In geological terms, Niagara Falls is young, just 12,000 years old compared to some waterfalls that were formed more than 1 million years ago.
There are many interesting facts about Niagara Falls that make it a fascinating place to visit. Its beauty and mystique have drawn world leaders and celebrities to it.
Niagara Falls Location
Niagara Falls is a stunning waterfall on the Niagara River. The waterfall is located on the US-Canada border between the cities of Niagara Falls on either side of the Niagara River.
The Niagara River flows from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, between Southern Ontario, Canada and the western part of New York State, USA.
Niagara Falls is a group of 3 waterfalls – American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls (in USA) and Horseshoe Falls (in Canada).
The height of Niagara Falls varies between 51 metres (167 feet) and 57 metres (188 feet) depending on where the measurement is done.
Nearly 600,000 U.S. gallons of water per second flow over Horseshoe Falls which is the largest of the 3 waterfalls.
Toronto is the biggest city on the Canadian side that is close to Niagara Falls. It takes just 90 minutes to drive down to Niagara Falls from Toronto.
On the American side, Buffalo is the largest city closest to Niagara Falls. It takes just about 30 minutes to reach Niagara Falls from Buffalo.
Both Toronto and Buffalo have international airports. Tourists choosing to fly in can land at either of these airports and then head to Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls’ proximity to major airports is one of the reasons why Niagara Falls is so popular with tourists.
The location of Niagara Falls is such that it can be viewed from both USA and Canada.
It is one of the top tourist destinations for North Americans.
Niagara Falls History: Formation and Human Settlements
At the end of the last Ice Age around 12,000 years ago, receding glacial waters created the Niagara River. As the river eroded the bedrock, Niagara Falls was created.
Over the years, it has continued to move upstream.
The Niagara region was inhabited first by nomadic hunters and they were perhaps the first humans to discover Niagara Falls.
French explorer, Father Louis Hennepin, was the first European to see the Falls in December 1678 when he was exploring the region.
When the first Europeans arrived in the Niagara region in the 17th century, it was inhabited by Iroquois tribes.
The first European settlers were French. They built forts at the mouth of the Niagara River, thus controlling access to the Great Lakes.
The Niagara region was controlled by different countries at different times in its history.
The War of 1812 affected the Niagara region with several battles being fought in the area between the British and the Americans. Lundy’s Lane and Queenston Heights Park are two sites of the war in the Niagara Falls area that tourists can visit.
Niagara Falls is also the birthplace of hydroelectric power. Nikola Tesla invented alternating current in 1896 which allowed transmission of power to homes and businesses in Niagara.
Niagara Falls also attracted adventurers and thrill seekers. Many of these daredevils devised ways to conquer Niagara Falls. Some used drums and other contraptions to hurl themselves over the Falls; others walked on tightropes that were put across Niagara River just below the Falls.
For slaves escaping from USA, Niagara Falls was the first stop on the road to freedom. Crossing the Niagara River meant setting foot in Canada, where they could live as free citizens.
In the early 19th century, Niagara Falls started becoming famous as the honeymoon capital of the world when important figures chose to spend their honeymoon here. Jerome Bonaparte (Napoleon’s brother) was thought to have honeymooned in Niagara Falls in 1804.
Niagara Falls: Explore Its Surroundings and History
Experience the history of Niagara Falls by planning your next vacation at Niagara Falls. Its scenic beauty, forts, historical buildings, and wineries are a tourist’s paradise.
The Niagara River and its natural formations – Niagara Falls, Niagara Gorge, Niagara Whirlpool and Niagara Rapids – are amazing sights.
Tourists can visit museums, historic sites, and historical buildings to get a sense of Niagara’s rich heritage.
Toronto To Niagara Falls Day Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Toronto To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Oakville To Niagara Falls Day Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Mississauga To Niagara Falls Day Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Oakville To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Mississauga To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
