Based on some queries we have received here at Niagara Falls Visitors Guide about currency, I thought that I would let the readers of this blog in on some tips and recommendations for currency conversion in Niagara Falls Canada. Generally U.S. Dollars are accepted at most attractions, restaurants and souvenir stores. The question is, should you exchange your money before crossing the border at your local bank? If the U.S. dollar was worth more I would generally have to recommend that you exchange your currency before entering Canada, but due to the current exchange rate, it is not really that important. I will update this post if & when the currency rates swing back in the favor of the American Tourist in Niagara Falls.

Why exchange before you come to Niagara Falls on your vacation? I have noticed, on my frequent trips to local souvenir stores in Canada that most of the shops will give a poor exchange rate. I have seen as much as 5o to 75 cents on the dollar over what you could get at your local bank before your even go on your vacation. There are plenty of banks in Niagara Falls USA where you can exchange your money before heading over the border to Canada.

Here is another tip – watch your credit and debit card purchases while in Canada if your issuing bank is in the United States. Most banks charge anywhere between $2 and $5 as a currency conversion rate fee. Check with your card issuer before going hog wild with your credit card on vacation in Canada as you can end up spending a lot more money then originally intended.

What: Old Fort Niagara State Park
Where: Youngstown, New York
How Much: Adults $10  Children $6
Hours: Open 9am daily. Closing times vary.
Phone: 716.745.7611
Website: http://www.oldfortniagara.org 

About a 20 minute leisurely ride up the Robert Moses Parkway North brings you to Old Fort Niagara, since 1726. A national historic landmark, you’ll find original military architecture and fortifications from the 18th Century and the 19th Century. The fort offers living history events and programs, historical exhibits and collections, archaeology, and education.

The scenery is fantastic, with views out on to Lake Ontario and Canadian neighbor Niagara-on-The Lake. If you are here during the summer months, check out the Fort’s website and see if there is an encampment going on while you are here. They are really fun to see with muskets and cannons galore! Feel free to post your comments and experiences about Fort Niagara!

6300 Fallsview Blvd
Niagara Falls, ON L2G 1A1, Canada
(866) 916-3385

Wolfgang Puck is one of our favorite celebrity chefs. Serving up lunch & dinner. We have yet to visit the Grand Cafe in Niagara Falls, located right across the street from the Fallsview Casino resort; but if it is anything like the Wolfgang Puck in Vegas, you are in for a treat. Our online preview of the menu seemed similar to the Spago in Vegas, which was delicious. We’ll update this post just as soon as we get a chance to sample the fare. In the meantime, you are more then welcome to post your review in the comments section.

This is an expansion of our post “10 Smart Niagara Falls Travel Tips”. In our Niagara Falls travel tips blog posting, we advise you to bring the proper clothing. We thought we’d expand on that section and give you a little more information!

Visting Niagara Falls In Winter – Make sure you bring plenty of warm clothes – sweaters, gloves, hats and ear muffs to be exact. Our temperatures in the winter season can get very cold with days at a time often below freezing. The Niagara Falls area is notorious for wind that whips off the lakes surrounding the falls – which produces a nasty wind chill of below zero, yes – below zero temperatures . You’ll want to make sure if you are visiting in the winter time that you plan your outdoor activities according to the warmest part of the day.

Visiting Niagara Falls in Spring – Ahh, the melting snow, the launch of the Maid of the Mist. It’s spring in Niagara Falls. Not just shorts weather yet – and make sure you bring your lightweight jacket. Weather tends to be sunny with rainy periods and with highs in the 50s to mid 60s. Flowers bloom, birds chirp.

Visiting Niagara Falls in Summer – Up and down, hot and humid. July and August can reach highs in the upper 80s to mid 90s with very high humidity, well just because we are around so much water. Bring your sun block solution and shades – you’ll need ‘em.

Visiting Niagara Falls In Autumn – Fall- Our favorite time of year. Crisp, cool and comfortable. Pack jeans and your lightweight jackets to enjoy the outdoors and changing of the leaves.

Generally while on your Niagara Falls vacation casual is the order of the day. There are fine dining restaurants, however, at most upscale restaurants, business casual is the order of the day. Pack a paid of khakis and a polo shirt and you can’t go wrong.

So you have decided to get married at Niagara Falls - congratulations! You are probabbly wondering where to start? Let’s start off with the basics - your marriage license in Niagara Falls, New York.

What: Marriage License
Where: City Hall, Niagara Falls USA.
Address: 745 Main Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14301
How Much: $40

You’ll need to go to visit the city clerk and fork over your $40 in order to obtain a New York marriage license. Don’t expect to get married right away, though. You have to wait 24 hours after obtaining your license before you can tie the knot, so plan accordingly. If you are here scoping out your wedding location, you can get your marriage license, they are valid for a period of 60 days.

Make sure that you bring the following documents with you to prove your identity -  One of the following age related documents:

1.       Birth Certificate
2.       Baptismal Record
3.       Naturalization Record
4.       Census Record

And one of the following identity related documents:

1.       Driver’s License
2.       Passport
3.       Employment Picture ID
4.       Immigration Record

You can even request to have the mayor (if available) to do you wedding ceremony. Call the city clerk at (716) 286-4392 for more information.

Petes Market house is a small, family owned restaurant with excellent meals. Our favorite dish is the Friday fish fry. For those not familiar with what a fish fry is - a large piece of haddock (from the cod family) is deep fried to a golden brown and usually served with coleslaw and french fries. Petes takes the cake in the fish fry department. Served with your choice of baked potatoe or fries, it literally spills over the plate. 

Petes is a two level building. On the lower level is the bar, with a small dining room in the back. Upstairs are the two main dining areas complimented by another bar and kitchen. Petes has a small restaurant feel - because that is exactly what it is. Decorated with photos of Niagara Falls throughout.

Waitresses here are friendly and fast.

Prices
For less then $8 you leave with a full stomach. A family of four can eat here for as little as $30, and leave stuffed. Friday Fish is around $7.50 a plate.

Petes only accepts cash. Do not make the mistake of going there without greenbacks in your pocket.

Did you know about the downtown area of Niagara Falls, USA dubbed “Little Italy”? Probabbly not - but you are missing out, especially if you like great Italian restaurants at not so tourist prices. Little Italy is less than a mile away from the falls and has some of the best shopping and local dining the city has to offer. It lies on Pine Avenue. If you are in the mood for fresh fruit or vegetables the city market also is here - great if you are with your RV to stock up on supplies!

Getting There:

Take Main Street to Pine Avenue and turn right on Pine. Follow approximately 1/2 mile and you will be welcomed by an Archway with columns. You’ll find plenty of local pubs to quench your thirst and food to fill your bellies - everything from a steak house to Chinese food - and did we mention Italian?

Feel free to post your favorite finding in Little Italy right here!