Community Forums

Ghostman · 01-16-2016, 07:01 PM

Hello everyone,

I'm planning a trip to the falls this summer. I have been told the Canadian side is much better than US side? Has anyone visited recently and stayed on the Canadian side that can give a recommendation? Thanks in advance!

1ciderdog · 01-17-2016, 11:55 AM

Not recent but we stayed at the KOA on the Canada side and took a bus down to the falls. A regular city bus route and a stop right next to KOA. Yes, the view of the falls is better from the Canada side. Semper Fi.

Mac99 · 01-17-2016, 12:21 PM

We did not feel like dealing with the border crossing and the
high prices in Canada, so we stayed on the US side. Took the
Maid of the Mist boat ride and saw everything there was to see.
Also hiked along the falls on the US side which was a lot of fun.
I wouldn't bother with going to Canada, and I've done both sides.

crazeecanuc · 01-17-2016, 01:01 PM

Niagara Falls is expensive on Canadian side, but your dollar is worth $1.40 on our side right now. Might help a bit

G.G. · 01-17-2016, 01:22 PM

We stayed on the US side, but drove to the Canadian side. IMO if you're going to bother to go, you need to see both sides - both views of the falls and the surrounding area. Agree that the view of the US from the Canadian side is the better view. Also, lunch at Niagara-on-the-Lake was nice.

RandyKathyM · 01-17-2016, 02:24 PM

I really don't like KOA's, however the KOA on Grand Island is very nice and a short drive to the falls. Border Crossing was not that bad coming back, except for the very strange feeling I got, that the American Border Agent had a very strong Russian accent. How things have changed.

George Z · 01-17-2016, 02:42 PM

Canadian side views are much nicer and the light show on the falls was seen from the Canada side. Niagara Falls KOA on Lundy Lane is the place to stay as there is bus service down to the falls , and there is a great dinner theater right next to the campground called Oh Canada Eh. The US dollar is worth almost $1.50 in Canadian dollars.

Ghostman · 01-17-2016, 03:24 PM

Thanks for all the responses. The boarder crossing and cost was a concern. Semper Fi to you as well 1ciderdog.

brian-nicola · 01-17-2016, 03:29 PM

1.40 is what your currency is worth, leave handguns on US side (long guns are OK), border crossing is no big deal and this place looks pretty nice and thank you for your service!
home

nothermark · 01-17-2016, 03:53 PM

If your reason to cross is only to see the falls there is a lot less cost and potential for problems if you camp on Grand Island and drive the towed. If you want to travel farther than the falls then do a crossing and use the towed to run back and forth or do a day or two here then cross for a day or two and keep going. There is a lot of Canada to see so I would do the few here then few there then head off for a Canadian destination. My point is that there is parking and shuttles on both sides. The big potential hassle is the house. A car full of tourists is pretty easy to deal with. Can be either towed or rental.

Do not try anything with the Customs folks. They have no sense of humor and a lot of ways to get even. Do not forget your documentation. Passport is best.

Losthikers · 01-17-2016, 05:54 PM

I been up there and always choose to stay in Canada, I love visiting Canada.
Getting around Niagara Falls try Wego

Firearms? PAL permit, good for five years, follow the rules.
Other contraband, remember the phrase "surrender to the Crown".

Nana25K · 01-17-2016, 06:09 PM

We crossed over and did the wine trail. If your a Gervitztominer fan don't miss the winery in St David's. We had a grand time. When we crossed back at end if the day the Border Agent asked if we had bought anything. Of course our answer was yes. He asked how many different winery. When we told him about 9 bottles from at least 6 winery's he just laughed and waved us through with no customs fees etc. Said during late afternoon traffic he didn't have time to write them all up!!

fuzzie101 · 01-17-2016, 06:37 PM

I grew up in Niagara Falls Ontario and still have family there so we camp in the area frequently. You have three campgrounds in the same general area. The Koa, Scott's family campground and a Campark. All are within a mile of each other and serviced by the WeGo bus system. We've never used it because I know my way around and try to avoid the tourist areas anyways.

We stayed at the Campark once. It was basically parking in a field in close proximity to others. They have a decent pool and splash pad as well as clean washrooms/laundry but not much more. We don't like parking in a field so we didn't return.

We've never stayed at Scott's but it looks like more of a field than the Campark. I asked the staff one day what they had for entertainment and it was nothing. No pool, no playground. Nada.

So, we frequent the Koa. The big rig area is crammed full but we have a secret spot that is in a little nicer area. The place is clean clean clean. Indoor and outdoor pools. Playground. Hot tub. Bar/restaurant. It runs around 70-80 cdn a night but your exchange rate is great right now.

There is also a park near marineland which we've never been to but from what I hear it's nothing special and likely expensive because it's in the tourism area.

The view from the Canadian side is much nicer in my opinion. Crossing the border has never been an issue for us. Be polite and honest and they won't catch you in a lie. They've entered our trailer a couple of times but it was no big deal. Make sure you check the cbsa website for what you can and can't bring over.