If you are US citizen over 16, you will need a passport, a passport card or enhanced driver’s licence (only issued by certain states) to enter Canada. Children 15 and under must have proper identification – a birth certificate, passport, citizenship card, permanent resident card or Certificate of Aboriginal Status. While passports are recommended, they are not required for Americans 15 or younger crossing the border by land. A birth certificate will suffice.
If you are travelling by air, you are required to have a passport, regardless of age. Visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through Canada will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid visa.
Getting Here
By Car
The Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) runs from Toronto to Buffalo. It also links to major 400-series highways in Ontario. EV charging is widely available. Check the Plugshare.com live listings map below or lincoln.ca/evchargers.
Border Crossings: There are 4 border crossings entering from the US to Niagara.
- From New York State: Cross the border at the Peace Bridge, Rainbow Bridge or Queenston-Lewiston Bridge and follow the QEW towards Toronto.
- From Michigan: Cross into Canada at the Ambassador Bridge or Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, follow HWY 401 East to HWY 403 East and then take the QEW Niagara.
For more information: visit cbsa-asfc.gc.ca or call toll-free 1.800.461.9999. For American customs information: visit travel.state.gov or cbp.gov.
EV Charging data provided by PlugShare.
By Bus
Major cities serviced daily by bus include Niagara Falls, Burlington, London, Toronto, Buffalo, New York, Boston, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Washington. The Downtown St. Catharines terminal is at 70 Carlisle St. Call 905.682.9206 or visit greyhound.ca or coachcanada.com.
Go Transit: Bus service daily from Toronto through to Niagara Falls stopping at the Fairview Mall. Niagara Seasonal train service operates every weekend and holidays between July and September. Details: gotransit.com
By Train
Via Rail and Amtrak offer a combined service to St. Catharines – one train from Toronto, New York City and Cleveland through Niagara Falls each day. Call 1.888.842.7245 or viarail.ca for information and reservations.
BYOB – bring your own bike – on the Bike Train, operating May to October from Toronto’s Union Station to St Catharines and Niagara Falls. Details: ontariobybike.ca/bike-train.
By Air
St. Catharines is easy to get to for visitors travelling to international airports in Hamilton, Toronto and Buffalo, NY. Airbus and taxi service are available from all airports.
- Hamilton International Airport (YHM, Hamilton)
- Pearson International Airport (YYZ, Toronto)
- Buffalo International Airport (BUF, Buffalo, NY)
- Niagara District Airport (YCM) in nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake serves private and charter aircraft
By Boat
If you are boating or sailing into St. Catharines, the city has many marinas offering transient docking and repair facilities.
- Port Dalhousie Harbour: Transient dockage available at Dalhousie Yacht Club
- Port Dalhousie Pier Marina: 80 Lighthouse Rd., St. Catharines
- St. Catharines Marina: 200 Broadway Ave., St. Catharines
- Jordan Harbour Marina: 2793 Beacon Blvd, Jordan Station
Getting Around
By Bus
Taking the city bus is an excellent way to get around St. Catharines. The Niagara Transit Commission (NRT) is responsible for Niagara’s comprehensive regional transit system. All NRT vehicles are fully accessible and equipped with bicycle racks.
By Bike
There are many bike rental options in Niagara, but we suggest County Cycle, (4977 King St., Beamsville) and ebike The Bench Wine Tours (3620 Moyer Rd., Vineland) located at Vineland Estates Winery.