Oh, Canada

It is a well-known fact among college students that the drinking age in Canada is 19, so many students are willing to hop across the border to enjoy clubs and bars where the alcohol is not off-limits. But before you plan a visit to Canada, make sure you know where to stay, what to eat and what to see.Toni Ventrilla, a junior psychology major, recommends staying on Clifton Hill, located near Niagara Falls. Clifton Hill is home to many restaurants, bars and nightclubs, and the motels in that area are cheap enough for students, Ventrilla said.

"They're like 30 bucks a night," she said. "They're really touristy, so they give good rates."

Ryan O'Laughlin, a junior at Niagara University, said Boston Pizza is a great restaurant in the area.

"It has a restaurant, bar and game area that is also very enjoyable," he said.

Other places to visit include Rumours, Mardi Gras, Jack's Bar & Grill and the Wild Mushroom, O'Laughlin said. Rumours is a dance club, Mardi Gras is a bar and club with a rooftop balcony, and the Wild Mushroom is a small pub-style bar.

He also said there is still plenty to do if taking advantage of the lower drinking age isn't your thing.

"Walking the Canadian side of the falls is nice, especially at night with all the lights," he said. "It is a different change of scenery, and the people are very friendly, too."

Thomas Zaikos, a junior biochemistry major and Canadian resident, said Toronto is one of the best places to visit.

"There's just so much (to do). I can't just say one or two things," he said. "There's something for everyone."

Toronto also has a clubbing district, which contains about 20 different clubs. Different cultural sections exist, like Danforth, the Greek section, and Corso Italia, or Little Italy.

Students looking into a more exquisite stay may be interested in Yorkville, the posh part of town. In Yorkville visitors can see many celebrities during the Toronto Film Festival. This past year's festival was Sept. 4-13.

Year-round haunted houses are also very attractive spots around the country.

"They're all ages, but they're really scary," said Ventrilla. "I've only been to a few because I'm a baby."

As for expenses, students should be well-prepared to pay up, especially in popular tourist areas.

"It's really expensive to go out," said Ventrilla. "The food's a lot more expensive, too. But the shopping is surprisingly cheaper."

Zaikos doesn't see much of a difference in cost.

"It's expensive when you do go out, but it's expensive when you go out here," he said. "If you pick the right places, you'll be fine."

Students should also be aware that the value of the U.S. and Canadian dollar is about the same, so exchanging Canadian and U.S. currencies isn't necessary. According to the Bank of Canada, one United States dollar is worth $1.25 in Canadian currency.

In order to cross the border, photo identification and proof of citizenship are needed. A passport is the quickest and easiest form of ID to use, as it is both a photo ID and proof of citizenship. Visitors who don't have a passport used to be able to use their driver's licenses, original copies of birth certificates or social security cards.

Since July 2008, U.S. citizens have needed passports to cross the border into Canada, according to the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs' Web site.

Gas prices are also something to keep in mind if students plan on traveling by car. The average price per liter ranges from $1.32 to $1.47, depending on the region. One U.S. gallon is approximately 3.7 liters, so the prices range from $4.88 to $5.34 per gallon, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Company.

Zaikos stressed the importance of talking to students who have previously visited.

"It's good to talk to someone because they can tell you exactly where to go," he said.