One of the world’s most famous natural attractions,
the great arcs of hissing, frothing water crashing over cliffs 20
stories high is a dazzling spectacle. Drifting spray adds to the
excitement of being near the edge of a stomach-churning drop. The
173-ft- (53-m-) high Canadian Horseshoe Falls is the mightiest of the
three cataracts that make up Niagara Falls. Across the Niagara River is
the impressive American Falls, including the smaller Bridal Veil Falls.
When visiting the falls, be sure to make time to stop at some of the
other sights in the Niagara region, including its renowned vineyards and
historic museums.
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The forces of erosion
that created the falls today wear them away. Before hydroelectric
stations were built on the Niagara River, the rock face eroded by up to 6
ft (1.8 m) a year. Now it is just 1 ft (30 cm) annually. Almost a fifth
of the Earth’s freshwater flows over the falls – so much that it would
take only an hour to fill a ditch running between Canada’s east and west
coasts.
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Enjoy stunning views and a wide selection of entrées at the Pinnacle Restaurant in the Minolta Tower ( 6732 Fallsview Blvd 1 800 461 2492
). The $2 elevator fee includes access to the observation decks.
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Black History Tours highlight the Niagara Freedom Trail, important sites in the stories of 19th-century fugitive slaves ( ).
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Brightly colored lights illuminate the falls during the spectacular Winter Festival of Lights (mid-Nov–mid-Jan)
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In winter, an ice bridge spanning the riverbanks – up to 50 ft (15 m) deep – and small icebergs are an awesome sight
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Top 10 Attractions
Maid of the Mist
Operating since 1846, first as a border-crossing ferry, now as tour boat, the Maid
gets astonishingly close to the falls. You will be soaked by the end of
the 30-minute trip, despite a courtesy raincoat. The thrilling journey
goes to the American Falls, then to the foot of the Horseshoe Falls.
Maid of the Mist
Journey Behind the Falls Rock
tunnels behind the Horseshoe Falls lead you past a wall of water so
thick it blocks out daylight. The vantage point, well below the gorge’s
rim, is awe-inspiring. Rain ponchos are provided – and necessary.
American Falls New
York State, on the US side of the international border, lays claim to
this cataract, which has a total vertical drop 10 ft (3 m) greater than
that of Horseshoe Falls. However, its 950-ft- (290-m-) wide crest and
2-ft (0.6-m) depth sees only a fraction of the volume of water that the
Horseshoe Falls carries. It is easily seen from Table Rock. Horseshoe Falls This
2,625-ft- (800-m-) wide, 20-story cataract is formed as 90 percent of
the water of the Niagara River, the natural outlet from Lake Erie to
Lake Ontario, roars over a semi-circular cliff of the Niagara
Escarpment. Water tumbles some 10 ft (3 m) deep at the falls’ center.
Whirlpool Rapids A
sharp turn in the river just downstream of the falls creates a raging
whirlpool, one of the most lethal stretches of water in North America.
Daredevils can look down on the rapids from the Whirlpool Aero Car, a
1913 cablecar traversing the shores.
Table Rock Stand
mere feet from the brink of Horseshoe Falls, a rail the only thing
between you and a torrent of water. The lookout point was so named
because its surface extended above the gorge like a table leaf. Deemed
unstable in 1935, the ledge was blasted off. The Old Scow Stranded
on rocks mid-river is this barge, shipwrecked in 1918. The two-man crew
survived but had to wait 29 hours near the brink of the falls before
being winched to safety. The best view is on an aerial tour (see Niagara Helicopter Tour). White Water Walk Descend
from the top of the chasm by elevator to a tunnel leading to a
riverside boardwalk. The whirlpools and rapids here are some of the most
spectacular, and treacherous, in the world.
Butterfly Conservatory The
butterfly conservatory is a huge heated dome with thousands of colorful
creatures flitting freely about – and sometimes landing on delighted
visitors.
Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens These
beautiful gardens, located 6 miles (9 km) from the falls, include a
splendid rose display that features more than 2,000 varieties.
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