacy.

there is so much to do up there. It really is a VERY nice place to go. We were up there last June for my birthday and the kids loved it. It is a very easy drive from our area. A lot closer than you think! -- also if you guys are looking for more nice areas to vacation- in the future- check out 1,000 Islands area. Another really nice- family friendly area up that way!

shortstuff15 · December 2011

Stacyc625:
KateB1984:
dhviel:
Stacyc625:

Also-

Per eating out- just know that the Canadian taxes things VERY differently- so be prepared to have a VERY hefty tax bill on eating out. Their VAT tax really tacks on a lot to your bill. So just be warned.

As a Canadian who has never been to Niagra because I live on the opposite end of the country I can't really comment on the stuff to do, but this VAT tax that you talk of is not Canada wide. I have never heard of it so it may just be an Ontario/Niagra thing because every province taxes differently.

Interesting. Their tax bill is normal to me. Ontario's HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) rate is 13% OP, in case you're wondering. I live in BC where it's 12%, so I'm used to that.

I've never noticed when going to the US that taxing was very different. Maybe I'm just unobservant - lol.

ETA: Nevermind. That's right. Before restaurant meals would have been taxed 5% for the federal tax and nothing for provincial (7%). Now that they're combined, there's more tax on restaurant meals. So, yes, it is a lot.

lol- just being a tax person- I thought it was something to mention-

especially mentioning it to a traveller- who is apt to eat most of their meals out- ... it is a nice chunk of money when you slam on +++% on to your bill.

Sharon-

This is what it says- I had to look it up- because I didn't remember the exact sales % However this is what the restaurant taxation says for Niagra

Dining out in Niagara does not have to be an expensive venture, but be aware that taxes are high. Meals are subject to 8% provincial sales tax and 6 % GST, so when you factor in an average tip, a whopping 30% is added to the bill. Tipping is usually left to the diner's discretion, although some establishments add 15% to the bill for parties of six or more.

Pay attention to the wine prices in restaurants ? they can be quite high, even for the local Niagara wines. Don't be surprised to find your favorite vintage at double the price you'd pay at the liquor store or sometimes even at the winery. Savvy diners can take note of wine prices in the winery boutiques and compare them with those on the wine list in their chosen restaurant in order to better gauge hosv much markup has be-n applied. Note that a 10% liquor tax is added to alcoholic beverage purchases.

Yeah the PST is what makes the difference. I live in Alberta where the only tax we have is the 5% GST (and the liquor tax on alcohol - but we don't really drink at all) so I am not used to the huge taxes on restaurants, but pretty much every other province does both PST & GST (or HST) it's just different rates for each province.

Stacyc625 · December 2011

Also-

Make sure you save ALL of your receipts- because you can get some/all of the tax paid back by going through the duty on the US side when you come back-

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