INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT NIAGARA FALLS
12 000 years old Natural Wonder called Niagara Falls
Famous Niagara Falls is about 12,000 years old. The Niagara Falls formation started at the end of the Ice Age, and the process continues till today. Melting glaciers formed massive freshwater lakes, the Great Lakes. Lake Erie raced downhill toward Lake Ontario. The rushing waters carved the river and crossed a cliff, the slopes of Niagara. The water began to run back along the river and leave the fantastic path, Niagara George.
One of the many fascinating aspects of Niagara Falls is the volume of water that passes over it each day. Due to flow control and diversion for hydro power generation, the flow of water has been regulated to a degree. In fact, over 3,160 tons of water flows over the falls every second, which equates to millions of gallons of the United States and Canada combined.
Group of 3 Majestic Niagara Waterfalls
As a geological wonder, a majestic waterfall is a group of three waterfalls: the most significant Horseshoe falls, also called Canadian falls, Bridal veil Falls, and the American Falls.
Horseshoe Falls
Horseshoe fall is the largest Niagara waterfall and the most powerful waterfall in North America. Almost 90% of the Niagara River flows over this Niagara Fall. It is also known as Canadian falls because of the location between Goat Island and Table Rock. Only a tiny piece of the Horseshoe fall is located within the USA. With its beauty and height of 51 m, it is a favorite tourist place for millions of people every year.
American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls
The more minor falls of Niagara, the American Falls, and the Bridal veil falls lie within the United States.
Discovery of the amazing Niagara Falls
During his expedition in 1678, French priest father Louis Hennepin was overwhelmed by the significance and the size of Niagara Falls. He documented his travels in the book “New Discovery” that brought significant attention to the western world for the first time and inspired others to explore the Niagara Falls region.
Throughout history, Niagara Falls has been the site of many battles between the United States and Canada, thanks to its strategic location. Today, the falls also play an important role in the energy infrastructure of both countries, as water is diverted for hydro power generation.
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About the name Niagara
Whenever the word Niagara comes, it represents something powerful. The most accepted theory about Niagara is that it comes from the native Americans who lived between A.D. 1300 and 1400 and called themselves Onguiaahra. The generally accepted meaning of the word Niagara is “The Strait.”
Tourist Attractions on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls
A walkway stretches from above the falls along the edge to the Niagara Gorge on the Canadian side. The advantage of the Horseshoe falls provides the best view, and behind it is the Table Rock Welcome Centre. From the Table Rock Welcome Centre, your Journey Behind the Falls starts.
Journey behind the Niagara Falls as world phenomenon
Journey behind Niagara Falls welcomes millions of visitors every year to get up close to the Horseshoe Falls, looking back at the exciting history and discovering how dangerous it was once. The elevator leads you from Table Rock Welcome 45 minutes down to the 130 years old tunnels. Staying on the Lower Observation Deck and looking up at the magnificent beauty of the water falling will leave you breathless, and it is a moment you remember for a lifetime. The view offers an entirely different experience than viewing the falls above. Every summer, the Niagara Lights allow the visitors to enjoy the spectacle of the night falls illumination and fireworks shows from this significant point.
235 meters high Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls Park
Spectacular 235 meters high Skylon Tower offers a fantastic bird’s eye view of Niagara Falls, the city, and Niagara Escarpment. The tallest entertainment complex, constructed in 1964, makes Niagara falls’ skyline unique. Three elevators bring you to the top of the Skyline Tower in 52 seconds and give you a breathtaking view from the top, definitely worth seeing.
The largest observation wheel in Canada – Niagara Skywheel
The most prominent observation wheel in Canada, Niagara Skywheel, stands 175 feet tall over the Niagara Falls horizons and gives a spectacular panoramic view of this natural wonder. Constructed in 2006. In Clifton Hill, the Skywheel offers rides between eight and twelve minutes with fully enclosed passenger cars that can carry nine people.
World-famous “Street of Fun” Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls
Clifton Hill is the top destination for attractions, restaurants, and places to have real fun in Niagara Falls. There are numerous events and attractions for everyone’s interests, for couples, families, and sightseers. You can enjoy the most exciting addition of the Niagara Skywheel, Niagara Speedway, Hornblower Niagara cruises at the bottom of Clifton Hill, or enjoy sightseeing the Queen Victoria Park and the Oakes Garden Theatre.
Queen Victoria Park in Niagara Falls
The main area that provides the best vantage points for viewing the Fall of Niagara is Queen Victoria Park. The most magnificent park allows you access to Hornblower Niagara Cruises, Clifton Hill, and Journey Behind the Falls. It contains a valuable collection of plants and beautiful gardens. It is a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the falls.
Niagara Parkway
Suppose you want to enjoy the green space. In that case, the best thing is to go along the parkway and visit fascinating sights like the Butterfly Conservatory, Whirlpool Rapids, and the Floral Showhouse. You can enjoy the scene of 2 000 butterflies fluttering freely inside of the Butterfly conservatory’s glass dome. You can admire their beauty and enjoy the tropical atmosphere of the greenhouse.
Tourist Attractions on the US side of Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls State Park
The oldest American state park Niagara Falls is open during the whole year and brings you an incredible experience. Architect Frederick Law Olmstead designed it in 1885. It contains the American Falls, the Bridal Veil, and a small piece of the Horseshoe Falls. The trip to the State Park is a trip of a lifetime, and whenever you go, you won’t regret it!
Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls
The Rainbow Bridge in Niagara falls connects two Niagara cities, New York in the USA and Ontario in Canada. The 440 meters long and 62 meters high bridge, opened in 1941, offers a spectacular view of the Falls where you can drive, walk and enjoy riding a bike.
17th century fort – The Old Fort Niagara
If your passion is history, you should visit the unique Old Fort Niagara, the 17th-century fort under France, Britain, and the USA during the past. It became the longest operational fort in North America during numerous wars, the American Revolution, the French war, and Indian War. Today it serves as a public museum. There you can explore underground gunpowder rooms, ancient cannons, and old army barracks where you can feel the touch of the history of that time.
Interesting facts about Niagara Falls
The romance of Niagara Falls – Honeymoon capital of the world
Niagara Falls has been the honeymoon capital for more than 215 years, even longer than Canada became the country. The brother of Napoleon Bonaparte, Jerome, followed the example of the first honeymooners and took the trip with his wife to Niagara falls in 1804 and enjoyed the beauty of the magnificent natural wonder. First, it was limited only to the high classes. After the Erie Canal on the U.S. side of the border was opened, the tour was accessible to the middle classes in 1825.
Niagara Falls illumination – Thing must be seen
The Niagara Falls Illumination is a thing that every visitor must-see. Every night the three Niagara Waterfalls illuminate in colors creating a stunning spectacular view and making Niagara Falls at night like nothing you’ve ever experienced. The first illumination was completed in 1925, and in 1974 a new Xenon system replaced the lights, today replaced with the new led lights which use 82% less power. The stunning view will leave you breathless wherever you are standing at night. Still, suppose you really want to enjoy the beauty. In that case, you should go to Queen Victoria Park, which provides you the best view and unforgettable experience.
Niagara – The city of hydroelectric power
Nikola Tesla developed an alternating current system in 1896 that allowed the transmission of power-generating Niagara River to businesses and homes. Today, the Canadian and American power plants of Niagara falls produce 2.5 million kilowatts of electricity.
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