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First I have to say that is is a great web site and Message board
So yes this is my first post>>> We are driving to Salem Mass. from Central WI PLanning to stop at Nigara Falls I was wondering about walking in to Canada to see the falls and what ID"s they reqire etc.. and if any one has some other great ideas for along the way thanks
Lisa
Welcome to the RoadTrip America Forum!
At the moment, you do not need a passport to go to Canada unless you are traveling by plane - see this link.
Some questions before suggestions:
How much time do you have for your trip? There are many great locations along the way, but some may be dependent on how much time you have to explore.
What attracted you to Salem? It is a lovely area, with a lot of history mixed in with kitschy touristy type things. One place in the area that I've heard very good things about is the Peabody Essex Museum. They have a Qing dynasty home from China in there.
While it's true that you won't need a passport to cross the US - Canada border by car (or foot) for another 8 months, that doesn't mean that you can just walk across with no papers. You will need to prove two things, that you are who you say you are and that you are a US citizen. In practice this means a government issued, photo ID (e.g. driver's license) AND the original or a certified copy of your birth certificate.
Walking into Canada to see the Falls is possible. The nearest bridge is the Rainbow Bridge connecting NY-384 (exit 21 from I-190) and ON-420. You can walk across the bridge and it does afford great views of the Falls which will be less than half a mile upstream, on the south side of the bridge. The pedestrian toll is 50¢.
AZBuck
We have an Aunt and uncle in Salem Mass. so that is why we are going there I got photo ids for the kids and the birth Certicates also
So would you drive or walk across??
I would walk (and have) across the Rainbow Bridge. Buck is correct about the forms of ID required as well as the views offered. I think crossing by car would only be necessary if you planned on driving around in Canada.
The Canadian side of the falls is much more lively, with all of the tourist trappings that go with it.