Getting here

Location

If you're not very familiar with our area, the southern part of the Niagara region encompasses four destinations collectively known as Niagara's South Coast.

Places

Fort Erie's vibrant character is shaped by its diverse historic communities, including Bridgeburg, Old Fort Erie, Crescent Park, Ridgeway, Stevensville, Black Creek-Douglastown, and Crystal Beach.

Port Colborne is a community striving to provide residents and visitors with an exceptional small-town experience in a big way.

Nestled in the heart of Niagara you’ll find Pelham, a fusion of rural and urban communities offering unique lifestyles rich with history, agriculture, and commercial industries.

Located between the Welland River and the shores of Lake Erie, Wainfleet is a community grounded in agriculture, family, and rural traditions.

transportation

GETTING AROUND

Access to a car can be arranged through local taxi providers, rental car companies, and ride-hailing services like Uber. Bus transportation throughout the Niagara region is possible thanks to Niagara Transit, an intermunicipal system that runs daily and year-round.

By air

Four major airports within the Greater Toronto and Buffalo areas offer convenient access to Niagara's South Coast, with driving times ranging from 30 to 95 minutes.

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

As Canada’s largest and busiest airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport sees nearly 50 million passengers annually. The airport is located 125 km (78 mi) or an hour and a half drive from the centre of the Niagara region.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)

Located on the Toronto Islands, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport welcomes nearly three million passengers annually from Canada and the U.S. via two airlines: Porter and Air Canada. The airport is located 127 km (79mi) or an hour and a half drive from the centre of the Niagara region.

John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YMC)

Seeing close to 350,000 passengers a year and serving several destinations across North America, Hamilton International Airport is less than a one hour drive from the Niagara region.

Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)

Approximately a 30-minute drive from Fort Erie, the Buffalo Niagara International Airport hosts approximately 100 non-stop flights a day. It is important to remember that a passport is essential for crossing the border into Canada, even if you're arriving in Buffalo by air from within the United States.

By car/RV

from toronto area

When driving to Niagara from the Toronto area, take the Gardiner Expressway West until it turns into the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW). Continue on the QEW toward Niagara, exiting at Victoria Avenue for Pelham and Wainfleet, Thompson Road for Fort Erie, or Highway 406 South (to Highway 140) for Port Colborne. The estimated travel time is one and a half hours, but allow extra time if you're driving during rush hour.

FROM NEW YORK STATE

If you’re driving from New York State, there are three bridges available to cross into Canada: Peace Bridge, Queenston Lewiston Bridge or Rainbow Bridge. To enter into Canada, you'll need to pay a small toll at any of the three bridges. Both US and Canadian dollars are accepted.

By bus

go bus

GO Bus connects with the GO Train, offering transportation from across Ontario to Niagara via Toronto. With stops in St. Catharines, the Outlet Collection in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Niagara Falls, passengers can easily and affordably travel into Niagara from across the province.

megabus

MegaBus stops at Brock University in St. Catharines and the Niagara Falls Business Terminal at 4555 Erie Avenue. The low-cost, daily express bus service is one of Canada's safest and most convenient intercity bus companies.

border crossing

entry into canada

When you arrive at the Canada-US border, you will be asked by a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer to see your passport (and a valid visa, if one is necessary). If you are a citizen of the United States over the age of 16, you will need a passport, a passport card or an Enhanced Driver's Licence (issued only by certain states). If you are travelling by air, you are required to have a passport, regardless of age.

As of March 15, 2016, visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through Canada will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Exceptions include American citizens and travellers with a valid visa.

Inadmissibility

‍You may be deemed inadmissible to (or not permitted to enter) Canada by the CBSA for a number of reasons. Reasons for inadmissibility can include involvement in criminal activity (which may include impaired driving convictions), human rights violations, organized crime, health grounds, misrepresentation, etc.

Children

Minors age 15 and under must have proper identification, such as a birth certificate, passport, citizenship card, permanent resident card or Certificate of Aboriginal Status. While passports are recommended, they are not required for American minors age 15 or younger crossing the border by land - a birth certificate will suffice.

For further information about required documentation, inadmissibility,  travelling with children, and other border procedures, please visit the Canada Border Services Agency's website or call 1-800-461-9999.

returning to the united states

Depending on the length of stay, American citizens are entitled to take goods back to the US duty free. Please be aware that goods purchased in a duty free shop are not automatically free of duty upon your return to the US.

You can find a list of duty free items to bring back to the US here, as well as a list of prohibited and restricted items here. For further information on US customs regulations, please visit the US Customs and Border Protection's website or call 877-227-5511.

border wait times

Visit this website for up-to-date information regarding Ontario-New York State border wait times at the Peace Bridge, Queenston Lewiston Bridge or Rainbow Bridge.

parking

Parking arrangements are quite similar across all four locations on Niagara's South Coast. Ample parking can be found on public roads and streets with both paid and free options available where and when permitted. Downtown parking in some locations may be free for a certain period of time. Parking in business lots and on private property should follow all regulations set by the owner.

Please consult the websites of the Town of Pelham, Town of Fort Erie, City of Port Colborne, and Township of Wainfleet for more information on parking availability, restrictions, and by-law enforcement.

seasons

The southernmost part of the Niagara region is situated on and near the shores of Lake Erie. The tempering effect of this Great Lake keeps the surrounding area at a moderate temperature throughout the year. While summers are warm (average 21°C/70°F) and winters are cool (average -2°C/28°F), the high moisture content in the air contributes to unpredictably humid summers and heavy snowfalls in the winter. Make the most of your visit to Niagara's South Coast by checking the local forecast and weather conditions for the day.

spring

As the weather wakes up from its winter slumber, the sky across the South Coast gives way to the occasional shower and the foliage brightens up with dazzling pastel colours.

summer

Once the heat takes hold in June, spectacular sun-filled days feel perfect for outdoor play, patio drinks and good eats, or relaxing on one of our sandy beaches.

fall

Starting in mid-September, be surrounded by the crisp cool air and stunning fall shades that fill our parks and trails. It’s easily the most comfortable time to visit.

winter

A wonderland of cozy days and weekends during the winter are best spent by a warm fire after skating with the kids or entertaining them with hot chocolate and indoor games.