Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Niagara Falls, Ontario, is a mid-size city of 82,000 residents. Although many government
signs and notices are bilingual (English and French), English is the official language of
Ontario.
The U.S. and Canadian dollars fluctuate in relative value. Sometimes the currencies are
at par, while at other times, there is a significant difference. To obtain the best rate for your
dollars, exchange them at a bank before your trip. Better yet, use a credit card that does not
charge fees for processing purchases made in Canada.
Crime is low in Canada, especially in the tourist areas of Niagara Falls. Niagara Parks
has its own police department. Many of its officers use bikes to monitor traffic and keep
rubber-necking tourists moving along the parkway. The City of Niagara Falls and the
Province of Ontario have their own police forces as well. For an emergency, dial 911, just
as in the United States.
There is no airport in Niagara Falls, although smaller regional airfields are nearby. Most
visitors to the falls are day-trippers from New York City who land at the
Buffalo Niagara
International Airport
(BUF, 4200 Genesee St., Cheektowaga, 716/630-6000,
www.buffaloairport.com
)
, rent a car there, and then drive 20 miles to Niagara Falls and
cross the border. Taxis are plentiful at the Buffalo airport, 24 hours a day. A taxi ride to the
falls costs $85.
TheusualmodeoftransportforvisitorstoNiagaraFallsisbyautomobile.Oneinternational
bridge joins Niagara Falls, Ontario, with Niagara Falls, New Yorkâthe Rainbow Bridge.
Border inspection wait times at the bridge are difficult to predict, but updates are available
via the Niagara Bridge Commission website (
www.niagarafallsbridges.com
)
. Hourly up-
dates are also available by calling 800/715-6722.
Driving in Ontario is virtually the same as in the United States, except that speed limit
signs use the metric system. Pedestrians always have the right of way within a designated
