What to Know When Visiting Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is one of the world’s most famous natural wonders, attracting millions of visitors each year. Whether you’re visiting the American side in New York or the Canadian side in Ontario, there’s something truly magical about witnessing the sheer power and beauty of this iconic landmark. Here are 10 fascinating facts to know when you're visiting Niagara Falls.
1. Day Tours to Niagara Falls Are a Popular Option
For UK travelers, booking a day tour to Niagara Falls is one of the easiest ways to experience the beauty of this natural wonder, especially if you’re staying in nearby cities like New York or Toronto. There are plenty of day tours available that include guided trips to both the American and Canadian sides, with transportation and entry fees often included. Many tours also offer unique experiences like a boat ride on the Maid of the Mist, which brings you right up to the base of the falls, or visits to observation decks with panoramic views.
2. Niagara Falls Is Actually Three Waterfalls
While you might think of Niagara Falls as a single waterfall, it is actually a collection of three separate waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. The Horseshoe Falls, located on the Canadian side, is the largest and most iconic of the three, with its impressive width of 2,600 feet (790 meters). The American Falls, located on the US side, is around 1,060 feet (320 meters) wide, while the Bridal Veil Falls is the smallest of the three, situated next to the American Falls.
3. The Falls Are Taller Than the Statue of Liberty
Niagara Falls might not seem all that tall when compared to some other natural landmarks, but it’s still a significant height. The Horseshoe Falls drops 167 feet (51 meters), while the American Falls drops 180 feet (55 meters). To put this into perspective, the Statue of Liberty is 151 feet (46 meters) tall, including its pedestal. So, even though the falls are wider than they are tall, they still create an impressive vertical drop that is more than double the height of Lady Liberty!
4. Niagara Falls Is a Global Hydroelectric Power Source
Beyond its beauty, Niagara Falls serves a very practical purpose: generating electricity. The Niagara River flows over the falls, and the water that plunges down provides a powerful source of hydroelectric energy. In fact, the falls generate about 2.4 million kilowatts of hydroelectric power, supplying both the United States and Canada with a significant portion of their electricity.
5. The Falls Have a Fascinating History of Daredevils
Over the years, daring individuals have tried to take on Niagara Falls in ways that most of us wouldn’t even dream of. Some have jumped into the falls in barrels, others have attempted to go over them on tightropes, and a few have even tried to swim across the river to the falls. The most famous daredevil stunt was by Annie Edson Taylor, who became the first person to go over the falls in a barrel in 1901 at the age of 63.
6. Niagara Falls Has a Special Nighttime Glow
When the sun sets, Niagara Falls transforms into an entirely different spectacle. Both the Canadian and American sides of the falls are illuminated at night, creating a magical display of colored lights that highlight the falls’ cascading waters. The lights change color throughout the evening, often cycling through red, blue, green and purple hues.
7. The Falls Attract More Than 12 Million Visitors Annually
Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, drawing over 12 million visitors each year. Many visitors come to admire the falls’ sheer beauty, while others take advantage of the numerous activities available in the area, such as boat rides, hiking and exploring the nearby parks.
8. You Can Walk Behind the Falls
One of the most unique experiences at Niagara Falls is the chance to walk behind the waterfall. On the Canadian side, the Journey Behind the Falls tour takes you through a series of tunnels and observation platforms that allow you to get up close and personal with the falls. You’ll be able to see the water cascading down just inches away, and the sound and mist from the falls make for an exhilarating experience.
9. Niagara Falls Was Formed Over 12,000 Years Ago
The creation of Niagara Falls is the result of the last Ice Age, which ended around 12,000 years ago. As the glaciers receded, water from Lake Erie began to flow into Lake Ontario, and the force of the water eventually carved out the dramatic cliffs that form Niagara Falls. Over the centuries, the falls have continued to erode and change, with the water’s flow gradually shifting the falls upstream by a few feet each year.
10. Niagara Falls Has a Famous "Mist"
The mist created by the forceful flow of water over Niagara Falls is another iconic feature of the falls. As water plunges over the edge, it creates a fine spray of mist that rises high into the air. This mist is so heavy that it can be seen from miles away, and it creates a unique atmosphere around the falls. On sunny days, visitors may even witness rainbows forming in the mist, adding to the enchanting beauty of the falls.
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