Things to do / Travel Guide
While western New York (NY), the Finger Lakes region, and south-central Ontario are not notoriously expensive, they also are not cheap, either. The Finger Lakes region is generally considered an upscale vacation spot. Additionally, in Niagara Falls and Toronto, visitors should be prepared for inflated prices, particularly in the peak summer months. However, none of the main Falls attractions, such as the Maid of the Mist boat tour, cost more than $15. Some are even less, like 50 cents, and children are always less.
It is moreover possible for the budget traveler to manage a trip to the region on the proverbial shoestring. Meals can be bought at moderate prices and adequate motel or bed and breakfast lodgings will help cut expenditures. Free activities and events are plenty available, visits to parks, gardens, and nature centers are good and affordable (and often free) activities, and many of the annual events in both western New York and south-central Ontario also feature concerts and performances that are free to the public.
U.S. travelers going into Canada have the advantage of the strong, U.S. dollar Canada charges a significant Goods and Services Tax (GST) and provincial sales taxes vary. Foreign visitors can keep their receipts and file for a rebate, either at the border, at Canadian Duty Free Shops, or by mail, of up to about $470 on lodging and items purchased and taken out of the country.
Gas prices in Buffalo, NY are slightly lower than they are in other parts of in western NY. Gas prices in Toronto are comparable to those in other areas of Canada with the exception of the high gas prices in Niagara Falls.
The New York State Thruway is a toll road. Toll costs depend on the length of your drive, where you get on and where you get off the Thruway.
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