We parked at a parking garage just a couple of blocks away from the pedestrian crossing entry point on the US side. We had our passports with us. And for Sadie to enter Canada, we needed to present her rabies vaccination certificate (which, of course, we have on hand). Some RV parks also require this documentation for dogs.
You just walk through these turnstiles and then across the bridge to the Canadian border crossing on the other side of the Niagara River. From the Rainbow Bridge we had a great view of the Observation Point on the US side near the Maid of the Mist dock as well as Niagara Falls.
The Hornblower Cruises depart from the Canadian side and could be seen from the bridge. Several casinos can also be seen on the Canadian side from the bridge.
Once we walked across the bridge we came to the (long) line at the Canadian border. We ended up waiting about 45 minutes to pass through customs. The time passsed quickly as we Sadie struck up a friendship with the family in front of us in line. Visiting from San Francisco, their son, Landon, was so darn cute. Sadie really liked him, too! Everyone was very friendly to Sadie and we had no problem walking through the building with her (and, of course, we had the proper documentation).
We headed south to the Central Niagara Parks area along the Canadian side of the Niagara Falls and River. I think Sadie was pretty impressed as she kept jumping up to look over the railings at the falls and area below!
This is a map of the area we explored on foot while on the Canadian side. There is so much to see, that carriage rides are available for those who may want a ride along the scenic park.
This double-decker tour bus was so British!
Not far from the pedestrian access point, shopping and dining is available at the Grand View Marketplace. Two attractions can also be accessed from here: the Hornblower Cruises and the Mistrider Zipline to the Falls. There is also a great view of the Cave of the Winds (US side) attraction from this location.
Although it was very crowded during our visit, the Canadian side is very picturesque and well maintained. At Queen Victoria Place the Queen Victoria Restaurant provides dining on a terrace that provides views of the falls. A gift shop and bakery shop, Tim Hortons, is also located here.
As we walked towards the Table Rock Centre, the views of the massive Horseshoe Falls were amazing.
The power and volume of water here creates a huge cloud of mist (lots of people were wearing ponchos to keep from getting wet).
This abandoned power plant is on the Canadian side of the Niagara River near the Horeshoe Falls
The Table Rock Centre has shops, dining, and is where you can access the Journey Behind the Falls and Niagara Fury attractions.
There is so much to see and do here, that we just scratched the surface. With our dog with us, we were unable to do any of the attractions, although I have heard the Journey Behind the Falls is pretty fantastic. Next time!
As we made our way back to the Rainbow Bridge, I took this one last view of the American Falls and Bridal Falls.
Goodbye Canada! We will spend more time here next time!
It only took us a few minutes to pass through customs on the US side (passports and rabies vaccine certificate for Sadie) as it was around 6 pm.
Similar to the Discovery Pass on the United States side, there is an Adventure Pass on the Canadian side that includes WEGO bus transportation, and Journey Behind the Falls, Hornblower Niagara Cruises, White Water Walk, and Niagara's Fury attractions ($56.95/adults) and $36.95/ages 6-12). This is 30% less costly than purchasing individual tickets to the four attractions. The WEGO bus transportation will take visitors all the way to Niagara-on-the Lake on the Niagara Gorge to the north and south to Old Fort Erie with many stops along the way.
Because Sadie was with us, we did not do any of the attractions, but loved our visit to Canada nonetheless! Visiting at a less busy time of year would be ideal. But if you visit Niagara Falls, be sure to go to the Canadian side, too!
No comments:
Post a Comment