- one of the main attractions of North America, a place where millions of tourists flock. Here you will find out Interesting Facts about the waterfall, its location, height, power and cost of visiting.

Where is Niagara Falls

- these are three powerful cascades, 48 ​​meters high, located on the border of Canada and the USA. Here are their names:
Horseshoe is the most big waterfall, which is located on the Canadian side. 90% of the total water mass is erupted through it. The width of this part of the waterfall reaches 800 meters.
American Falls. This waterfall is somewhat narrower - only 330 meters.
The Bridal Veil is the narrowest of the Niagara Cascades. It is through it that the rainbow bridge connects the 2 states.

Between the cascades lie several islands, among which the most famous is Goat Island, located between the American Falls and the Horseshoe.

For those who already remember from geography lessons, where is Niagara Falls located, let's say that it is located on the Canada-US border on the Niagara River. The river flows out of Lake Erie and flows into another large lake- Ontario.

Niagara Falls are not the highest in the world, but they are one of the most powerful (along with Victoria and Iguazu). The height of Niagara Falls is 51 meters (in the American part) and 49 (in the Canadian part) and it is significantly inferior to the highest waterfall on the planet - Angel. But in terms of width and power, it surpasses everyone in North America - 5,700 cubic meters of water passes through it per second. But earlier, when there were no power plants on the river, this figure was twice as high.

Niagara Falls: video

Niagara Falls: photos at different times of the year
Each season, Niagara Falls takes on a new look. So, in spring and summer photo Niagara Falls shaded by the lush green foliage of the surrounding trees. In autumn, it is covered with a crimson glow of the colors of the falling leaves, which are especially effective at sunset.

And in winter, part of the waterfall turns into giant icicles. Their sizes reach tens of meters and look very impressive, especially at night in the rays of neon lights: every day a light show begins at the waterfall, the schedule of which is offered by the official Niagara parks website http://www.niagaraparks.com/niagara-falls-attractions/niagara-falls -illumination.html.

In winter, the “Winter Festival of Lights” is held here. However, in winter, only the edges of the falls usually freeze, while the central part continues to roar water from Lake Erie to Ontario.

During the ice drift, all the blocks of ice fall into the formidable abyss of the waterfall. In 1848, ice blocked the source of the river, causing Niagara Falls to dry up. However, after 30 hours the ice mass was broken and the water rushed along the riverbed with a force reminiscent of the roar of an earthquake and a volcanic eruption at the same time.

In 1911 it happened that Niagara Falls froze fully. The last time this happened was in 2014.

Niagara Falls - interesting facts
The name Niagara comes from "Onguiaahra", which means "thunder of water" in the Iroquois language. Europeans first learned about it in 1677 thanks to the monk Father Louis Ennepin.

Nikola Tesla built a power plant at the waterfall that supplies electricity to the surrounding area.
You can see a rainbow at the waterfall. Moreover, even at night, when the rarest lunar rainbow becomes visible.

Each year, Niagara Falls retreats upriver by about 2 meters. This is due to the fact that the power of the flow grinds down and destroys the rock.

Excursions to Niagara Falls
You can admire the waterfall from observation platforms or go to it on a ship that has been sailing here since 1846. The cost of the trip is $13. The main thing is to bring a raincoat and a change of clothes.
There is an option to walk above it on hot-air balloon or helicopter. Don't forget to try the walk to the "Cave of the Winds" under the waterfall (from the American side). The cost of the excursion is $8.

You can book an all-inclusive excursion to Niagara Falls - with delivery and accommodation:

Another way to look at Niagara Falls is a web camera, online showing the full power of the flow. The camera on the Canadian side works with sound and conveys the full power of the falling jets.

It is the most famous waterfall in the world and perhaps one of the most beautiful. It is located on the Niagara River, located on the border of the United States and Canada, and, translated from the Iroquois Indian language, means “thundering water.” The towns of Niagara Falls of the same name are located on both the American and Canadian sides.

In fact, Niagara is called a complex of three waterfalls located on the Niagara River - these are Horseshoe Falls (aka Canadian Falls), American Falls and Veil Falls. They are not particularly high, but quite wide, and in terms of the volume of water passing through them, Niagara Falls is the most powerful in North America.

The largest among the three waterfalls is the Horseshoe, its width reaches 790 meters and height 51 meters. Next comes the American Falls, about 300 meters wide and 49 meters high (due to the pile of stones at the foot of the waterfall, the height of the water fall is only 20-30 meters). Veil Falls is the smallest in Niagara, its width is only 17 meters and its height is 24 meters.

In 1969, to strengthen the rapidly deteriorating falls, the American part of Niagara was drained. Within a few months, the river was returned to its previous course, and the most interesting thing was that the “dry” Niagara Falls attracted more tourists than usual.

