There are certain areas along the Niagara River (under the control of the Niagara Parks Commission) where detecting is not allowed.....but as far as other public areas (schools, soccer fields etc.) - you are OK to detect there....this is for the Canadian side - I can't speak for the U.S. side.i will be in the nigara falls area for fourth of july and want to know if i can hunt the dry sand in lake erie or lake ontario, thanks!