LB wrote:
>
> What is the best route from the Airport to the Border? I'm guessing
> NY-33 to I-90 to I-190 to one of the crossings. We want to see Niagara
> Falls before we continue our journey. What would be the best (faster)
> crossing, Fort Erie or Buffalo?
The Fort Erie crossing is generally easier to get through than any in
Niagara Falls in the summer.
> What is the cost for the Toll crossing?
$2.50 for the bridge when entering Canada, free in the other direction.
You also get hit with a $0.50 toll just entering I-190 westbound.
> What is the average wait time at the border? Should I allow myself at
> least 60-90 minutes?
I have never waited more than 15 minutes. Usually, it's about 5
minutes.
> Being an American, taking an American rental car to Canada, do I need
> to take extra information, such as a birth certificate or passport?
> What information will I need? (Only other foreign land I've been to
> is Mexico)
The immigration rules require a photo ID and proof of citizenship. You
can meet those requirements with a driver's license and a birth
certificate, or just with a passport. While some people get through
without the proof of citizenship, if there are any questions, or a
general crackdown on procedures, you will make things a lot easier if
you have something.
As far as the rental car is concerned, some companies require that the
contract be endorsed for entering Canada. I don't think it will be a
problem at Buffalo, since they must regularly have customers that want
to see Niagara Falls, but you might call ahead to make sure it won't be
an issue. You might have to shop around companies if they want to
charge you any more.
> Is traffic on the QEW from Niagara to T.O. pretty heavy during the
> summer? Is it as bad as say, I-4 during the summer when all the
> tourists come?
The QEW isn't too bad until you get closer to Toronto. The section
between Burlington and Oakville can be really heavy in BOTH directions
during rush hours.
> What speedtraps should I be on the lookout for?
The OPP loves to set up speed traps along the QEW, so keep things under
control. I've seen them almost anywhere along the route.
> Regarding rush hours, since we will be heading into Toronto in the
> afternoon, it shouldn't be too bad heading into the city, since most
> will heading to the suburbs, right?
Not quite. As I mentioned, it can be heavy in both directions between
the Burlington Skyway and Oakville. It's a good place to avoid between 4
and 6 pm.
> How bad is parking in Downtown Toronto? We plan to park it somewhere,
> and take public transportation to as many places as we can. The place
> where we are staying is a block from the streetcar, and two blocks from
> the TTC subway.
There are lots, which aren't too expensive. Some hotels offer free
parking. |