Judging by the research of scientists, Niagara Falls is moving upstream by one meter per year, and in ten thousand years it has already moved 11 kilometers. At this rate, in 50 thousand years the waterfall will reach Lake Erie and cease to exist.

Energy of Niagara Falls

Since there is a huge amount of water passing through, it would make sense to use it for energy. It is for this purpose that a hydroelectric power station was built here, which provides electricity to a quarter of New York State.

The first power station was built here back in 1881. It was modernized many times and was used until 1951, when it was destroyed as a result of a landslide. In 1957, a decision was made to build a new hydroelectric power station, which was to be the largest at that time. Construction ended in 1961, and the new hydroelectric power station was named after the outstanding New York city planner Robert Moses.

Tourism in Niagara Falls

Millions of tourists come to see Niagara every year. They were built for them observation decks and towers, a cable car, walking paths, and in the summer, after dark and until midnight, the waterfalls are illuminated by colored floodlights. Tourists also have excursions by helicopter and hot air balloon.

The most popular entertainment is a trip on the Maid of the Mist excursion boats under the waterfalls. Excursions depart from both the American and Canadian sides of the falls, and it is on them, hiding from the spray under a cape, that you can fully enjoy the grandiose view of Niagara Falls.

Stunts at Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls has attracted many daredevils since ancient times. The first was Sam Patch, who jumped into Niagara from the edge of the falls in 1829. In 1859, the famous French tightrope walker Charles Blondin became the first person to cross from one bank of the Niagara to the other on a tightrope.

On October 24, 1901, an ordinary school teacher Annie Taylor decided to celebrate her 63rd birthday in an original way. She became the first person to descend from Niagara Falls in a barrel and still remain alive.

Many people were haunted by Annie Taylor's trick, and the first who managed to repeat it was Bobby Leach in 1911. Unlike Annie, who used an oak barrel reinforced with steel and lined with soft material to jump from the waterfall, Leach used a steel one. As a result of the jump, he received serious injuries and spent six months in the hospital.

Currently, attempts to descend Niagara Falls are illegal in both the United States and Canada, but nevertheless, from time to time there are daredevils who want to become famous in this way.

Where is Niagara Falls located?

Located at Niagara Falls, NY 14303, USA.

You can get to Niagara from two sides - Canadian and American.

From the American side, you will need to get to Buffalo, from where bus No. 210 runs to the American Niagara Falls.

To get to Niagara from the Canadian side, you will first need to get to the city of Toronto, from the central bus station(Toronto Coach Terminal) which runs a bus to Niagara Falls. From Niagara Falls, directly to the falls, there is a small local bus.

Basic moments

At the end of the last ice age, 12,000 years ago, the retreat of a great glacier created five Great Lakes: Superior, Michigan, Huron, Ontario and Erie. Abundant meltwater overflowed the shores of Lake Erie. They formed the stream we call the Niagara River. It cascades from a cliff known as the Niagara Escarpment into Lake Ontario. The name Niagara Falls refers to three separate waterfalls. Horseshoe Waterfall (Horseshoe Falls) on currently the largest, it is located on the Canadian bank of the river, and opposite it, on American shore, are the American Falls (American Falls) and the Bridal Veil waterfall (Bridal Veil Falls). The falls are separated by a chain of small islands, the most famous of which is Donkey Island on the Canadian side. Almost 90% of the Niagara River's water flows from Horseshoe Falls, and only 10% passes through American territory.

"Horseshoe""Bride's Veil"

Niagara, like any other waterfall, looks different depending not only on the time of day, but also on the time of year. In spring and summer, the boiling white curtain is shaded by lush greenery, in autumn - by crimson colors. In winter, only the edges of the river freeze. From the rocky ledges of the ridge, huge ice deposits the size of a factory chimney are gradually freezing - giant icicles, sparkling with diamonds against the backdrop of the raging water. "Pipes" is not a metaphor. The “icicles” of many large and small frozen, or rather freezing, waterfalls are actually hollow inside, cone-shaped or expanding downward ice formations, through the transparent walls of which you can observe how water falls, pulsates and beats, resisting freezing.

The illuminated ice blocks looked fabulously beautiful!

A menacing picture at Niagara Falls unfolds in early spring, during ice drift. Huge ice floes, like icebergs, shatter into pieces with a roar and roar and disappear into the abyss. In 1848, the ice of Lake Erie clogged the source of Niagara in a dense mass, and the water in the falls dried up. Local residents, not understanding the cause of the phenomenon, expected the “end of the world.” Nobody slept for days. Thirty hours later, the water broke through the ice neck. The eruption of water mixed with blocks of ice was like a volcanic eruption accompanied by an earthquake.

The real wonder of Niagara Falls is how nature manages to triumph over the spirit of unbridled mercantileism, which is less strong on the Canadian than on the American side of the border along the Falls. Nothing compares to the spectacle of a boiling mass of water cascading from above on its way from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario and the Atlantic.

