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Which Side Should You Visit?
One of the most frequently asked questions about Niagara Falls is which side to visit: the USA or Canada? The answer is simple: both sides offer unique experiences. If you have time, we recommend visiting both sides. However, if you have to choose one, we suggest visiting the Canadian side. The Canadian side has more tourist attractions, parks, and better views of the Falls.
Required Documents
When you cross the border between the USA and Canada, you must have the required documents. If you are a US citizen traveling to Canada by car and returning home, you need to have documents that comply with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Most commonly, a US passport, a passport card, a trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST, or an enhanced driver’s license are acceptable. You need to bring proof of citizenship for any accompanying children.
If you are a Canadian citizen traveling to the US by car and returning home, you need to have documents that comply with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Most commonly, a US passport, a passport card, a trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST, or an enhanced driver’s license are acceptable. You need to bring proof of citizenship for any accompanying children.
For non-US/non-Canadian citizens, the rules are complicated and vary depending on the country. Check with the US and Canadian border agencies and make sure you have all the appropriate documentation, including passports and visas, on hand when crossing the border.
Crossing the Border to Niagara Falls, Canada
As of October 1st, 2022, all travelers, regardless of citizenship, no longer have to submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website, provide proof of vaccination, undergo pre- or on-arrival testing, carry out COVID-19-related quarantine or isolation, monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arriving in Canada, undergo health checks for travel on air and rail, or wear masks on planes and trains. However, all travelers are strongly recommended to wear high-quality and well-fitted masks during their journeys.
When you enter Canada, a Canada Border Services Agency officer may ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if one is necessary. If you are a citizen of the United States over the age of 16, you will need a Passport, a Passport Card, or Enhanced Driver’s License (only issued by certain states) to enter Canada. If you are traveling by air, you are required to have a passport, regardless of age.
As of March 15, 2016, visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through Canada will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travelers with a valid visa.
Inadmissibility: You may be deemed inadmissible to Canada (not allowed to enter the country) by the Border Services Officer for a number of reasons, including involvement in criminal activity (which may include impaired driving convictions), human rights violations, organized crime, etc.
Crossing the Border to Niagara Falls, USA
A Covid test is not required when entering the USA by land. Canadians who travel to the USA by land are not required to provide a Covid test result at the US border.
When you cross the border to Niagara Falls, USA, you need to have the required documents that comply with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), most commonly a US passport, a passport card, a trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST, or an enhanced driver’s license. You need to bring proof of citizenship for any accompanying children.
Declaring Purchases
If you make purchases and travel between Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Niagara Falls, New York, be sure to save your 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.
Canadian Residents returning from abroad can bring in a certain amount of goods duty-free. Please visit this link for current exemptions. Visitors Exemptions on Goods entering Canada can be found here. Visitors to the United States can visit this website for current limits and exemptions.
Niagara Falls Bridges
There are four bridges spanning the Niagara River, allowing visitors to cross between the USA and Canada.
- Rainbow Bridge: Located in Niagara Falls and offering a spectacular view of the falls and Niagara River, the Rainbow Bridge is used exclusively by travelers and not commercial vehicles. Visitors can also walk and bike across the bridge. For current crossing wait times, please visit their website.
- Queenston Lewiston Bridge: Located downstream approximately 7 kilometers from the falls, the Queenston Lewiston Bridge is open to commercial and residential vehicular traffic. For current crossing wait times, please visit their website.
- Peace Bridge: Spanning the mouth of the Niagara River and allowing visitors to cross from Buffalo, New York, into Fort Erie, Canada, the Peace Bridge is open to commercial and residential traffic. For current crossing wait times, please visit their website.
- Whirlpool Bridge: Located approximately 2.9 kilometers downstream from the Falls, the Whirlpool Bridge is open only to Nexus Pass Holders.
Passport Information and Identification Requirements
A Canada Border Services Agency officer may ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if one is necessary when you enter Canada. If you are a citizen of the United States over the age of 16, you will need a Passport, a Passport Card, or Enhanced Driver’s License (only issued by certain states) to enter Canada. If you are traveling by air, you are required to have a passport, regardless of age.
If you are an international traveler and need information on entering the US, please visit this link. If you are an international traveler and not sure if you need a tourist visa, click here. If you know you are required to apply for a visa to visit Canada, you can apply here.
Persons wishing to travel to Canada who are not US citizens (ie: foreigner) may be required to get a tourist visa from the Canadian consulate in the country from which they are arriving. If you are in the USA on a visa and wish to visit Canada while in New York, there is no Canadian consulate located in Niagara Falls. 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 February 2019, the fee per person is $100.00 for a single-entry visa, $150 for a multiple-entry visa, or $500 for a family (multiple or single entry).
Additional Information
- 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 a pet, you may be asked to provide a current vaccination certificate. Most hotels do not allow pets. If you are interested in bringing your pet into Canada, please visit the official Canada Inspection page. If you are interested in bringing your pet into the United States, please visit the United States Department of Agriculture’s website. Only official guide dogs are permitted on certain attractions (therapy pets are not included).
- Minors age 15 and under must have proper identification, such as a birth certificate, passport, citizenship card, permanent resident card, or Certificate of Aboriginal Status. While passports are recommended, they are not required for American minors age 15 or younger crossing the border by land – a birth certificate will suffice.
- If a minor is traveling alone or with an adult who is not their parent or guardian, they should carry a letter from their parents/guardians. This letter should authorize the person meeting them or traveling with them to take responsibility for the minor while visiting Canada. The letter should also include addresses and telephone numbers where the parents or guardian can be reached.
- Divorced or separated parents should carry custody or legal separation documents and a letter of authorization from the other parent to facilitate their entry into Canada.
- If you are traveling with a group of vehicles, make sure you arrive at the border in the same vehicle as your children to avoid any confusion.