Things to do / Travel Guide
Some of the first inhabitants of the region, members of the Iroquois nation, believed that the beautiful Finger Lakes were formed when the Creator plowed the land with his own fingers. The western New York and south-central Ontario region indeed seems truly touched by the divine. In addition to the sparkling-sapphire Finger Lakes, shores of two Great Lakes, and the mighty Niagara River and Niagara Falls, make the region a prime destination for those who love water in every wild and pristine manifestation.
Take Niagara Falls: Those truly awesome cascades have awed humans for thousands of years. With the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls on the U.S. side and the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side, today over 20 million tourists a year from literally every corner of the globe flock to photograph this beloved natural wonder. Take a ferry right into the mist of the mighty Niagara Falls and watch colorful rainbows arc across the surging whitewater curtain. See the Niagara Falls from a viewing tower or helicopter, or ride a glass elevator to Niagara's rocky gorge. Stand on a parapet at the brink of the falls and hear the thunderous roar of the water cascading below you.
Experienced travelers and jaded New York City residents, who have seen and done it all, choose western New York to enjoy the rolling hills of the Finger Lakes area, while sipping award-winning wines at lakeside vineyards. Western New York's wineries are some of the best in the U.S, second only to California's Napa Valley.
Tourists choose Toronto for its world-class dining, parks and gardens, museums, and famous entertainment district. Torontonians' charm and good sense of humor warms the heart, and many of the city's attractions are world-famous.
If you debate whether the Finger Lakes, Niagara Falls, and the city of Toronto should be your destination, consider the opportunity to experience any and all of the following:
- Ascending the tallest freestanding structure on the planet
- Watching bald eagles nesting
- Attending world-class theater and musical performances
- Viewing the vivacious Finger Lakes from the basket of a hot air balloon
- Swimming in stream-fed pools beneath waterfalls
Whether you enjoy urban bustle or pastoral quiet, whether you draw inspiration from cityscapes or rural countryside, whether you seek a high-powered adventure or a low-key vacation, whether you are traveling with children or without, western New York and south-central Ontario will suit your needs. The region has inspired humanity for generations, and it will continue to inspire for generations to come.
Time Zone
Western New York and south-central Ontario are on Eastern Time, three hours ahead of Pacific Time.
Border Crossing
U.S. and Canadian citizens are not required to bring their passports to cross the U.S.-Canadian border by land. You should, however, bring several forms of identification, like a driver's license, to be on the safe side. Parents traveling with children under 18 will need to carry identification and proof of citizenship for every child. Non-U.S. or Canadian citizens should carry photo identification, and preferably a valid international passport.
Currency
Travelers crossing the U.S.-Canadian border should be aware that while U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Canada (particularly in Niagara Falls, Ontario), Canadian currency is not valid in the United States. ATM machines are the best way to obtain local currency, but check with your home bank about exchange rates and extra fees. In Canada, banks downtown and at the airport have foreign exchange desks and traveler's checks in Canadian or U.S. currency are accepted nearly everywhere.
While western New York and the Finger Lakes region is a pretty safe region for travel, it is good to be aware that ticks are prevalent in these rural, wooded areas during spring, summer, and fall. As is well-known, ticks may be transmitters of Lyme disease. To avoid ticks, tuck long pants into socks, wear long-sleeved shirts, spray a DEET repellant on clothes, and wear shoes at all times.
Street Smarts
Toronto is considered one of the safest cities in North America. Nevertheless, gang violence and crime have been on the rise particularly in downtown Toronto, west-central Toronto, and the Junction/York area. Niagara Falls, NY contains some not-so-hospitable parts, as it was never built up like its Canadian counterpart was.
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