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Climate Niagara Falls, Canada enjoys a four-season climate. It is approximately the same distance from the equator as Seattle, Chicago, Detroit and Boston. Though winters can be chilly, the spring and summer seasons are very pleasant and warm. And autumn in Niagara is a colourful and comfortable season. Niagara has many waterways including lakes, rivers and streams, and beaches offering sand, sun and unmatched scenery. Need information? Help is just a phone call away.

You are invited to call our trained and courteous information counselors, regarding any special events or activities in Niagara Falls Canada and the surrounding region. You can reach our visitor information centre toll-free at 1-800-56FALLS (32557) or locally at 905-356-6061.

Our visitor information centre is open seven days a week, operating from 8am-5pm during the peak season (May-September), and 9am-5pm during the off season (October-April).

Canadian Banks, liquor stores, government offices and a variety of business offices in Canada, observe the following holidays as listed below. Please be aware that during these holidays a number of establishments in Niagara Falls may be closed, or practicing limited business hours.

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Entry into Canada

From the United States
US-born citizens should carry a passport or a birth certificate plus photo I.D.; naturalized citizens need naturalization certificates with photo I.D.; permanent residents (who are not citizens) need the alien-registration card.

From Countries other than the United States
Visitors from countries other than the United States must have a valid passport, and a visa may be required. Check with the nearest Canadian Consulate office or contact the Canada Customs Services at 416-973-8022 or 1-800-461-9999 or website www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca.

Passport Update

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Border Crossings in Niagara

There are 3 international bridge crossings from the US.

Rainbow Bridge
Queenston/Lewiston Bridge
Peace Bridge

For general information on border crossings into the Niagara Region, or to obtain wait times for crossings, please contact the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission.

Canada 905- 354-5641

U.S. 716-285-6322

Toll Free 1-800-715-6722
Or visit their website at: http://www.niagarafallsbridges.com.

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Firearms

Firearms are not allowed into Canada. Mace/stun guns and other weapons are prohibited.

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Duty Free Shopping for Visitors

Take advantage of goods that are duty free at the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge, the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls and the Peace Bridge connecting Fort Erie, Ontario and Buffalo, New York.

Up to date duty free shopping information.

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Currency Exchange

The rates and fees for currency exchange vary in different establishments and there are no laws that enforce these rates of exchange. It is recommended to change your money at a bank or a currency exchange centre. Banks are normally open from 10am-4pm, Monday to Friday, and will levy a fee of between $3 to $6 for non-client transactions. Currency exchange centres have more flexible options, usually open 7 days a week from early morning to evening, with fees as low as $1. You will find them conveniently located on all our international bridges as you enter the country, as well as throughout the city.

For a complete list of
currency exchange locations please visit: http://www.niagarafallstourism.com/traveltips-currency.html

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Sales Tax

An 8% Provincial Sales Tax (PST) applies to most purchases. An additional 5% federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies to most purchases of goods and services.

GST Refunds

The Government of Canada has eliminated the GST/HST Visitor Rebate Program and announced the introduction of the Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program, therefore, Non-residents visiting Canada for a convention only are entitled to rebates on Goods and Services Tax (GST) paid by them while in Canada . For more information on the GST refund please visit http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/visitors.

Non-residents that are not tour operators will still be eligible for the GST/HST rebate paid on purchases of short-term or camping accommodation made after March 2007 if the accommodation:

• is part of a continuous accommodation at the same facility that started before April 2007; or
• was sold to the non-resident under a written agreement entered into before September 25, 2006, and first made available before April 2009.

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Location

Driving Directions To Niagara Falls

From Metro Toronto
Follow the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW). Niagara around the Golden Horseshoe to the Niagara Peninsula.Continue on the QEW Niagara to Hwy. 420 and into the City of Niagara Falls.

From South Western Ontario
Follow Hwy. 401 East to Hwy. 403 at Hamilton. Continue on Hwy. 403 to QEW Niagara and proceed through Niagara to Hwy. 420 into the City of Niagara Falls.

From the Kitchener/Waterloo Area
Follow Hwy. 401 East to Hwy. 6. Follow Hwy. 6 to Hwy. 403 East for a short distance and watch for signs to QEW Niagara. Follow QEW Niagara to Hwy. 420 into the City of Niagara Falls.

Speed Limits in Canada
The speed limits in Canada are posted in kilometers per hour as opposed to miles per hour. The speed limit on most city streets is 50 km/hr (30 mi/hr). On most highways, the speed limit is posted as 100 km/hr (60 mi/hr). A rule of thumb is to multiply the posted speed limit by 6 and then divide by 10 to convert the posted km/hr to mi/hr.

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Transportation

Customs Information

We will act as a liaison between Canada Customs, Niagara customs brokers and meeting planners to expedite entry of exhibits and convention materials into Canada.

Border crossings of any kind may sometimes represent an area of perceived difficulty for some organizations. Fortunately, we can assure you that our industry, which supports the meetings trade, has made great progress. With the influx of new convention centers opening across the country, all of which have been partially funded by the Canadian Federal Government, the philosophy of Canada Customs has changed greatly in relation to convention business and the American meetings market in particular.

To protect the substantial investment made, the Customs Act was completely reviewed and streamlined in January of 1983 to make it easier than ever to import convention and exhibit materials.

Any printed matter such as programs, information bulletins, memoranda, indentification badges and similar material necessary for the conduct of a convention sponsored by a foreign body are admitted free of duty and taxes when imported by responsible officials of the convention. Souvenirs in the form of lapel buttons, key cases, pen and pencil sets and other similar articles of nominal value frequently presented as gifts to individuals attending conventions are also admissible without payment of duty and taxes when imported by a convention official or authorized agent.

Relative to your exhibit, we recommend the appointment of an Official Customs Broker to handle and co-ordinate all materials, which will be brought in for display. The role of the Customs Broker has been greatly expanded in the past few years to include services such as attending the meeting preceding a Niagara Falls convention in order to offer an educational program strictly for your exhibitors. Paperwork is minimal and we have found that shows run as smoothly in Canada as in any major U.S. city. Further, all materials, which will be shipped to Niagara Falls by the host organization, are handled by the designated Customs Broker at no charge.

In order to assist you further in obtaining information and privileges pertaining to your prospective meeting, convention or trade show in Niagara, we suggest that you contact:

Mau'veen Dayrell-Johnson
Regional Coordinator, International Events and Convention Services Program
Canada Border Services Agency
1980 Matheson Boulevard East
Mississauga, ON L5A 3A4
Phone: 905-803-5261
Fax: 905-803-5353
Email: mauveen.dayrell-johnson@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

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