Those who have ever seen Niagara Falls have received indelible impressions for life, and some have only heard about it, but even they do not doubt its power and magnificence. However, not only the waterfall is famous, but also the place where this miracle of nature is located.

For tourists

Views of the waterfalls can be seen from several observation platforms. Table Rock, named after the stone cornice, is located at the right edge of the Canadian Horseshoe. With a tour called Journey Behind the Falls, you will find yourself behind a powerful wall of falling water. The ticket price includes the rental of protective clothing, but... nothing near Niagara can be waterproof. Don't worry about it - seeing Niagara without getting wet is strange to say the least. Just keep a spare change of dry clothes in your car.

In clear weather, the rays of the sun, refracted in the smallest drops of water, form seven-color rainbows. There are several of them, often one inside the other. Like other giant waterfalls, the rainbow at night, in the light of the moon, is incomparable. The play of the elements is so impressive that huge crowds of tourists watch it for hours without moving. Americans skillfully present the miracle of nature. Dozens of floodlights with a total capacity of 1.5 million kW are installed at the waterfall. Multi-colored spotlights. As soon as darkness falls on Niagara, their rays are directed towards the continuously moving wall of the waterfall and, creating a fabulous illumination, enhance the already impressive picture. Therefore, a visit to Niagara Falls must necessarily consist of at least two parts - daytime and evening.

Queen Victoria Park is located away from the crowds and stormy emotions. (Queen Victoria Park), giving a welcome holiday to lovers in summer hiking and cyclists, and in winter skiers. During these periods, due to the relatively small number of tourists, the waterfalls take on a much more romantic appearance. In spring, magnificent daffodils, tulips, roses and magnolias bloom in the park, and evening visitors to the park restaurant can admire a fabulous view of the waterfalls, decorated with night illumination.

In addition, almost every evening there are fireworks displays on the Canadian side opposite the American Falls. It usually starts at 10 pm, so even if you've already seen enough of the night falls, it still makes sense to stay and wait until the fireworks show. Although fireworks take place on the Canadian side, it is better to watch them from the American side. Then you can take in at one glance the colorful streams of water pouring into the river and the streams of fire pouring from the sky. It's better to take care of it in advance convenient location near the waterfall. This is especially important if you need to set up a camera tripod, because by the time the fireworks start, a huge number of people gather along the railings on the river bank.

Above and below the waterfall along the river, for the convenience of tourists, bridges have been built to admire the grandiose spectacle, and observation platforms leading to water attractions, such as "MAID of the MIST" (see below).

Niagara Falls is a city on the Canadian side that takes you to where the water falls from a great height and with a wild roar. But when going on an excursion on your own, do not get confused by the signs. It's worth remembering that Niagara Street (Niagara Street) and Main Street (Main Street) lead to the border, and the Rainbow Bridge (Rainbow Bridge) is a transition from Canada to the United States.

From the top of the mountain, from where you can see the entire Niagara River, you can also see the small island of Goat, dividing the stream in two. One part forms the Bridal Veil Falls, which belongs to the United States, the other forms the Horseshoe Falls, the latter is located on the Canadian side of the island.

Translated from the Indian Niagara - “big noise”. The name is true: the roar can be heard for many, many kilometers. Standing on the observation deck, you can practically “feel” the river, because tons of water fall at a distance of just two meters from you. The feeling is unforgettable!

The ultimate adventure at Niagara Falls - the Maid of the Mist boat ride (Maid of the mist Boat Tour), 716-284-8897, www.maidofthemist.com. Of course, this event is not for pampered people who are afraid of getting wet again, because the boat will take you to the very foot of the waterfall. Here, get dressed, don’t wear raincoats and raincoats - it won’t help! Get ready for a big wash. At first, the boat, as if luring, sails along a steep shore that does not promise any special surprises, gently and smoothly swaying on the waves, giving you the opportunity to admire the grandeur of the falling river, but after a few minutes you, with one turn of the helm, instantly find yourself in an avalanche of elements, from the claws of which, it seems , you can’t get out anymore. Indescribable feelings come over you. The attraction gives a much greater idea of ​​the power of the waterfall than simple contemplation from above, and the adrenaline in the blood foams better than any, even the most expensive champagne!

Boat "Maiden of the Mist"

If, on the contrary, you are ready to plunge into Niagara headlong, then you will definitely be attracted by the attraction on special boats. Here people fasten seat belts to their seats, equip themselves with life jackets and collectively dive into the abyss of the elements from May to October! 115 South Water Street (115 South Water street) (USA), 61 Melville Street (61 Melville street) (Canada) www.whirlpooljet.com

On the American side of Niagara Falls there is the so-called “Cave of the Winds” (Cave of the Winds). Here, sightseers dressed in yellow plastic raincoats and special shoes, holding the handrails of a wooden bridge, can feel the full power of the falling water. The symbol of the cave is the figure of a man standing on a bridge and touching the waterfall with an outstretched hand. Entrance to the cave costs $8 and there is a wait in line. First for tickets, and then in an even longer queue directly to the elevator to the cave (Goast Island, Niagara Falls State Park, 716-278-1730).

