Frequently Asked Questions

eSkoot rents four-wheeled Pride electric scooters on a three hour (minimum) daily or weekly rate. It is advisable to call ahead to reserve or to find out what is available.They will deliver to your hotel or B&B and pick up.
For hourly, daily and weekly rental rates and delivery charges please see their website. Checked: 5/31/17

Rexall Home Health Care

1-800-563-6482

Manual wheelchair $15. Cdn up to max. of one week; monthly $40.

Book at least several days ahead of time. There are no guarantees that a chair will be available if only one days notice is given. Advise whether 16″, 18″ or 20″ wide seat needed. Bariatic wheelchair, $15 a week; $40 month; Hoyer lift with sling, $45. a week, $150 a month. Ask for rate if wanting to rent a Rollator walker.
They will deliver and pick up from your hotel but you have to tell front desk or the concierge you are expecting delivery or pick-up if you won’t be there. People have been known to “borrow” wheelchairs waiting to be picked up or for a guest to arrive. Someone must be responsible for the rental.

If need to cancel, do it a week before you would have arrived and your credit card will not be charged. Updated 5/31/17

Motion Specialties

Go to Motion Specialties website
Toll free: 1-888-222-2172
905-688-0420
1-111 Fourth Ave. (at Martindale Road)
St. Catharines, ON

Scooter: daily or weekly $40/monthly $150; Manual Wheelchair $25.00/$55.00; plus walkers, lift slings, commodes, etc. call for more. Valid credit card taken for reserves. Delivery fee applies. Updated 5/31/17

Pharma Shield

Go to Pharma Shield website
905-356-8482 ask for Evelyn or Shawn
5400 Portage Road,
Niagara Falls, ON

Manual wheelchair rental only: Pick up or delivery and pickup to hotel: $8 each way; one day: $30; two days add $7.50; one week $35. Largest seat 20”. Most are 16 or 18”. Reserve a week ahead. Updated 5/31/17

Queen Street Pharmacy

Go to Queen Street Pharmacy website
905-354-5604
4421 Queen St.,
Niagara Falls, ON

Manual wheelchairs only; 2 days: $25; week: $30; month: $45. Delivery charge $5. each way. Checked 5/31/17

Batteries for Wheelchairs/Scooters

Rexall Home Health Care sells wheelchair and scooter batteries (see above). They will deliver and install.

Any Canadian Tire store (accessible parking and in most stores flat entrance with automatic doors) usually has dry-gel batteries charged and available for sale and they will install them in your wheelchair or electric scooter right there in the store. Check the Yellow Pages of the telephone book under Hardware for the store nearest you. Call ahead to make sure they have what you need in stock. If not, call the next nearest town.

• What transportation is available from Toronto to Niagara Falls?

Four companies offer airport or hotel pickup and wheelchair/scooter accessible vans to take you to Niagara Falls and back to Toronto:

Coventry Transportation

36 Wright St., Unit 1, St Catharines, ON L2P3J4
Tel: 905-468-7727
web: coventrytransportation.ca
email: info@coventrytransportation.com

One-way $245. plus tax = $276.85
Return $560.70 – take VISA etc.
Lincoln Navigator or GMC Yukon
5 adults, luggage, plus wheelchair. Wheelchair users need to be able to climb into van

Niagara Airbus

8626 Lundy’s Lane, Niagara Falls, ON L2H 1H4
Tel: 905-374-8111
T/F: 1-800-268-8111 likely not from U.K.
website: niagaraairbus.com
email: airsales@niagaraairbus.com

If able to climb into shuttle bus (may be up to 13 people in bus)
Or if not able: wheelchair accessible van — Accessible van must be ordered one or two weeks ahead
$127. per person includes – tax take VISA etc.

Dignity Transportation Inc.

900 Magnetic Dr., Toronto, ON, Canada M3J 2C4
Tel: 416-398-2222; T/F:1-866-398-2109; FAX: 1-866-849-5869
website: dignitytransportation.com
email: info@dignitytransportation.com

Based in Toronto, Dignity is the biggest and they even offer a wheelchair accessible limousine. In business since 1990, they have a large fleet of accessible vehicles including a wheelchair accessible coach, wheelchair accessible buses, lift-equipped vans, low floor minivans and sedans. If you have the map from AccessibleNiagara.com and can tell the driver where you want to go, he or she will make sure you get there. You’ll be picked up at your hotel in Toronto, driven to the Falls, taken where you want to go and then driven back to your hotel. We’re told they are in the Falls often. Updated 5/31/17

Able Transport

5749 Coopers Ave.,
Mississauga, ON, Canada, L4Z 1R9
Tel: 905-502-6500 ext.7205
T/F: 1-800-891-7775
Fax: 905-502-7100
email: info@abletransport.ca
website: abletransport.ca

Based in Mississauga, Ontario between Toronto and Niagara, Able can supply a wheelchair accessible van and driver and will pick up in Toronto and give Toronto and Niagara tours as well as airport pickup and drop-offs. Book ahead at least two days and at least two days notice is needed if a guide is required. They have three types of wheelchair accessible vehicles: a bus, maximum three wheel chairs and eight regular seats; Sprinter, two wheelchairs and eight regular seats; Sprinter, one large wheelchair or scooter and three regular seats; van, one wheelchair and three regular seats.

