Driving Directions
Most approaches to Niagara Falls are east-west oriented with the exception of the Niagara Parkway, a scenic route that follows the Canadian side of the Niagara River from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie.
One of the main routes to Niagara is via the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) through to Hwy 420. The QEW originates in Toronto and skirts around the west side of Lake Ontario through to Niagara Falls, where it interchanges with Hwy 420 and other major streets. The QEW continues south and terminates at the Peace Bridge between Fort Erie, Ontario and Buffalo, New York.
Approaching Niagara from the east, traffic from the US side crosses to Canada via four toll bridges:
- the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, which completes international expressways (north of the Falls)
- the Whirlpool Bridge, slightly north of downtown and the Falls
- the Rainbow Bridge, in the heart of the sightseeing area at the Falls
- and the Peace Bridge, between Buffalo, NY and Fort Erie, Ontario (south of Niagara Falls).
Info Niagara recommends that travelers use the Peace Bridge to cross into Canada.With the opening of Casino Niagara directly opposite the Rainbow Bridge, the extra traffic generated by gamblers will likely lead to longer delays on the bridge.
From Canada and The U.S. Midwest
- Take The Queen Elizabeth Highway (QEW) Niagara
- At Niagara Falls the Q.E.W. splits into Hwy 420 and Q.E.W. Fort Erie
Option 1: Lundy's Lane Tourist District, known for its affordable, quality-oriented motels, hotels, restaurants, and attractions
- Follow the Q.E.W. Fort Erie
- Take the Lundy's Lane exit
- Turn right from the exit, bringing you to Montrose Road
- Turn left at Montrose Road
- Proceed to the next traffic light
- You are now in the heart of the Lundy's Lane District.
Option 2: Fallsview Area-City Centre, which is characterized by high-rise hotels, many offering rooms with a view of the falls
- From the Q.E.W. Niagara take Hwy 420
- Proceed to Stanley Avenue
- At Stanley Avenue turn right
- Proceed straight ahead for approximately one mile
- This brings you to the heart of the Fallsview district.
From Northeast U.S.
- Take U.S. Interstate 90 West towards Buffalo
- Proceed to exit #53 (to U.S. 190 North)
- Sign says, "Bridge to Canada"
- Drive approximately 8 miles
- Follow exit #9 to the Peace Bridge
- Cross the Peace Bridge into Canada
- In Canada take Hwy Q.E.W. Toronto/Niagara
- Drive 18 miles to Niagara Falls
- Take the McLeod Rd exit
- Turn right onto McLeod Rd
Option 1: Lundy's Lane Tourist District, known for its affordable, quality-oriented motels, hotels, restaurants, and attractions
- Proceed to the first traffic light (Dorchester Road)
- Turn left at Dorchester Road.
- Proceed up to second traffic light (Lundy's Lane)
- Turn left onto Lundy's Lane
- You are now in the heart of the Lundy's Lane District.
Option 2: Fallsview Area-City Centre, which is characterized by high-rise hotels, many offering rooms with a view of the falls.
- Proceed straight ahead on McLeod Road to Stanley Avenue
- Turn left onto Stanley Avenue turn left
- Continue straight ahead until you reach Murray Hill
- This brings you to the heart of the Fallsview district.
Helpful Tips
Hwy 20, Lundy's Lane, Ferry Street, and Victoria Avenue are all parts of the same road. This road generally runs east-west and is the main tourist thoroughfare in the city of Niagara Falls.