Make the Most of Your Visit to Niagara Parks
IF ENTERING CANADA BY LAND OR SEA, Passports are NOT REQUIRED for American Citizens.
IF TRAVELLING BY AIR, Passports ARE REQUIRED for American Citizens to enter Canada as of January 2007.
Crossing the border into Canada by land or sea can be easy for U.S. citizens - for each adult, bring 2 pieces of current photo identification, or a birth certificate and one piece of photo ID, and bring birth certificates for all the kids. Bring originals, not photocopies. For more detailed information please visit the Canada Border Services Agency or the US Department of State .
Niagara Parks offers a fair currency exchange rate on your U.S. dollars at all of its locations. Major credit cards are also accepted at all Niagara Parks attractions, gift shops and restaurants.
During the summer season, plan to start your day early. Arrive at Journey Behind the Falls at 9am and you'll save lots of time over the day! Attractions are busiest between 11am and 4pm. Many are open until 8 or 9 pm, so stay into the evening to avoid crowds.
Welcome Center staff will make Timed Ticket reservations for your Niagara Falls & Great Gorge Adventure Pass visits to Journey Behind the Falls, the Butterfly Conservatory and White Water Walk. They will also exchange the People Mover coupon from your Pass for a sticker to let you ride-all-day on the Falls Incline Railway and the People Mover buses that stop at each attraction.
Where to Eat at Niagara Parks
For family dining with the best view of the Falls, visit Table Rock Restaurant, located just upstairs from Journey Behind the Falls. Edgewaters Tap & Grill and the Riverview Market Eatery are in the center of Queen Victoria Park, a short walk north of the Falls. They feature casual family dining and live daily entertainment throughout the summer. The outdoor Maid of the Mist Marketplace is also popular for refreshments and live entertainment, June through August.
At the north end of Niagara Parks, discover the Butterfly Café, Whirlpool Restaurant and the elegant Queenston Heights Restaurant with its award-winning VQA Wine Cellar.
Where to Shop in Niagara Parks
Every Niagara Parks attraction offers unique shopping opportunities with specialty themes - don't miss the Butterfly Gift shop at the Butterfly Conservatory or all of the Shops at Table Rock, where you'll find unusual souvenirs and gifts from Roots and RCMP, Canadian diamonds, crystal and the Kids Explor-it store.
Click here to read about Pets in Niagara Parks.
Golf Anyone?
If golf is your game, you'll want to know about our absolutely inspired golf courses. Try your skill at one of two championship 18-hole courses located just south of the Falls at Legends on the Niagara. Or visit Whirlpool Public Golf course, overlooking the Niagara Glen nature area. Learn more at http://niagaraparksgolf.com
What's On in the Park
Look at our Events calendar (see this website's home page) to learn about daily free entertainment and many more exciting events.
Niagara Parks at Night
The excitement doesn't end with the day. Don't miss the beauty of the Falls Illumination - nightly from dusk to midnight - and lots of fun family entertainment like the fabulous concert and Fireworks evenings every Friday, Sunday and holidays throughout the summer.
Between May and October each year, the Niagara Falls & Great Gorge Adventure Pass is your best value to visit our Attractions:
- Journey Behind the Falls - After your "journey" you can ride the People Mover to the Maid of the Mist or enjoy a stroll through beautiful Queen Victoria Park.
- Maid of the Mist - Remember that long lines don't mean a long wait. Maid of the Mist handles nearly 1,200 passengers every ˝ hour from the docks on the Canadian side!
- White Water Walk - Plan to stay a while - the rapids are stunning and the Great Gorge is beautiful!
- Butterfly Conservatory - After your visit you can enjoy a horse and carriage ride through the famous Botanical Gardens.
Enjoy Adventure Pass Discounts at …
Whirlpool Aero Car - Not for those who are wary of heights! This cable car ride provides a birds-eye view of the amazing Niagara Whirlpool. Sir Adam Beck Power Tour - Niagara creates hydro-electricity at several generating stations on both sides of the river, but this is the only station that provides public tours. Like all our attractions, it's easy to get to on the People Mover.
Niagara Heritage Trail - Old Fort Erie is within sight of the Peace Bridge connecting Fort Erie, Ontario and Buffalo, New York, so if you're returning to the U.S a stop here is the perfect ending to your visit. This National Historic site is restored to its War of 1812 condition and hosts regular re-enactments and demonstrations. At the north end of Niagara Parks, you can learn about the life of one of Canada's national heroines at Laura Secord Homestead then explore original printing presses at Mackenzie Printery & Newspaper Museum. These two interactive historic locations are a short walk from each other in the Village of Queenston. At McFarland House, near Niagara-on-the-Lake, you can experience 1800s style living in this beautiful Georgian home or relax on its tea garden patio.
Every dollar you spend with us helps preserve the nature and heritage of the Falls and the Niagara River corridor. Niagara Parks has operated without tax dollars since 1885.
