Questions about Niagra Falls

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Txmomtomany

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Mar 15, 2015
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Hi we are headed up to Niagra Falls in mid May. We have a 45 ft diesel pusher and a Jeep Wrangler toad. I have several questions. We have our passports and would like to go to Canada for just a few hours. We cannot stay in Canada since we will have our dog and not sure what the rules are on pets going across the border.:

1) Wondering what the closest place to stay on the USA side is?  Is there a shittle to the Falls?
2) Can you park your RV at the Falls and spend time there?
3) Are you able to walk over to the Canadian side? Or is there a shuttle? Or do you need to be in a private vehicle.

Blessings,
Harmony
 
As far as your pet, as long as they are up to snuff about shots. You'll be fine. Make sure you have a paper from your vet showing the shot schedule. We went into Canada 2 years ago and they never asked anything about our dog.
It's been years since we went  to NF so I can't provide information about campgrounds.
 
You can walk across the Rainbow Bridge - it's a nice walk as long as you don't mind the height (I hate it personally  :eek: ). The view of the Falls is much better from Canada but the parking is better & closer on the US side. The state park has a parking lot right at the border crossing.
 
I would reconsider not staying on the Canadian side; there is no problem with crossing with the dogs. As Rene said, just have their records in order.

You have to do the touristy things while at Niagara Falls to get the full experience. Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, hydro plant tour, etc.
 
HappyWanderer said:
You have to do the touristy things while at Niagara Falls to get the full experience. Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, hydro plant tour, etc.
Click to expand...

Don't forget going over the falls in a wooden whiskey barrel.  :eek: ::) ;)
 
We like to stay at Four Mile Creek State Park when we're in the Niagara Falls area. The vehicle pass they give you at Four Mile is also good for no charge entry into the Niagara Falls State Park parking lots. There is room in the parking lots for large RV's, just a little farther walk to the attractions. As said, crossing into Canada with your dog should not be a problem as long as you have proof of shots, particularly a current rabies certificate. Of course make sure you have your passports with the you. Lacking a toad, you might find one of the Gray Line or similar tours worthwhile to see the most on both sides with the least shoe leather wear and tear.
 
If I were only going to go over the border for a few hours,  I would not take the motorhome. I would park on the American side and take the toad or walk across. The falls is not very far from the Rainbow bridge crossing. You can see the falls quite well from the bridge. Reasons are there are restrictions on food, alcohol, tobacco, ect ect ect. Why risk having your motorhome tore apart going over or coming back. If you were going to stay on the Canadian side for a length of time, that would be different. Border guards can be very suspicious of people crossing for very short periods. By the way the view is definitely far better on our side, eh. (Im Canadian) It is one of the natural wonders of the world. Enjoy
 
In August 2016 we stayed at Cinderella Motel and Campground, 2797 Grand Island Blvd, Grand Island, New York.
It is a well kept basic campground about 7 miles from Niagara Falls, and is about $30 per night cheaper than the nearby KOA! ;D
http://www.cinderellacampground.com


Allen
 
THere is an office on the Canadian side, Chamber of Commerence if I recall correctly.


Tell 'em you are on your 2nd honeymoon and they give you a book of discount coupons.
 
NY_Dutch said:
We like to stay at Four Mile Creek State Park when we're in the Niagara Falls area. The vehicle pass they give you at Four Mile is also good for no charge entry into the Niagara Falls State Park parking lots. There is room in the parking lots for large RV's, just a little farther walk to the attractions. As said, crossing into Canada with your dog should not be a problem as long as you have proof of shots, particularly a current rabies certificate. Of course make sure you have your passports with the you. Lacking a toad, you might find one of the Gray Line or similar tours worthwhile to see the most on both sides with the least shoe leather wear and tear.
Click to expand...

We stayed at Four Mile Creek SP last year as well for our first ever visit to the Falls.  Sites are nothing special, but are pretty roomy and it is on the lake.

Dutch, OP indicated that they will have a toad.  That said, if I had a toad and was staying anywhere in the area, there's no way I'd take the RV to the downtown/falls area.  I suppose there might be places to park but it would be a huge hassle.

The only real "touristy" thing we did was the Maid of the Mist.  Totally worth it.  Seeing the people waiting in the slow moving line for Cave of the Winds was enough to convince us that probably was not worth it.  We also stayed late in the evening to see the light show at dark.  The family didn't find that all that exciting and all the sidewalks and viewing areas are literally packed with people.
 
Cave of the Winds is the ultimate experience at Niagara Falls, but May just might be a bit chilly.

We once received an invitation inside the building where the spotlights that light up the falls are housed, and got to see how the colored filters are used. We also viewed the July 4th fireworks from atop the Skylon Tower.

Hey, thanks a lot - now I need to schedule a trip!
 
jagnweiner said:
Dutch, OP indicated that they will have a toad.  That said, if I had a toad and was staying anywhere in the area, there's no way I'd take the RV to the downtown/falls area.  I suppose there might be places to park but it would be a huge hassle.

The only real "touristy" thing we did was the Maid of the Mist.  Totally worth it.  Seeing the people waiting in the slow moving line for Cave of the Winds was enough to convince us that probably was not worth it.  We also stayed late in the evening to see the light show at dark.  The family didn't find that all that exciting and all the sidewalks and viewing areas are literally packed with people.
Click to expand...

I know they mentioned the toad, but they also asked about parking the RV at the falls, so I thought it worth mentioning a "toadless" alternative if they didn't want to unhook and take the toad into Canada.

We liked the Maid of the Mist boat ride, now only one the Canadian side. A different company has the contract on the US side now with different boats. Just doesn't seem the same... While on the Canadian side, we also liked the view from the Skylon Tower, both night and day.
 
Pay attention to what lane you should be in if you cross the border with the RV.  The Canadian border agent was unimpressed when I pulled in on the car lane.  One of our first trips and just trying to be careful and we missed the apparently "huge" sign that directs RV's and buses to the left.  After confessing we had something we weren't allowed to have he clearly had us figured out for just harmless dummies.

He said what are you going to do here.  I gave him our run down and said we would be out in a few hours (after spending some money).  He just shook his head and said "go ahead".  We did have all our papers ready and were more than polite.  When we came back the US we had no problems and the agent was quite nice. 
 
Here you go: Border wait times.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html

https://bwt.cbp.gov/index.html
 
If you don't mind dry camping for a couple of days....

Right across the road from the new casino in Niagara Falls they allow bus and rv parking in the Skylon Tower parking lot.

Skylon Tower - Parking Lot..http://en.parkopedia.ca/parking/lot/skylon_tower/l2g/niagara_falls/?arriving=201704131830&leaving=201704132030

Most of the time it is a self serve ticket machine.
During the week it is 10 dollars for 24 hours for large vehicles.

We have used this lot several times in the past and is walking distance to all the Niagara attractions. The lot is used for charter buses taking people to the Casino.
 
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