Niagara Falls is the collective name for the three waterfalls that straddle the Canadian-United States international border and is located in the province of Ontario on the Canadian side and in New York State on the American side.
The three waterfalls are the Horseshoe Falls on the border of the United States and Canada, the American Falls entirely on the United States’ side, separated by Goat Island, and the smaller Bridal Veil Falls, also on the United States’ side, separated from the other waterfalls by Luna Island.
The spectacular Niagara Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world and is visited by tourists from all over the world, families, solo travelers, honeymooners…and daredevils.
The majestic falls have inspired quite a few adventurers to perform various stunts over the falls, which have earned them the nickname “The Daredevils of Niagara Falls.” Some of the stunts did result in fatalities.
By the 1820’s, there were three hotels catering to the visitors of Niagara Falls. The hotel owners were the first to organize a stunt over the falls in order to boost tourism.
The hotel owners acquired a condemned Lake Erie schooner named the “Michigan”, filled the schooner with local wildlife and advertised in advance that they would send the schooner over the Horseshoe Falls on September 8, 1827.
Some of the animals placed aboard were able to safely escape before the ship broke apart and was swept over the Horseshoe Falls. This daredevil event was witnessed by an estimated crowd of 10,000 people. This heralded the beginning of recorded history of men and women challenging the Niagara Falls in the face of death for fame and fortune.
Here is a rare list of some of the daredevils who attempted to conquer Niagara Falls.
Chronological List of Daredevils
Sam Patch
The Great Blondin
The Great Farini
Captain Joel Robinson
Maria Spelterini
Captain Matthew Webb
Carlisle Graham
Annie Edson Taylor
Lincoln Beachy
Bobby Leach
Charles Stephens
Jean Lussier
Nathan T. Boya
Henri Julien Rechatin
Karel Soucek
Steve Trotter
Peter DeBernardi and Jeffrey Petkovich
Jessie W. Sharp
Robert Overacker
Nik Wallenda
Mississauga To Niagara Falls Day Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Mississauga To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Niagara Falls Canada Helicopter Tour
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)
Oakville To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
