twobluecats

Hello! In planning our return journey from Vermont to Dallas, it occurred to me that Niagra is just a short 20+ miles from Buffalo. We wouldn't arrive until 8pm or so, could overnight and spend just a couple of hours in the morning. Would it be worth the time to only spend such a short time visiting? I just figured we won't be in the area again anytime soon.

suzanne

A couple of hours is really all you need for Niagara Falls. Stay on the Canadian side...they shine colored lights on Horseshoe Falls after dark...very pretty, but can only be viewed from the Canadian side. In the morning take a stroll along the edge, then go to the American side , where you'll get a different view from the park there (Goat Island).

placeu2

I agree, a couple of hours is plenty. I also agree with the Canadian side idea, night at the falls is the best time.

I would encourage you to take a maid of the mist ride on the morning of your departure. We did and it was well worth it.

snowrooster

I totally agree. My parents took us as kids for a couple hours before we drove home from another trip. It was great - we did the tour behind the falls. I didn't feel like we needed to stay longer or that I need to return - a few hours is perfect!

twobluecats

Thanks for the speedy responses! How difficult is the border crossing these days? I don't think a passport is required yet, right? My sister-in-law is a citizen of the Philippines and does have her passport. However, her daughter is 15, a US Citizen, but no passport. We will be in a large passenger van with tons o' antiques as that's the purpose of our trip--pick up stuff we left in Vermont.

twobluecats

If we spend the night there, which hotel do you recommend? I really want to include this memory from our trip!!!

nytraveler

Having a van full of antiques and a foreign citizen might well catch extra attention. Be sure everyone in the car has appropriate ID.

A passport is not required for US citizens first - but you do need offical picture ID (diver lic or similar) and a real (not xerox) birth certificate - or other proof of citizenship (natualization papers etc.)

NOTE: the problem is not getting into Canada - it's getting back into the US.

indytravel

Moving tons of antiques across a country's border? I'd make sure I had everything extremely well documented.

I can imagine border control questions leaving and entering now...

"Why are you taking these antiques out of the country?"

"Are any of them subject to special rules concerning importing/exporting?"

"Do you have proper receipts?"

"Do you have a license to import/export antiques?"

"What is the value of the antiques and where did you purchase them?"

"You're only coming across the border to visit a few hours then coming right back? Yeah. Right. All the people trying to illegally import/export say that all the time. And we're supposed to believe you?"

twobluecats

Very valid points indeed. However, don't you think many folks pick up things along the way on road trips and venture across the border on their journey? My husband and I have been back and forth across the Canadian border several times loaded down with mementos (yes, many antiques) from both the New England part of the trip and the Canadian (specifically, Quebec) part. Never had a problem. Of course, I am a worry wart, which is exactly why I want my ducks in a row for this possible crossing.

BuffaloGirl

You had better check with U.S. Customs re: antiques and the Immigration Dept. re: sister in law!

As for Niagara Falls, you could spend the evening on the Canadian side and check out the American side in the morning (Goat Island for the best views of the American side). You can stand at the brink of the falls, and also see the upper rapids!

Hey, I'm selling a few antiques at my garage sale on Saturday if you're interested (wink).

Have fun.