The districts of Niagara Falls, Canada, offer so much travel opportunities for international tourists to experience the incredible range of entertainment, dining and accommodations available in this great city!
Niagara Falls is arguably the biggest tourist destination in Ontario, Canada. People come from all over the world to see this magnificent beauty. Most of the tourist say that Canadian side of Niagara Falls is the best tour spot. Even for local it is a prime go-to adventure to visit Niagara Falls. Both day trips and night adventures provide much excitement. Niagara Falls is ever changing with hotels, restaurants, attractions and hiking at its best.
Why the name Niagara
Theories differ as to the name of the falls. The Native American word “Ongiara” means “Thundering water”. This was the popular view of media up to 1925. According to Iroquoian scholar Bruce Trigger, Niagara is derived from the name given to a branch of a local Native American union called Neutral Confederacy. They were called Niagararega people in past. According to George R. Stewart, it comes from the name of the Iroquois town, called Ongiuahhra, meaning “point of land cut in two”. In 1847 an Iroquois interpreter stated that the name came from Jaonniakare, meaning “ noisy port of water side”. To Mohawk, the word comes from “onyara” or “the neck”.
Geography
Niagara Falls consists of three waterfalls, at the southern end of Niagara Gorge, spanning the border between the Ontario province of Canada and the New York state of USA. The largest of three is Horseshoe Falls, which straddles the international border of the two countries. It is also known as the Canadian Falls. The smaller American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are located in USA. Bridal Veil falls are separated from Horseshoe falls by some islands of USA.
Horseshoe Falls is about 7 meter high, while the height of the American Falls is 21 to 30 meters high because the height varies from one side to another. There are large boulder stones at its base. The Horseshoe width is 790 meters and American Falls are 320 meters wide. The distance of two extremities of both falls is nearly 1039 meters.
The water flow is halved at night and during the low tourist season at winter, and only attains minimum flow of 1,400 cubic meters. On the other hand, the peak of flow over the Horseshoe Falls is 6,400 cubic meters, as was recorded per second. The average annual flow rate is probably 2,400 cubic meters per second. Since the flow is a direct function of Erie Lake water elevation, it typically peaks in late spring or early summer. During the summer months, 2,800 cubic meters move through the falls, some 90% flow over Horseshoe Falls. The verdant green color of waters of the falls are result of salts and rock flour from the source of Niagara river.
Historical background
The first exploration of Niagara Falls was performed in 1604 by Frenchman Samuel Champlain during his voyage in Canada. Member of his party described of wonderful waterfalls, which he later noted in his diary. The first detailed description of the falls was in 1677 by Belgian missionary Father Louis Hennepin, after reading which Europeans turned their attention to it. More research on Niagara Falls was done Swedish naturalist Pehr Kalm and British Officer Captain Thomas Davies in mid 18 century. The later even painted in in water color and sent to London to study.
During the 18th century, tourism became popular and tour packages around Niagara Falls became a full scale industry near 1850s. The only recorded freezing of the waterfall was on March 29, 1848. Also another freezing occurred in 1912, where American Falls were frozen completely. It was the year of Bridge Tragedy, when building of ice bridge over the falls led to break up of the bridge and three people died.
Tourism
The oldest and best attraction in the Niagara Falls is the Maid of the Mist boat cruise, named for an ancient Ongiara Native character, who had carried passenger into the rapid immediately below the falls since 1846. Cruise boats operate from boat docks on both sides of the falls, with Maid of the Mist cruise operating from the American side and Hornblower cruises from the Canadian side.
From the US side, the American Falls can be better seen from Walkways from Prosper Point Park, which also features Prospect Points Observation Tower, and a boat dock from the Maid of the Mist. Goat island offers more views of the falls and is accessible by foot and automobile by bridge above the American Falls. From Goat island, the Cave of Winds is accessible by elevator and leads hikers to the point beneath the Bride Veil Falls. Also on Goat island there are three Sister islands, the power portal, where the statue of Nikola Tesla stands. Most of these attraction lie within Niagara Falls State Park.