Where can I rent oxygen supplies in Niagara?

A person on oxygen MUST have a prescription from their doctor in order to rent oxygen supplies, CPAP devices and supplies. Respiratory medical equipment and supplies in St. Catharines, Ontario:

Medigas

305 Niagara St., Unit 4
St. Catharines, ON
L2M 4V9
905-641-5272
Toll Free: 1-866-446-6302
Fax: 905-641-5296
Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Will deliver to hotel. Your oxygen vendor can contact Medigas if you are a Medigas client. If not you’ll need a prescription and you’ll need to contact them for pricing and delivery dates. Checked 5/31/17

Vitalaire

100A- 145 Queenston St.
St. Catharines, ON
(905)641-8141
Toll Free: 1-800-567-0202

Prescription needed from your doctor. Again, contact them for pricing and delivery/pickup dates.
Both of these companies will deliver anywhere in the Niagara Peninsula and you will be asked for a credit card number. Checked 5/31/17

Can I go on the Hornblower Scenic Tour into the Falls?

Yes, you can. Go to our video on our home page for a quick look and the Hornblower Cruises website for updates and more. There’s a winding ramp down to the loading area and everything else is ramped. You will be assisted onto the boat if the loading ramp is too steep. Waterproof ponchos are provided and they’ll give you two if you ask so you can cover your scooter basket or your back. You’ll likely get wet if you stay near the railing however there is an interior area where the view is good but your electric wheelchair or scooter batteries and electronics are protected from the water. If you think you’ll need a washroom when you get on the water, go before you board ship at the washrooms near the dock because the onboard washroom is small, the toilet very low and you’ll miss the trip if you’re in the bathroom. This is an awesome journey. You’ll be glad you took the time to do it.

Do I need a passport to come to Niagara Falls, Ontario from the United States?

Yes, and you definitely need one to get back into the United States from Canada

How can I get around Niagara Falls in my wheelchair?

View of incline railway cars going up Clifton Hill to a platform

Falls Incline Railway

(map)

If you are staying above the Falls there is the Falls Incline Railway (FIR) that will take two wheelchairs or scooters in each car 180 feet or 55m down to the Falls. It is a one minute trip and allows those uncomfortable going down steep Murray or Clifton hills an option. The cost is very reasonable and all day passes are available. From the base of the FIR it is only 100 level feet to the entrance of the Bridge of Flowers that takes you into Table Rock House and the Falls. Or, you can take the FIR up to the Fallsview Casino from the Falls because it loads just behind the casino on Portage Road just below the intersection of Fallsview Blvd. Open year round with covered cars. Heated in winter.
The WEGO bus system also takes you from the hotel area down to the Falls and to venues further out. Or, you can drive down and park close to the falls. For the complete WEGO bus schedule see: www.wegoniagarafalls.com Checked 5/31/17

Can I rent an accessible vehicle with hand controls at the Buffalo Airport?

Enterprise Rent a Car

1-800-736-8222

Rents cars with hand controls out of the Buffalo and Toronto airports. They need 24-72 hours notice for hand controls. Updated 5/31/17

Is my disabled driver’s parking permit valid in Niagara Falls?

Yes. Whether on your own vehicle’s dash or license plate or on a rental, it is valid.

Please note that in order to park in an accessible parking space in Niagara, the person who has the disability (the person for whom the parking permit has been issued) must exit the vehicle after it has parked. That is, they are not able to wait in the vehicle while others shop or run errands.

Can I transport a group of people in wheelchairs around Niagara?

Wheelchair In Motion

Go to Wheelchair in Motion website
1-888-776-1102

Wheelchair in Motion rents a van taking one or two wheelchairs or one scooter. The van will be at the airport to drive away by appointment. Vans do not have hand controls but you can transport people using wheelchairs or a scooter on a vacation to the Niagara area. Ontario residents may be able to use their own automobile insurance. Drivers outside Ontario should contact Wheelchair in Motion in advance to discuss insurance. Each van comes with an accessible parking permit for disabled persons. Updated 5/31/17

Is there a wheelchair accessible tour of the Falls area?

Gray Line Niagara Falls/Buffalo

Go to Gray Line website
Tel: 716-285-2113; 1-877-285-2113 (toll free)

Gray Line offers tours throughout the Niagara Falls tourist area summer and winter accommodating one wheelchair on one bus. In winter call ahead. In peak tourist months reserve a spot by buying a ticket at one of the six Gray Line kiosks in Niagara Falls or, call the Gray Line office direct using the 1-877 number above. Mention you use a wheelchair and if it’s a large scooter Gray Line may want you to transfer to a wheelchair for the tour.