After purchasing tickets, everyone is given a “cave kit”, which consists of a traditional raincoat-poncho (yellow this time), a plastic bag for personal belongings and... flip-flop sandals. The fact that you are given sandals allows you to mentally prepare for how wet you will have to be. The view from the observation decks located along the way down to the foot of the waterfall is no less breathtaking than a boat cruise. The lower one, Canopy deck (Hurricane Deck), is located only 6 meters from the Bridal Veil waterfall. It's pouring water here, just hold on!

The waterfall accelerates the wind so that it threatens to tear off the thin poncho of any unwary tourist, billions of splashes surround you from all sides, it is almost impossible to open your eyes. I kept the camera under my raincoat, but the water got to it even there, and most of it got on the photographic equipment when I didn’t even try to get it out from under my raincoat, so I don’t recommend going down to the waterfall with a camera without protection.

Capturing natural wonders is necessary and possible if you use simple methods of protecting photo and video equipment. In the best way Of course, you will need to buy a special box designed for shooting in water. Another option is a variety of plastic bags like AquaPack, which will protect from splashes and sand on the beach and in the desert, and even from submerging the camera in water. But first of all, all this costs money. (and sometimes quite a lot), and secondly, it may not be at hand at the right time. A traveling method for protecting the camera from splashes and sand is a regular plastic bag. It is advisable to screw a UV filter onto the lens. The bag around the lens is tightened with an elastic band, and a simple camera protection is ready!

Cross into Canada on the Rainbow Bridge (Rainbow bridge), walk 50 cents, drive $2.50 border tax. You can stop in the middle of the bridge and take plenty of photographs of the opening panorama, and those who are too brave can even organize a picnic until the border guards come for them. You can bet who will get there first: the Americans or the Canadians.

By the way, a mini-Las Vegas has been created on the Canadian side, in contrast to the boring American side. The most luxurious hotels and a newly opened, huge casino hotel overlooking Niagara! Only on the Canadian side are there hotels with a five-star Jacuzzi view of Niagara Falls. It takes your breath away, the romance overflows, you want to live forever! There are only six such hotels, and all of them are unique. One more detail: when walking around the town, do not try to find where to buy beer or other alcoholic liquid along the way, you will waste your time. Such products are sold only in a special wine supermarket! But the choice is simply huge!

If you wish and have free time, proceed down Niagara. At one point on the highway, which runs along the canyon and vineyards, the river turns quite sharply. Here there is a cable car at a height of 100 meters (Whirlpool Aero Car, www.niagaraparks.com/nfgg/aerocar.php) With open carriages for a ride over the rushing water, this excursion gives you a bird's-eye view of the whirlpools of the Niagara Rapids, 2.5 miles downstream. The pleasure is not for the faint of heart. Next to this attraction is a wonderful landscape park Botanical Garden (Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, www.niagaraparks.com/garden/botanical.php) and "Butterfly Conservatory" (Butterfly Conservatory), - a huge glass hangar with thousands and thousands of different butterflies climatic zones, as well as the world's largest flower clock (Flower Clock), Lookout tower (Skylon Tower), hanging over the falls, also on the Canadian side, www.skylon.com

On the American side, you can take to the skies in a hot air balloon or hire a helicopter.

And finally - Aquarium of Niagara (The Aquarium of Niagara), where one and a half thousand species of marine life await you: penguins, piranhas, seals, eels, as well as sharks, which, if you are not afraid, you can feed by hand (www.aquariumofniagara.org).

More gambling attractions and luxury hotels are located on the Canadian side. The Americans are probably happy with their Vegas, so the Niagara entertainment industry was given to the Canadians for development.

Destruction of Niagara Falls

The rock beneath the Niagara Escarpment is quite unusual. On top it is covered with a layer of durable dolomite, resistant to erosion. The lower part, on the contrary, is very vulnerable, and tons of falling water wash it out much more easily. The soft rock collapses, depriving the dolomite of support, and it also splits, falling in huge pieces into the stormy waters of the river. Every year, water destroys 2 m of rock in this way, which is why Niagara Falls managed to retreat 11 km upstream in the 200 years that have passed since the first description made by scientists. Human activity has changed the natural process. The Niagara River has long been saddled with a series of power plants that supply energy to the industrial region of the Great Lakes. This significantly reduced the volume of water passing through the falls and consequently slowed erosion.

Nevertheless, such intensive use of Niagara as an energy supplier could not pass without a trace. Numerous power plants, when all work together, leave the river with only 6,000 cubic meters. m of water per second. This is half as much as once passed through the waterfall.

