Niagara Falls Canada
Top 10 Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Niagara Falls, Canada
Are you planning or thinking about going to Canada? But are you not sure where to go or what to do? You are in the right place. Today we are going to get right into all the essential information you need to know before your trip to Niagara Falls.
Hello, Wonder N Color explorers! Today, I'm sharing the top 10 things you need to know before packing your bags for Niagara, Canada. Whether it's your first time or you're returning for more adventure, these tips will help make your journey smooth and memorable. Let's dive in!
1. Travel Documents
Don't forget that everyone in the family needs a valid passport, and depending on your country, you might also need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Check your requirements well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles. Furthermore, if only one parent is traveling with their child(ren), please, please, please get a notarized statement from the parent that is not traveling! The same goes for grandparents or rich aunties who are traveling without their parents. Ensure you have all the necessary documentation to avoid any travel disruptions. If you need a template, comment below, and I will send one to you. Remember, Canada is a foreign country.
2. Currency and Costs
The Canadian dollar is the currency here, and understanding exchange rates can help manage your travel budget better. Before our trip to Canada, I went to the Currency Exchange Center in the mall (if you're local to the DMV, Arundel Mills has a kiosk) and exchanged about $200 USD for Canadian money. For larger purchases like your hotel stay, I just used my credit card, and the CAC was converted into the USD price. Foreign money is also a fun souvenir for the children to have as well. Remember, Canada isn’t the cheapest destination, but planning can help you find great family-friendly deals!
3. Best Time to Visit
Timing your visit. Canada's vast size means the weather can vary dramatically depending on where and when you go. In the Niagara area, the weather will be cooler up until June, and since you will be near a large body of water, it can be even cooler. Since you will be outdoors for most of the attractions, I highly recommend visiting the Falls area between June and August. It's no fun being wet and cold.
4. Be Prepared to Get Wet!
Speaking of cold weather, one of the reasons you may consider the time of year you visit is because if you do any of the Niagara Falls boat tours that take you to the heart of the falls…you will get wet!! That water is so powerful, and the “mist” is more like a soft drench. We rode the Niagara City Cruise, which was amazing, and there is an option to stay inside, but in my opinion, that defeats the purpose of visiting the Falls. So just come prepared. A complimentary poncho does come with the price of your ticket.
5. Stay at a Hotel with a Niagara Falls View
You will not regret it! Several hotels in the area provide rooms with this view. We stayed at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Niagara Falls Fallsview and stayed in a Fallsview room. This room has breathtaking views of the Falls, and every night you can see the fireworks show from the comfort of your room. The Embassy Suites also has free breakfast and an indoor pool!
6. Other Great Ways to View the Falls
Another great way to view Niagara Falls is to have lunch or dinner at the Skylon Tower. Skylon Tower is a revolving restaurant that offers a 360-degree view of the Niagara area. It takes about an hour for the restaurant to revolve completely, and while you take in the views, you can enjoy a nice lunch or dinner and, of course, drinks! If you reserve an evening dinner, you’ll be able to take in the city lights, and beautiful Falls view, AND see the nightly fireworks show.
7. Clifton Hill
Clifton Hill is a section of downtown Niagara Falls that offers so many other things that you and your family will enjoy. It's a quick 5-minute drive from Niagara Falls, and it’s like a mecca of entertainment options. Everything from Ripley’s Believe It or Not to Niagara Speedway to Hershey’s Chocolate World. There is something for everyone. There are also a lot of eating options in this area. Now I have to warn you, this is a highly touristy area, so you will need to pack your walking shoes AND your patience, but we had A LOT of fun!
8. Visit Toronto
When we visited Niagara Falls, we decided to combine our trip with a visit to Toronto, Canada. Toronto is an hour and a half away, and it's a GREAT place for families with lots to do. What we did was stay two nights in Niagara Falls, then drove up to Toronto and stayed three nights there. It's a great way to break up your trip and visit the vibe is a little different than Niagara. We will have another video up with tips on how to successfully do Toronto, so make sure you like and subscribe.
9. Off the Beaten Path
Explore beyond the cities. If touristy attractions aren’t your thing or if you are returning to Niagara to do something different, Canada is known for its stunning natural beauty—think Niagara on the Lake or the Bay of Fundy. Niagara on the Lake is about 30 minutes from the Niagara Falls area and has a historic downtown area with a host of quaint shops, restaurants, coffee shops, wineries, and various parks for the kiddos to run around. Rent a car for some scenic drives; it’s an excellent way for the family to see the hidden gems of Canada's vast wilderness.
10. Ice Wine
Last but not least, DO NOT GO HOME WITHOUT A BOTTLE OF ICE WINE! “Icewine” is a late-harvest wine made from grapes handpicked and pressed while frozen, and it is so good. Many wineries offer Icewine, or you can do as I did and go to the Peace Bridge Duty-Free store and purchase a bottle or two…or three, and they also make great gifts! The duty-free store has a variety of brands to choose from.
There you have it—ten essential tips for your trip to Niagara, Canada. Whether you’re looking to explore urban centers or the great outdoors, Canada has something for every family. Don’t forget to like, subscribe to our channel, and click that bell icon so you won’t miss our next adventure. Until next time, keep wandering in color!
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https://www.wonderncolor.com/s/Travel-consent-form-for-Minors.pdf
