Niagara Falls Hotels » Niagara Falls General Information
Niagara Falls General Information
Where to stay? What to do? What to see? The official Niagara Falls Information Page
NiagaraFallsHotels.com - the Niagara Falls Tourism Authority - is your one-stop resource for everything you need to plan your next visit.
Looking for the hotels with the best views of Niagara Falls? Want to know which hotels and restaurants are within walking distance of Niagara Falls? Where can you find the best shopping, themed restaurants and attractions? Where can you stay and avoid the parking congestion of Niagara Falls by walking to all the best attractions and sites? Find these answers and more. Make the most out of your travels to Niagara Falls by arriving informed.
NiagaraFallsHotels.com offers a variety of hotels that meet the requirements of all guests. From Fallsview rooms and suites at the 4-Star Sheraton on the Falls Hotel, or Niagara Falls Crowne Plaza Hotel to the newly renovated Skyline Inn, or comfortable family suites at Hampton Inn, to our American hotel, the Days Inn at the Falls in Niagara Falls New York, this site is home to options that make planning a getaway easy.
Niagara Falls is truly a family destination, and the Falls Avenue Entertainment Complex offers fun and excitement for all ages. All Falls Avenue attractions are internally connected to the Sheraton on the Falls, Crowne Plaza, and Skyline Inn hotels through indoor walkways for ease and convenience, including our newest addition – The Fallsview Indoor Waterpark. 125,000 square feet of water fun, guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Featuring 16 of the fastest slides in North America, the Beach House play area, tiny tots splash park, two adult only Jacuzzis, the sunny side year round pool and deck, and the largest wave pool in Niagara. The Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is the only waterpark in the world that is surrounded by the majesty and wonder of Niagara Falls.
After spending the day in the Waterpark stop by the world’s only Hershey Chocolate Store for a decadent treat, fight the forces of evil at Adventure City, take in the magic of the 4-D Theatre at MGM Studios Plaza, or head to one of our theme restaurants for a bite to eat.
The Falls Avenue Hotel, Entertainment and Attractions complex is home to non-stop fun!
Niagara Falls Fun Facts
Niagara Falls has a long and storied history, here are a few Fun Facts about Niagara Falls:
- The Gorge extends from Niagara Falls for 11 km (7 miles) down stream
- More than 168000 cubic meters of water go over the brink every minute
- The plunge pool beneath the falls is 35m(100 feet) deep.
- Niagara Falls generates close to 4.4 million kilowatts (5 million horsepower)
- The Niagara generating stations supply one quarter of all power used in New York State and Ontario.
- The word “Niagara” was derived from the Iroquois Indian word “Onguiaahra” meaning “the strait”
- Niagara Falls are the second largest falls in the world next to Victoria Falls in South Africa. What makes Niagara Falls spectacular is the combination of volume and height.
- The only occurrence of both the American and Horseshoe falls being turned off, was in 1848, when Ice jams formed in Lake Erie near Buffalo, stopped the flow of water to the Falls. The stoppage lasted only 30 hours.
- The American Falls were “turned off” for a seven months stretch in 1969, by the US Army Corps of Engineers to allow for repairs to be made to the eroding face of the American Falls.
- Niagara Falls was formed 12,000 years ago by glacial erosion, and is said to erode at a pace of 1 foot every decade.
Taxes & Fee
Hotel stays in Niagara Falls are now subject to 13% tax rate (Ontario Harmonized Sales Tax) and a 3.39% PF (Promotion Fee, which is NOT a tax). Implemented by hotels in the city to help us market Niagara Falls to travelers the PF may also be used to generate better services for visitors while in the city.
Dining establishments, attractions and retail outlets will also be subject to the Promotional Fee.
Customs and Immigration
Effective June 1, 2009 all citizens of Canada, United States and Mexico will require a passport or approved document including an enhanced driver's licence or enhanced Identification Card to travel through North America by land or air. This change in the required documents is the result of the 9/11 commission recommendations under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).
For more information, please visit http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html, http://www.getyouhome.gov/ or http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/whti-ivho/menu-eng.html
Tax Refunds
The Government of Canada has announced the intention of eliminating the Goods and Service Tax Rebate, and announced the introduction of the Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive program.
As of March 31, 2007 visitors to Canada who purchase goods and export them, will no longer be entitled to a rebate of the GST paid.
The Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive program offers rebate to certain property and services used in the course of holding a foreign convention in Canada.
For more information on the Visitor Rebate or Foreign Convention/Tour Program, visit http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/bsnss/tpcs/gst-tps/rbts/vstrs/menu-eng.html
You can also phone:
- from within Canada, call toll-free at 1 800 668-4748
- from outside Canada, call (902) 432-5608 (long distance charges will apply).
Currency Exchange
The rates for currency exchange vary in different establishments and there are no laws that enforce these rates of exchange. It is advisable to change your money at a bank. Banks are normally open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
Currency Exchange Centers are located at "green-roofed" Ontario Travel Centers in Niagara Falls and offer bank rates. You can also go to the Table Rock complex and Victoria Park Gift Shop, Casino Niagara and Fallsview Casino which are open seven days a week.
Liquor Laws
The legal drinking age in Ontario is 19. Beer and liquor stores are open daily although hours vary. Inquire with concierge upon arrival for hours and locations.
People Mover
The People Mover, known as a "loop transportation system," operates from April to October, and is one of the best modes of transportation in Niagara Falls. Starting times are April to mid June at 10a.m., mid June to Labour Day at 9a.m., and the day after Labour Day through Canadian Thanksgiving at 10a.m.
- The trip is 30 km (19 miles) and covers all major attractions
- Running 20 minutes apart
- Units are clean, air conditioned, fully carpeted and have large tinted windows
After taking this scenic expedition, you are returned to the point where you purchased your ticket.
Quick Facts
The Niagara River water is used by Canadian and American residents and serves a wide range of purposes for over 1 million people.
Did you know the Niagara River... ?
- Is actually a strait
- Flows between two lakes, Lake Ontario and Lake Erie
- Plays a big role for hydro-electricity generation
Other great facts...
- Water going over the falls drains an area of 264,00 square miles
- 12,000 years ago the Falls were 11km (7 miles) downstream from present location
- Until the early '50's the erosion rate was an average of 1 meter (three feet) per year
- Suggested rate of erosion may now be as low as 1 foot per ten years
- The Robert Moses Niagara Power plant on the American side of the River was constructed in 1961.
If we haven't answered your question here, please e-mail reserve@niagarafallshotels.com