Panorama of Niagara Falls

Legends, myths and interesting facts

In 1812, one of the decisive battles of the American-Canadian war took place in these places, which lasted 3 years, which is painted white and has since been known as the White House. In Niagara, a simple Canadian woman named Laura Sekrod, whose name is still revered as a heroine, accidentally overheard a conversation between American officers discussing the location of the attack on the Anglo-Canadian troops, walked through the front line and told everything to her commanders... The battle was lost by the Americans However, the English general who commanded the troops in this battle was killed. A tall column was erected at the site of his death, and Laura Sekrod’s house is preserved as a museum. Not far from it is the old fort of St. George. There is still a Canadian garrison there, wearing uniforms from that war. Each visitor can taste the soldier's porridge of that time here. But for modern dollars. On the American side of Niagara, a bastion has also been preserved. Its cannons overlook the cute little town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, which once played a large role in the history of the country. Every house there has a memorial plaque: the former building of parliament, court, and the first pharmacy on the continent. There are hardly 15 thousand inhabitants there. But there is no end to tourists. And there is a repertory theater where Shakespeare is performed.

Niagara Falls has always been very popular among tourists and newlyweds all over the world. This natural phenomenon inspired amazing displays of bravery that gave rise to many legends and myths.

Every year, about 20 people choose Niagara Falls to commit suicide... But there are also those who are drawn to adventure... For the past 200 years, brave adventurers have been seeking fame and glory here.

In October 1829 Sam Patch (Sam Patch) who called himself Yankee Leeper (The Yankee Leaper), jumped from the Horseshoe Falls and became the first famous person who survived the fall. This gave rise to a long tradition of daredevils, and despite the unpredictability of the result, the flow of applicants was difficult to stop.

The aerocar attracts thrill-seekers and is reminiscent of famous tightrope walkers

In 1859, the French tightrope walker Blondin crossed Niagara on a tightrope, once walking blindfolded and carrying a stove on which he was simultaneously preparing an omelet. Another time he carried his manager, Harry Colcord, who weighed 67 kg on his back! Subsequently, other daredevils came into closer contact with the water, going down the Horseshoe Falls in barrels or reinforced rubber balls. Some of the devices can be seen at the Niagara Falls Museum. Of the ten people who dared to take this step, only seven survived, and all of them left us their memories. The first, in 1901, was 63-year-old Ann Taylor. Hoping to capitalize on her fame, she went on a tour called “Queen of Mists” with her tales of experience, but in one of the cities someone stole her barrel. Ann Taylor's subsequent life was full of hardships; she died in poverty.

Bobby Leach Memorial Plaque

On July 25, 1911, Bobby Leach became the second person to descend Niagara Falls in a barrel in search of glory... He spent six months in the hospital before recovering from the injuries he suffered during the fall. Ironically, he died in New Zealand from complications after surgery to amputate his leg, which he broke after slipping on an orange peel.

Niagara Falls in early spring

On July 11, 1920, Englishman Charles G. Stevens placed an anvil in a wooden barrel as ballast. And for safety he tied her to him. The only thing found in the barrel after the fall was Stevens' right hand.

On July 5, 1930, Greek writer George Stratakis, wanting to get inspiration for a new book, descends from a waterfall in a specially designed sealed capsule with an 8-hour supply of air. Unfortunately, he, who died from suffocation, could only be found twenty-two hours later.

A year later, William "Red" Hill makes a successful jump in the same capsule as Stratakis. Hill worked as a lifeguard - during his life he saved 28 people, and at the same time pulled the bodies of 177 dead from the water.

Niagara park

1990 28-year-old Jesse Sharp jumps from Niagara Falls in a kayak. Without any means of protection... the body was not found.

1995 Robert Overakker, 39 years old. He jumps from a waterfall on a jet ski to open his parachute after the jump... The parachute does not open... The body is found downstream.

Kirk Jones on October 20, 2003 became the first person to climb the falls without any equipment. It is still unknown whether he simply wanted to commit suicide by falling from a height of a 16-story building or, perhaps, he was drunk... However, as a result of the fall, he escaped with only broken ribs, abrasions and bruises.

Before you set out to repeat the exploits of non-Russian-speaking heroes, take note that all cases of miraculous salvation were recorded at the Horseshoe and Bridal Veil waterfalls. After falling from the "American Falls" not a single person survived, since its bottom is covered with boulders, and the flow is relatively weak and cannot throw a person further from the edge.

Data

• Location and size: Niagara Falls is located in Canada and the USA. The width of the fault is 1155 m: 792 m on the Canadian coast and 363 m on the American coast.
• Height: Most high point The cliff is located 58 m above the water surface.
• Mass of water: 6000 cubic meters pass through Niagara Falls per second. m of water, with 90% through the Horseshoe on the Canadian side.
• Erosion: In 1931, 70,000 tons of rock fell into the water from the cliffs on the American side of the cliff. A few years later, 27,000 tons fell from the Horseshoe cliff. Another significant collapse on the American side was recorded in 1954: 170,000 tons.
• Rare Freezing: When the air becomes very cold. Niagara Falls may freeze completely. The last time this happened was in the winter of 2014.

