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Pre-Trip Checklist

Pre-Trip Checklist

Ontario, Canada

Essential Preparations: A Timeline

Start your planning early, especially for travel during peak seasons, to secure the best options and value.

Phased Planning Approach

Break down your preparations into manageable steps for a smooth experience.

1.

+ Months Before

Passport Validity

Confirm your passport validity for your entire stay in Canada.

Visa/eTA Needs

Determine whether a visa or eTA is necessary for entry based on your nationality.

Research Attractions

Begin exploring hotels and major attractions to gauge costs and availability.

2.

-2 Months Before

Flights & Lodging

Secure your flights and main accommodation.

Travel Insurance

Obtain comprehensive travel insurance for various unforeseen events.

Excursion Plans

Book high-demand tours or tickets for specific events in advance.

3.

-4 Weeks Before

Confirm Reservations

Double-check all flight, lodging, car rental, and tour bookings.

Bank Notification

Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates.

Document Copies

Create physical and digital copies of important travel documents.

Closer to Departure

The final stretch of preparations ensures a stress-free start to your journey.

Week Before & 2-3 Days Before

  • Pack climate-appropriate clothing and essentials.
  • Acquire necessary travel gear like power adapters and portable chargers.
  • Download useful apps and familiarize yourself with their features.
  • Reconfirm flight times and complete online check-in if possible.

Home Prep & Bookings

Secure your home and confirm reservations for peace of mind.

Before You Depart

  • Arrange for temporary mail or newspaper delivery hold.
  • Set your home thermostat to an energy-saving vacation mode.
  • Confirm all doors and windows are securely locked before leaving.
  • Book car rental well in advance, especially for specific car types or busy periods.

Arrival and Departure Flows

Streamline your entry and exit from Niagara Falls with these tips.

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • Clear customs and immigration.
  • Collect your luggage.
  • Locate airport transfer.
  • Obtain a local map for orientation.

Initial Purchases & Transportation

  • Locate ATMs or currency exchange.
  • Consider buying a WEGO Bus Pass.
  • Look for a mobile carrier store for a local SIM card.
  • Follow pre-arranged plans to your hotel.

Departure Day Considerations

  • Allow time for souvenir shopping.
  • Be aware of liquid restrictions for carry-on luggage.
  • Inquire about shipping options for large purchases.
  • Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights.

Border Crossing Tip

If driving back to the U.S. Border, check online for current wait times at crossings like the Rainbow Bridge. This assists in selecting the most efficient route.

Departure Checklist

A smooth departure is the final step for a complete travel experience.

Souvenir & Shipping Insights

  • Last-Minute Shopping

    Allocate sufficient time for souvenir purchases before your departure.

  • Liquid Restrictions

    Be aware of carry-on liquid limits, especially for items like ice wine.

  • Shipping Items Home

    For larger purchases, inquire about shipping options directly from the retailer.

Departure Timing & Return Logistics

  • Airport Arrival

    Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before international flights, 1.5-2 hours for domestic.

  • Land Border Crossing

    Check online border wait times if driving back to the U.S. For an efficient route.

  • Train/Bus Station

    Attempt to arrive 30-60 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

Departure Day Final Steps

VAT Refund

Canada does not feature a general VAT (GST/HST) refund program for tourists on goods purchased and taken out of the country.

Do not expect to claim taxes back on consumer goods during your departure.

Return Trip Preparation

Confirm your return flight, train, or bus details well in advance of departure.

Pack your luggage carefully, keeping all valuables and important documents secure and easily accessible.

Hotel Check-Out

Allocate sufficient time for check-out procedures at your hotel or accommodation.

Ensure all personal belongings are accounted for before leaving your room.

Travel Organization

For a seamless travel day, consider consolidating important documents and mobile tickets into a single digital folder or a small, accessible physical travel wallet.

Final Departure Considerations

These final points round out your readiness for leaving Niagara Falls.

Document Security

  • Keep digital and physical copies of passports and travel insurance.
  • Store copies separately from original documents.
  • For online security, consider a VPN service during your travels.
  • Have emergency contact numbers stored on your phone and a physical list.

Financial Readiness

  • Ensure adequate Canadian currency or accessible funds for immediate needs.
  • Confirm your bank is aware of your travel for uninterrupted card usage.
  • Keep a small amount of local currency for incidentals or last-minute purchases.
  • Retain receipts for any potential expense tracking or returns.

Departure Costs

Be aware of potential expenses related to your departure.

Hidden Costs or Fees

  • Baggage Fees:Check with your airline.
  • Airport Transfer Fees:Confirm bus, taxi, or shuttle costs.
  • Car Rental Drop-off Fees:If dropping off at a different location.
  • Border Crossing Tolls:Applicable if driving to the U.S.

Final Preparations

  • Ensure all electronics are fully charged for the journey.
  • Pack headphones for entertainment during travel.
  • Carry a reusable water bottle for hydration on the go.
  • Organize all necessary travel documents for quick access.

Final Confirmation

Before leaving, do one final check of your lodging for forgotten items. Confirm all doors and windows at home are locked.

A final review of your itinerary and documents confirms readiness for your journey home.