Whether you’re a first-time visitor, or making the trek back to the region after several years, here are some of the many questions frequently asked about Niagara Falls USA as well as Niagara Falls State Park.
Q. When is the best time to visit Niagara Falls State Park?
A. The best time to visit Niagara Falls State Park is during the summer months when the average monthly high temperature ranges between 70F and 80F. Because summer is peak season, you'll face more crowds and spend more money on hotel accommodations, but all of the attractions are open including Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds. During winter, spring and fall, crowds tend to be less, hotel room rates drop and the unique change of seasons is well worth a visit. In fall, peak foliage is generally the third week in October, while winter brings snow and ice that transforms the Falls into a stunning winter wonderland.
Q. Where is Niagara Falls State Park located?
A. Niagara Falls State Park is located in Niagara Falls, NY. The American, Horseshoe and Bridal Veil Falls are all visible from the Park from various scenic areas.
Your daughter, if under 19, can not enter Casino Niagara, as there are gaming opportunities throughout the building. Your daughter, if under 19, CAN enter the Fallsview Casino building and enjoy the non-gambling public areas, but can NOT enter the gaming area. Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel is located at 310 Fourth Street and is the only AAA 4-Diamond Award-winning Hotel in Niagara Falls, NY. The hotel offers over 600 well-appointed rooms and luxurious suites and is the largest hotel in New York outside of Manhattan.
Q: When does Niagara Falls open?
A: Niagara Falls State Park does not close and there are no specific Niagara Falls open dates. Guests can view Niagara Falls year-round, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Q: Are wheelchairs, strollers, bicycles or kid wagons available for rent at Niagara Falls State Park?
A. Yes! Rentals are available outside of the Visitor Center located at Niagara Falls State Park. Rentals include bicycles rentals (includes helmet and lock), wheelchair rentals, stroller rentals and kid wagon rentals. Rentals are available hourly, or for the entire day. Available June to Columbus Day.
Q. What is the Niagara Falls USA Discovery Pass?
A: The Niagara Falls USA Discovery Pass includes admission to Maid of the Mist, Observation Tower, Cave of the Winds, Niagara Adventure Theater, Discovery Center, Aquarium of Niagara and the Niagara Scenic Trolley, as well as additional savings at nearby attractions. The Pass is valid from May until October and can be used throughout the season.
Q: What's available for dining at the Niagara Falls State Park? Can I have a cook out?
A. Niagara Falls State Park offers a number of food service outlets ranging from grab-and-go snack bars to Top of the Falls Restaurant, overlooking the Horseshoe Falls from every table. Portable food carts are located throughout the Park for fast service ice cream, beverages and snacks. In addition, there are several dining options within walking distance outside of the Park, too. Cook outs are not permitted in the Park, but tables are available for a picnic.
Q: Can I see the Falls and enjoy the attractions in the winter?
A: Niagara Falls State Park is open year-round for viewing the Falls. However, some of the attractions at Niagara Falls State Park are seasonal and only open until October or November, such as Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds. Also, some viewing areas may be closed during the winter months due to icy conditions.
Q: Can I take my dog into Niagara Falls State Park?
A: Yes, but all pets must be on a 6-foot leash and cleaned up after. Pets are not permitted in any buildings or attractions unless they are service animals.
Q: Do I need a passport to ride the Maid of the Mist?
A: No, passports are only required when entering another country or returning to the United States. They are not required to ride the Maid of the Mist.
Q: Are there accommodations within walking distance to the Falls and Casino?
A: Yes! There are several accommodations located close by, within walking distance the Falls including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts and hostels. We suggest booking your hotel in advance, especially during the summer months and holidays.
Q: Where can I park an RV or motor home?
A: Parking for RVs and motor homes is free at the Aquarium of Niagara, located at 701 Whirlpool St. Niagara Falls, NY 14301. For parking on Goat Island at Niagara Falls State Park, call the Visitor Center for more information at (716) 278-1796. On-street parking is available too.
Q: What is the closest airport to Niagara Falls?
A: The Buffalo Niagara International Airport is the closest airport - approximately 19 miles from Niagara Falls USA.
Q: What public transportation is available to or from the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport?
A: Public transportation to Niagara Falls is available through shuttle, bus, taxi, limo, and car rental. Visit the Niagara USA Official Visitor Center and our Customer Service Representatives will be happy to assist!
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Q: How can I get around the county if I don't have my car?
A: There are plenty of options for traveling around Niagara Falls USA. Bus, shuttle, taxi, limo, and car rentals are available.
Q: Where is the Train Station?
A: The Amtrak Train Station is located at 825 Depot Avenue West, Niagara Falls, NY 14305; less than 5 miles from Niagara Falls State Park.
Q: Where I can I exchange my money into Canadian?
A: Currency exchange is available at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino located on Third Street or at the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA.
Q: What is the legal drinking and gambling age?
A: The legal age to consume/purchase alcohol and gamble is 21.
Q: Can I walk over the bridge into Canada?
A: Yes, the Rainbow Bridge offers a pedestrian walkway for travel to and from Canada. You will need proper identification including a valid Passport, Passport Card, or Enhanced Driver's License.
Q: How far is Niagara Falls USA to New York City?