Panorama

How to get there

From Canada

From Toronto to the town of Niagara Falls 130 km. Coach Canada buses depart every one and a half to two hours from the Toronto Coach Terminal central bus station. Driving time is about two hours. Ticket price is $15. You can buy tickets and view the schedule on the Company’s website. There is a local bus service from the Niagara Falls bus station to Niagara Falls. The ride takes about 20 minutes, the ticket price is about 5 dollars. But be careful and find out in advance when he returns to Niagara Falls. Otherwise, there is a chance of missing the return bus to Toronto. Of course, you can use a taxi, but the cost will be much higher.

From USA

You can get to Niagara in all known ways, the most economical is a bus, and if it is overnight, then you save two nights in hotels (There and back again). I must say that the nine-hour journey is quite normal, especially when you doze off the whole way, admiring the nature of New York State when you wake up. You can easily stretch your limbs at the “serviceseries”, a mixture of department stores and gas stations of course of American size! The main thing is to buy a ticket in advance; two weeks before the trip it costs 50% cheaper.

Niagara Falls is one of the Western Hemisphere's most popular tourist attractions, welcoming nearly 14 million tourists annually. Over the years, it has attracted celebrities from all over the world - writers, poets, music and film stars, politicians, leaders of large states - who wanted to see with their own eyes one of the most beautiful miracles nature. There are dozens more high waterfalls in the world (Niagara is in the fifth ten), but in terms of the volume of falling water, the waterfall has practically no competitors on the planet. Day or night, winter or summer, it never ceases to amaze visitors, as evidenced by the huge number of tourists (14 million visitors a year can't be wrong!). Even in winter, when the water flow partially freezes, the extravaganza of nature continues to amaze. Books, poems and songs made him one of the most popular and famous in the world.

There is no waterfall called Niagara Falls. This common name a group of three waterfalls: American Falls (height 21 m, width 323 m), “Horseshoe” (height 53 m, width 792 m), and the very small “Veil”. After the Revolutionary War (1775-1783), the river and falls became the state border between Canada and the United States.

Niagara Falls was formed more than 12 thousand years ago during the melting and retreat of the glacier. The first European to describe the waterfalls was the French priest Louis Hennepin. In 1675, he was sent as part of a French military expedition to do missionary work among the Iroquois in eastern Canada. In the winter of 1678-79. Hennepin saw Niagara Falls for the first time.

Despite its commercial importance in the fur trade, the Falls area was predominantly inhabited by Native Americans, and it was not until after the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783) that many American Loyalists (supporters of Great Britain) fled there to escape persecution. After the end of the Anglo-American War (1812-1815), Niagara Falls began to gradually transform into a popular tourist attraction for citizens of both countries.

During the Industrial Revolution in the early 19th century, the natural beauty of Niagara Falls began to suffer from industrial construction. Towards the end of the 1860s, a group of civic leaders concerned about the current situation founded the Niagara Freedom Movement. Committee members called on the New York State government to return the falls and its surroundings to their original state. After a 15-year struggle, conservationists managed to win the battle. On April 30, 1885, the Governor of New York signed legislation creating the Niagara Conservation State Park, the first conservation park in the state. In the same 1885, the Queen Victoria Falls of Niagara Park was established in the province of Ontario in Canada. Both organizations significantly limited construction and industrial activity along the entire length of the Niagara River from the headwaters of Lake Erie to its confluence with Lake Ontario.

The falls have become a popular honeymoon destination since 1804, when Napoleon Bonaparte's brother Jerome came here with his bride. Development railway tracks Communications in the 1800s, automobiles in the 1900s, and passenger air transport since the early 1960s have made Niagara Falls accessible to large numbers of American and Canadian tourists, as well as travelers from around the world. He gained particular popularity after the release of the film “Niagara” (1953) starring Marilyn Monroe. The construction of casinos, restaurants, hotels, and various attractions for tourists contributed to the formation of two cities with the same name Niagara Falls, one on the American side and the other on the Canadian side. Niagara began to be called “little Las Vegas” and “the honeymoon capital of the world.”

Niagara Falls looks very spectacular, but today from 50% to 75% of the river's volume is diverted to the needs of American and Canadian power plants. The water passes through the turbines of power plants and returns to the river below the falls. According to international treaties, the flow of water through the falls is reduced at night in order to generate more electricity at this time. The maximum flow of 5720 m3/s occurs between 08:00 am and 22:00 pm from April to mid-September, and from 08:00 to 20:00 from mid-September to 31 October. At other times, the amount of water is halved, but does not fall below the minimum level established by the 1950 treaty.