On the Canadian side, Queen Victoria Park offers manicured gardens, platforms offering views of American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls as well as Horseshoe Falls. And underground walkways leading to observation spots, which provide a feeling to be within falling waters. Also there are Fort Erie and Fort George along with monuments of War of 1812.
The Skylon Tower allows a brief panoramic view so far, that even Toronto can be seen. Tour is possible by helicopter, bus, walkway, cycle and boat, and visiting many attractions and sports events shall guarantee a real quality time for visitors from abroad.
Weather
Peak tourism attractions for visitors during summertime, when Niagara Falls is both a daytime and evening attraction. From the Canadian side, illumination lights the both sides of the falls for the whole evening until midnight. The number of visitors was 20 million in 2018 and continued to grow in the following years.
Overall the best time to visit Niagara Falls is between August and September. During theis time the peak of summer season is winding down so it is less crowded, but attractions are still in full swing.
Things to do in Niagara Falls
With the historical background of 200 years and primitive amaze, the sight of Niagara Falls give tourist a flavor of natural wonder of the world. Being an asset and a conjoining via the rainbow bridge between USA and Canada, the Niagara Falls is globally known for its natural beauty and mesmerizing collection of three waterfalls at once. Separated by only few miles of distance, these three waterfalls are a kind of attraction that amazes the visitors every time they go out there to spend quality time with family and friends. Niagara Falls is ranked among the top tourist attractions in the US as well as Canada. Apart from the natural blessing the spot has, numerous tourist attractions has been created at the surroundings to lure visitors and promote tourism.
The view itself has been made to phenomenal illustrations and sightseeing experience that lets the tourists get full of their visit experience in the area. One may never get a lease and spare time from exciting activities offered in the spot. Apart from a natural wonder hub, the site offer a variety of exciting attractions organized especially for international tourists. There is everything for people of all age groups. Once you are here, it is never enough. Niagara Falls is the best place for any kind of celebrations and festivals. Owing to its global importance and specific highlight given to the place as Ontario’s most prominent attraction, this place is consistently in an evolving phase for the last 200 years.
From featured buildings to view the sight to jolly adventures, there are many activities one can facilitate with. Either you want the listing of best things to do in Niagara Falls Canada for kids, couples, family or friends and colleagues. Different tour packages are for different seasons, as it is active during whole year.
Interesting facts
- 3,160 tons of water flow through Niagara Falls every second.
- Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest park in America, established in 1885 at the Niagara Reservation. Nearly 8 million visitors explore Niagara Falls every year.
- Niagara National Park was designed by the same architect who designed New York City parks.
- Niagara Falls has 176 feet height at some points.
- The American and Bridal Veil Falls were turned off in 1969 by US Army to study effects of erosion. There are plans to turn off these again to rebuild two 115 years old bridges.
- Niagara Falls has erosion is approximately 1 foot per year.
- The water flowing over Niagara Falls is 25-50% capacity of any given time.
- The first person to go down Niagara Falls in a barrel was 63 years old teacher Annie Taylor. She is buried in Oakwood Cemetery along with over Niagara Falls daredevils.
- Cave of the Winds near Niagara Falls park is torn down and rebuilt every year.
- The birth of the Niagara Falls can be traced back to 12,000 years to the end of the last glacial period.
- Despite myths of the contrary, Niagara Falls does not freeze in the winter.
- The five Great Lakes adjacent to Niagara Falls have one fifth of the world fresh water supply.
- Niagara Falls is not the tallest fall in the world, but its fame came because of its height and amount of water coming down it every year.
- Fish do travel in Niagara Falls and survive because its ability to flow in the water.
- At one time, Goat Island of Niagara Falls area was planned to turn to a circus ground.
- Under an international treaty, water flow in Niagara reduced to half at night to allow more water flow to hydro-electric power plants nearby. This is done to maintain natural attractive look for tourists at day time.
- One of the oldest surviving American flags has Niagara fort design.
Final thoughts
Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation, Niagara Falls attractions, nature and sites provide a perfect getaway for everyone. Regardless of season, tourists can find here almost anything they choose during tours. Do not hesitate to visit Niagara Falls at least once in your lifetime, if you are really interested in tourism experience worldwide!