Niagara Falls Visitors Guide

NIAGARA FALLS WEATHER

Niagara Falls is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world, located on the border between the United States and Canada. It is situated on the Niagara River, which connects Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, and serves as a breathtaking display of the power and beauty of nature, as well as serving a source of tremendous electrical power to the region. Comprised of three waterfalls—Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls—Niagara Falls attracts millions of visitors each year.

The largest and most impressive of the three falls is Horseshoe Falls, also known as Canadian Falls, as it is primarily located on the Canadian side of the border. Its distinctive shape resembles a horseshoe, and it measures approximately 2,600 feet (792 meters) in width and drops about 188 feet (57 meters). Horseshoe Falls is also the most powerful waterfall in North America, with an average flow rate of about 600,000 gallons (2,400 cubic meters) of water per second. The cascading water plunges about 188 feet (57 meters) down into the gorge below, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of mist, sound, and sheer force.

On the American side of the border, the second-largest cascade is American Falls, also known as Rainbow Falls. It spans approximately 1,060 feet (323 meters) in width and drops about  70 feet (21 meters) onto large mass of fallen boulders. Adjacent to American Falls is Bridal Veil Falls, which is much narrower and measures around  56 feet (17 meters) in width, falling the same height as Rainbow Falls. Although smaller in scale, these falls are no less captivating, and together they form a remarkable panorama of nature’s grandeur.

The awe-inspiring beauty of Niagara Falls is not limited to the sight of the cascading water alone. The sheer power of the falls creates a constant roar that can be heard from all around the neighboring cities of Niagara Falls, New York and Niagara Falls, Ontario. The mist generated by the crashing water creates a perpetual foggy atmosphere around the falls, often obscuring a large portion of each, while dampening the surround walkways and viewing areas. On sunny days, the mist often gives rise to rainbows, enhancing the ethereal experience for visitors.

To explore Niagara Falls up close, various vantage points are available. On the Canadian side, Queen Victoria Park offers stunning views and beautifully manicured gardens, allowing visitors to appreciate the falls from a safe distance. Those that want to get up close can take a “Journey Behind the Falls,” which not only fulfills the promise of leading visitors behind the great Horseshoe Falls, but into the gorge next tot he falls where the winds generated from the plunging water are an unforgettable force. The promenade along the Niagara Parkway in new York, known as the “Niagara Falls State Park” on the American side, also provides fantastic viewpoints and access to a breathtaking view from the observation tower. Park walkways lead visitors from the brink of the American Falls, onto Luna Island where they find themselves surrounded by both the American and the smaller Bridal Veil Falls.

One of the America’s oldest Attractions, the Maid of the Mist, operates on both sides of the border, taking visitors through the turbulent and frothy waters of the Niagara. directly to the base of the both waterfalls, often disappearing into the mist—an exhilarating, and must-see, experience for all visitors. For those looking for even more thrills, the Niagara Jet Boat Tour runs up the Niagara River through Devil’s Hole and into the infamous Niagara Whirlpool, roaring through deadly currents and crashing through waves with ease.

Popular for family trips and a time-honored American Honeymoon spot, Niagara Falls is in do doubt a “tourist trap.” Sprung up around the gorge are towering hotels, a Ferris wheel, casinos, eateries, haunted houses, wax museums, and gaudy entertainment attractions in all forms. It’s enough to keep you busy for a weekend if your wallet doesn’t empty before then. While most of modern development is concentrated on the Canadian side of the boarder, New York’s run down city still has a few competitive sights to attract tourists. Beyond the pop-tourism, to the region’s credit, it retains a lot of natural charm. From the Falls themselves, down the Niagara River are a series of nature parks fishing hotspots, and wineries leading to Lake Ontario and two beautiful and quiet villages on each side. Niagara-On-The-Lake, in Ontario, is a wonderful boutique shopping destination, and the host of the annual Shaw Festival. Youngstown, in New York, is home to the exceptional Fort Niagara State Park and Historic Site. With so many bright lights in loud distractions adjacent to Niagara Falls, it’s difficult for visitors to break away and explore the surrounding region to soak in the unforgettable experiences the entire Niagara Region has to offer, especially those pertaining to its quaint historical roots, so I made this guide, not only to highlight the the falls themselves (which you should definitely not miss) but to help you realize what else you could be missing.

The Niagara River runs north 35 miles (56 kilometers), serving as a vital link between Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, and a natural border between the US and Canada. The Niagara River originates at the eastern end of Lake Erie near Buffalo, New York. It begins as a relatively calm and narrow stream, gradually widening as it progresses north. At around 6 miles, it splits around the massive Grand Island at Beaver Island State Park. Grand island, at 33.29 square miles (86.23 square kilometers), is home to 21,200 people. Here the border line, which usually bisects the river evenly, runs up the river branch on the west side of the island, putting the island completely within the US.

3 miles (5km) downstream from the island, the river splits again, forming Goat Island in New York and creating the Cascade Rapids, a dangerous stretch of whitewater created by the initial descent down Niagara Escarpment just above Niagara Falls. the Falls itself drops the river an average of 178 feet (54 meters) and forms the 7 mile (11 kilometer) long Niagara Gorge. The river reaches a maximum depth of 185 feet (57 meters) near the base of the falls.

2.5 miles (4 kilometers) north of the falls, the Niagara Gorge narrows and the river accelerates, forming class 6 rapids at the Niagara Whirlpool, some of the most dangerous waters in the world. Traveling at nearly 35 mph, with standing waves reaching 10-ft in height, it bends nearly 90 degrees a half mile later at the Whirlpool. The Niagara River then calms to a class 3 as it passes through Devil’s Hole and it’s smooth sailing and some of the best fishing in the region the remainder of its journey to Lake Ontario.

Niagara Falls Audio

Roaring Niagara Falls from Queen Victoria Park (Ontario) in early morning.

Rumbling Niagara Falls Up Close (American Falls from Goat Island)

Niagara Falls Videos

Niagara Falls Photo Gallery

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