Peak visitation times for Niagara Falls are from May to September. But the offseason doesn't turn nearby Niagara Falls, Canada, into a ghost town; The Winter Festival of Lights (from early November to late January) attracts tourists with concerts, fireworks and other colorful events. But the main attraction is the spectacular light show with three million sparkling lights along the 6 km long road, including more than 120 illuminated compositions. The Winter Festival of Lights has grown to become one of Niagara Falls' most popular attractions, and has become a tradition for over one million locals and tourists from around the world during the winter holidays.

People travel to Niagara not only for pleasure beautiful nature, or celebration of marriage. Niagara attracts thrill-seekers like a magnet. Challenging one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world becomes a matter of life and death for daredevils, an obsession to overcome one of the most powerful waterfalls on the planet at any cost. Admiration for the waterfall intrigued many daredevils to “conquer” the raging stream with various devices, from wooden barrels and tight ropes to rubber balls. More details about the daredevils who defied the natural elements are at the end of the article.

Niagara Falls: the most popular tours

Cave of the Winds

Visitors take an elevator down to the foot of the Veil Falls (American side). From here you can get closest to the water cascade.

Walk inside the waterfall (Your Journey Behind the Falls)

During this tour (Canadian side) you can see with your own eyes how more than 2000 tons of water (in summer) falls down every second at a speed of 65 kilometers per hour! The tour lasts from 30 to 45 minutes. During the spring and summer months, I give out rain covers as free souvenirs. Elevators lower tourists into tunnels that lead to the waterfall, meaning you can view the waterfall from inside the tunnel. Then you can go down to two viewing platforms located at the foot of the waterfall.

“Maid of the Mist”

A historic trip aboard the world-famous double-decker Maid of the Mist will leave you with unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime! Since 1846, this tour has been used by millions of people. The ship sails past the American Falls to the very foot of the Horseshoe. The tour is available from late April/early May (depending on weather) until the end of October each year. The ship departs every 15 minutes. Please note that there is no seating on the ship and the tour lasts 30 minutes. Such tours are organized by companies from the American and Canadian sides.

Skylon Tower

The Skylon Tower (Canadian side) has become an integral symbol of Niagara since 1965. Transparent elevators take visitors 160 meters high to an observation deck located on top of the rotating restaurant. In the lobby of the tower there are a number of souvenir shops, fast foods, and slot machine parlors. From the top of the tower there is a magnificent view panoramic view to Niagara Falls, a popular destination for photographers. Skylon Tower was featured in the films Superman II and Search and Destroy.

Cable car (Whirlpool Aero Car)

Stretched between the two banks of the river (Canadian side), the cable car is located 5 km from Niagara Falls. The round trip length is about one kilometer and takes approximately 10 minutes. Cabin cable car can accommodate 35 passengers. There are breathtaking views of the rapids of the Niagara River.

Nia Garsky waterfall: interesting facts

Every evening, starting at dusk, the waterfall is illuminated in the colors of the rainbow - unsurpassed beauty at night! It was first illuminated in 1860 in honor of the famous visit of the Prince of Wales. Electrical lighting first occurred in January 1879, but throughout this time the waterfall was illuminated sporadically. In 1925, a group of interested businessmen formed the “Niagara Falls Lighting Committee” to finance and provide a permanent lighting system so that visitors could enjoy the beauty of the mighty Niagara even at night. The waterfall is illuminated until 22:00 from January to April, and until 24:00 the rest of the year.

Just a hundred years ago, Niagara Falls was one of the best places in the world to observe the night rainbow formed by the light of the moon. Unfortunately, a night rainbow cannot be seen today for several reasons. Firstly, the waterfall has been illuminated every night since 1925. Secondly, since the 1950s, less water flows over the falls in the evening ( most of rivers are diverted to produce electricity), resulting in less water mist. And finally, at night the sky over Niagara is not as dark as it was a hundred years ago due to the bright lights of the two nearby cities. Although night rainbows no longer form, regular rainbows can be observed regularly during the day throughout the year.

When you look at the mighty Horseshoe Falls, it is difficult to imagine what force in the world could stop this gigantic flow of water, but in 1848, Mother Nature did it. In March 1848, local residents, accustomed to the noise of the river, greeted the morning with a strange, eerie silence: Niagara Falls stopped! Within thirty hours the river was dry, and everyone could walk or ride a horse along the river bed. Then, with noise and roar, a solid wall of water, rising to greater height, flowed along the river bed. Niagara returned to its former state, to the great relief of everyone. News arrived slowly at that time, but over time the reason for this phenomenal phenomenon became known. Strong wind set in motion millions of tons of accumulated ice on Lake Erie, completely clogging the river's source.