A. New York City is about 400 miles from Niagara Falls USA. It takes approximately 7 to 8 hours to drive by car, or by train. Direct flights are offered at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
Responsible Gaming
One of the most important measures in dealing with problem gambling is increasing public awareness and informing people about how to get help. Accordingly, Fallsview Casino Resort has implemented a program of responsible gaming awareness, which focuses on customer, community and employee awareness.
Responsible Gambling Statement of Commitment
Niagara Casinos is committed to reducing the incidence of problem gambling and to curbing harm to those who may have developed a problem. Our commitment to Responsible Gambling is integral to our business and a condition of our success.
Customer Awareness
Fallsview Casino Resort provides on-site display material including brochures and posters, which include the provincial Problem Gambling Helpline telephone number. This number is also posted on all slot machines on property. The Helpline number - 1 (888) 230-3505 - provides 24-hour confidential information and referral, seven days a week in many languages.
Further, Fallsview Casino Resort offers customers the opportunity to voluntarily self-exclude themselves from all OLG gaming venues for an indefinite period.
Community Awareness
Fallsview Casino Resort is committed to increasing awareness about problem gambling in the surrounding community. Each year, Fallsview purchases periodical, newspaper and radio advertisements all highlighting the issue of problem gambling and the agencies to which those affected can turn for help.
Staff Awareness
Fallsview Casino Resort provides ongoing training for Associates, which focuses on recognizing the signs and symptoms of problem gambling and the referral of problem gamblers to agencies that can help.
Restrictions on Underage Gaming
To help ensure a high level of integrity, OLG gaming activities are tightly regulated and include strict provisions preventing access by minors to games of chance. Restrictions on underage access are strictly enforced. Ontario has harsh penalties for selling gambling products to minors with fines ranging from $50,000 to $250,000.
Lottery ticket sales are restricted to those 18 years and older, while the minimum age to play a game of chance in a casino or a slot facility is 19.
Government of Ontario Commitment
The provincial government has allocated 2% of the annual gross revenue from charity casinos and slot facilities at racetracks - with a guaranteed minimum of $10 million annually - to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care for problem gambling research, treatment prevention and awareness. This is more than any jurisdiction in North America.
PlaySmart Centre
The Responsible Gaming Council operates a PlaySmart Centre on site at Fallsview Casino Resort.
The PlaySmart Centre staff act as a bridge to counsel people who suspect they have a gambling problem and as a source of information for all members of the public as well as casino staff. The PlaySmart Centre is open every day from 11am to 2am. During the remaining hours each day, an on-duty PlaySmart Centre staff member is available by telephone in case of emergencies. The number is posted in the PlaySmart Centre.
When is gambling a problem?
Problem gambling is gambling that is done excessively and negatively affects other areas of a person’s life, such as their physical or mental health, school or work performance, finances, and/or interpersonal relationships.
People with gambling problems may bet with money they can't afford to lose, max out their credit cards, borrow money in order to gamble, and do other things that compromise their personal values. Despite these negative consequences, they may deny that they have a problem, continue to chase losses, neglect family, friends, work, and even their own self-care. Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race or social status.
Tips for safer gambling
- Set limits – both time and money.
- Don't think of gambling as a way to make money.
- Always gamble with money that you can afford to lose.
- Never chase losses.
- Don't gamble when you are depressed or upset.
Visit www.playsmart.ca for more information.
Information you should know about the self-exclusion program
When you self-exclude you select one of three terms: six months, one year or indefinite.
Reinstatement from self-exclusion will not be considered prior to the expiry of your term. If an indefinite term is chosen, reinstatement will not be considered for a minimum of six months.
When you self-exclude at Niagara Casinos, you are prohibited from entering every gaming and slot facility in Ontario.
Self-excluded individuals will not receive phone calls, e-mails or promotional material from Niagara Casinos.
Self-excluded individuals who have been reinstated are not eligible to access casino credit for a period of two years after reinstatement.
In accordance with regulatory requirements, and as part of our support of a self-excluded person’s commitment to stop gambling, self-excluded persons are not permitted to win prizes at Casino Niagara and Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort.
If you breach your self-exclusion, the term of your exclusion will be extended.
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You are not permitted to enter gaming and slot facilities when the term of your self-exclusion expires unless and until you complete a reinstatement process. In order to reinstate, you must submit your request in writing and, if approved, wait a prescribed period of time. Reinstatements at Niagara Casinos are handled by the Security Department.
Off-site self-exclusion registration is available by appointment at Community Addiction Services of Niagara (CASON). See contact information below.
Facial recognition is in use at Niagara Casinos to assist self-excluded individuals by identifying them if they enter the casino.
Resources
PROBLEM GAMBLING TREATMENT SERVICES
CONNEXONTARIO
This toll free, anonymous and confidential helpline provides listening, support, referral and information: 1-866-531-2600
Visit www.connexontario.ca
PLAYSMART CENTRE AT NIAGARA FALLSVIEW CASINO RESORT
6380 Fallsview Boulevard, Main Floor
Niagara Falls, ON L2G 7X5
Phone: 905-371-0774
Toll Free: 1-866-312-6807
Visit www.playsmart.ca
Hotels Near Niagara Falls Ny
COMMUNITY ADDICTION SERVICES OF NIAGARA (CASON)
60 James Street, Suite 401
St. Catharines, ON
Phone: 905-684-1183