Niagara Nature Tours

Go to Niagara Nature Tours website
905-562-3746
1-888-889-8296

info@niagaranaturetours.ca to reach Carla

“Wine & Culinary, Garden, History, Agriculture and Nature Tours based on the geology of the Niagara Peninsula.”

Carla Carlson’s private tours customize outings for each individual’s needs. Her insurance coverage allows her to either drive your van or she can be a step-on guide. She can help plan an outing for a day, or if longer, your accommodation, food and daily activities. Updated 5/31/17

Can I park close to everything?

Yes. There is a huge parking lot close to the Falls. The rate is usually $20 a day per vehicle. If you are staying at a hotel above the Falls, they will likely have parking there and you can walk/roll down or take the easy Falls Incline Railway that loads just behind Fallsview Casino for a few dollars. The accessible WEGO bus system can also take you everywhere you’d want to go in the immediate falls area.

Can I hire a taxi in Niagara Falls?

Elite Taxi Ltd.

(905)356-9990 or toll-free 1-866-309-8294

Several rear-loading wheelchair accessible minivans. Each will take one wheelchair or scooter and four additional passengers.

In town travel charged by meter and the meter doesn’t begin until everyone is loaded and the taxi is rolling.

Out of town sample fares (and these could change without notice) are:

Niagara Falls to Toronto Airport $197. one way
Niagara Falls to Buffalo, N,Y. Airport, $97. plus tolls one way
Niagara Falls to Niagara Falls, N.Y. International Airport $52. plus tolls and Niagara Falls to St. Catharines, $37. one way.

Booking a ride 24 hours ahead is advised but not always necessary for local trips. The driver will be happy to assist with luggage and will load a scooter or wheelchair.

Where are the full service gas stations in Niagara Falls?

Full service gas stations in Niagara Falls and surrounding areas: in Niagara Falls:

Gales Gas – 4851 Bridge St. at Victoria
Gales Gas – 7801 Portage Rd at Norton
Gales Gas – 5014 Drummond Rd at Scott
Gales Gas – 6644 Lundy’s Lane at Carlton
Gales Gas – 6331 Thorold Stone Rd at St Peter
Gales Gas – 5233 Stanley Ave at Valley Way
Gales Gas – 7537 Thorold Stone Rd at Montrose

St. Catharines:

Gales Gas Bar – 270 Ontario St by the former GM plant
Petro-Canada – 179 Welland Ave. at Geneva
Delta Gas Bar – 292 Geneva St near Dairy Queen
XTR Fuel Station at Minit Auto Service – 1393 Fourth Ave. across from Kala’s Home Hardware
Regional Variety and Gas Bar – 1670 St. Paul W., (Niagara RR 81) at Seventh St. Louth
S&W Service Centre – 121 Lakeport Rd

Niagara on the Lake

Gales Gas – 1353 York Rd

Fort Erie

Gales Gas – 302 Gilmore Rd

Jordan Station

Esso – 2895 RR1 Jordan Station

Fonthill

Semenuks Service Station – 2432 Hwy. 20 (corner of Merrillville Hwy)

Updated Aug. 2016

Is there anything to do that is free in Niagara Falls?

Please see It’s Free in Niagara under Itineraries

What venues in Niagara Falls offer attendants free admission?

There are several venues in the Niagara Falls tourism area that offer free admission to an attendant accompanying a person who is in a mobility device or otherwise disabled. They are: Bird Kingdom and some Niagara Parks services and attractions. Just ask the ticket seller when you’re buying tickets what their fare policy is for an attendant accompanying a person with a disability.

Where are the accessible washrooms around the Falls tourism area?

Wheelchair and scooter accessible washrooms (family-style are noted) in the Falls tourism area are located at:

The Butterfly Conservatory, Butterfly Café, School of Horticulture – all in Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens

Dufferin Islands – family washroom

Edgewater Restaurant & Tim Hortons – main floor & 2nd floor;

Floral Clock – family washroom; Floral Showhouse

Grand View Market Place – near boat operations

Grand View Quick Serve Restaurant – family washroom

Kings Bridge Park; Laura Secord Homestead

Legends on the Niagara Golf Course; Legends Golf Academy;

Mather’s Arch – Fort Erie – family;

McFarland House – family (not scooter accessible yet); McFarland House Park;

Oak Hall – family;

Old Fort Erie

Table Rock Complex – washrooms on concourse area, upper level, the Fury and Elements Restaurant. Family – concourse and lower level

Queenston Heights Park; Queenston Heights Restaurant – family

WEGO Bus Visitor Centre

Whirlpool Aero Car – family; the Aero Car ride is not accessible

Whirlpool Golf

White Water Walk

There are also wheelchair accessible washrooms on Clifton Hill in many of the restaurants on the south side.