Niagara Falls is not only a natural wonder, a classic tourist attraction and a source of hydroelectric power, but it is also the dividing point between the twin cities of Niagara Falls, New York, and Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Tourists crossing the border from New York into Canada frequently do so to gain a different vantage point of the falls, to explore the Niagara River Recreational Trail or to visit one of the indoor observation rooms on the Canadian side.

Obtain a tourist visa if you are not a citizen of the United States or Canada. Citizens of other countries can acquire a tourist visa from a Canadian consulate in the U.S. A Canadian consulate conveniently is located in Buffalo, New York, about 17 miles from Niagara Falls.

Obtain a passport, a passport card or an enhanced driver's license if you are a U.S. citizen. You are required to provide one of these documents at the immigration checkpoint when you re-enter the U.S. after visiting Canada.

Go to the Rainbow Bridge, which is 500 yards from the American Falls, as long as you are not driving a commercial vehicle. The Rainbow Bridge provides an expansive view of Niagara Falls and entry into Canada. Travelers are permitted to walk, bicycle or drive private vehicles across the bridge. This is one of three international bridges that are within six miles of Niagara Falls.

Cross over the Whirlpool Bridge, which is 1.8 miles north of Niagara Falls, as an alternative. You must be a NEXUS cardholder to use the Whirlpool Bridge. NEXUS is a program designed by U.S. and Canadian agencies that allows approved travelers who have been screened and deemed low-risk to quickly cross the border.

Use the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, 5.6 miles north of the falls, as another alternative. All kinds of vehicles, including commercial vehicles, are permitted to use this crossing. Bicycles are permitted, but they are not recommended on the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge.

Prepare to wait if you are crossing on a major holiday. On a typical day, expect to cross the border into Canada in less than 10 minutes. A 20-minute wait is common on Friday and Saturday afternoons, and wait times can exceed 30 minutes on major holidays.

Tip

  • The Niagara Falls are free and open to the public on both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border.

Tip

  • Adults bringing children across the border are required to have original or certified copies of birth certificates for each child.

    Tourist visas are not available at the border crossing.

    Passport application processing times vary between four and six weeks.

About the Author

Steven Wilkens has been a professional editor and writer since 1994. His work has appeared in national newspapers and magazines, including "The Honolulu Advertiser" and "USA Today." Wilkens received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Saint Joseph's University.

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