Since the mid-19th century, Niagara Falls has become one of the most... popular places honeymoon, a Mecca for newlyweds from all over the world. There is a theory that the ions created by the fall of the huge mass of water make the honeymoon so favorable that, on average, 50,000 newlyweds celebrate their wedding here every year. One of the first was Napoleon's younger brother Jerome Bonaparte, who spent Honeymoon with his American fiancée Elizabeth Patterson. The actual beginning of this tradition (1801) was laid by Joseph Alston and Theodosia Burr, daughter of the third vice president of the United States, Aaron Burr.

The flow of water does not stop even in winter, but splashes from the fall and fog lead to glaciation along the edges of the river and waterfall. If the winter is long and very cold, the ice completely blocks the river, forming a so-called “ice bridge”. Until 1912, visitors were able to walk across the "ice bridge" and view the falls from above. On February 24, 1888, a local newspaper reported 20 thousand people walking on the ice. Entrepreneurs even set up their stalls here for trading. On February 4, 1912, the ice bridge unexpectedly collapsed, killing three tourists. Since then, walking on ice in winter has been prohibited.

In 1969, the US Army Corps of Engineers diverted water from American Falls. For six months, geologists and engineers studied the rock surface and the effects of erosion. The purpose of the work was to determine the possibility of removing large quantity loose rock at the foot, in order to improve appearance American Falls. In the end we came to final conclusion that the cost of such repairs is too high and everything was left unchanged.

The water of four of the five Great Lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie) flows into the Niagara River and then into Lake Ontario. These five Great Lakes account for almost one-fifth of the world's reserves. fresh water in the world.

Of the 14 million tourists who visit the falls each year, the vast majority prefer the Canadian city of Niagara Falls.

The Niagara River, approximately 58 km long, serves as the natural source of water from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. The deepest section of the river is located just below Niagara Falls. The depth is almost equal to the height of the waterfall (52 m).

Niagara Falls has moved 11 km over the course of 12,500 years and is considered the fastest moving waterfall in the world. All this time, its edge was being eroded at a rate of one to one and a half meters per year. The waterfalls continue to erode, however, the dynamics of erosion are significantly reduced due to the diversion of water for hydroelectric power needs.

At the current rate of erosion, the remaining 20 kilometers to Lake Erie will be covered in 50,000 years. The waterfall will cease to exist, but the river will remain.

In 1827, the owners of the first hotels near Niagara Falls purchased the abandoned schooner Michigan to promote the tourism business. On September 8, 1827, the Michigan, with wolves, buffaloes, bears, raccoons and a goose on board, was set adrift towards the Horseshoe. The sailing ship damaged its hull on the rapids and began to take on water. The bears jumped into the river and reached Goat Island safely. The rest of the animals were swallowed up by Niagara Falls; only the goose managed to escape. The event took place in front of 10,000 people and marked the beginning of a tradition where men and women, in the face of death, brave Niagara Falls for fame and fortune. Like a giant roulette wheel, many conquerors of Niagara Falls voluntarily gambled with their deaths. Most of them lost their lives, but today's story is about who managed to survive.

63-year-old schoolteacher Annie Taylor decided that overcoming Niagara Falls would pave her way to fame and fortune. On October 24, 1901, she was tied with safety straps inside the barrel. A small boat towed the barrel into the middle of the Niagara River and lowered it downstream. Seventeen minutes after falling from Niagara Falls, the barrel was pulled to the river bank. Ms Taylor became the first person to scale the mighty waterfall. Having achieved the fame that Taylor so desired, she died in great poverty twenty years after crossing the falls.

Jean Lussier invented a two-meter rubber ball with a double steel frame. On July 4, 1928, Lussier's attempt to cross the falls drew huge crowds. About an hour after the fall, Lussier went ashore. For many years, she demonstrated her ball at Niagara Falls, and sold small pieces of rubber to everyone for souvenirs for 50 cents apiece.

Jean-François Gravlet became the first tightrope walker, crossing the gorge next to Niagara Falls on a tightrope on June 30, 1859, thanks to which he went down in history. Then he repeated his trick many times: on a bicycle, blindfolded, pushing a wheelbarrow in front of him, eating an omelet halfway, tying his hands and feet with handcuffs. But even these tricks did not satisfy Gravle. On August 19, he crossed the gorge with his manager Harry Colcord on his back.

It seems incredible that someone could go through the most powerful waterfall Horseshoe without any protection and survive. And yet it happened twice, the second attempt was deliberate, the first an accident. On July 9, 1960, Jim Honeycutt took his co-worker's children, 17-year-old Deanne and 7-year-old Roger Woodward, for a boat ride on the upper Niagara River. Jim wanted to show the children the rapids of the river, but, being too carried away, he missed the moment when the fast current inexorably began to pull the boat towards the cliff, the engine failed, and the outcome was rapidly approaching.
A few meters from the edge of the waterfall, Deanne grabbed the hand of a rescuer leaning over the safety fence, but he could not pull her out. Another rescuer responded to his aid, and together they pulled her out of the water.

Honeycutt and Roger were pulled into the abyss. A few minutes later, the captain of the Maid of the Mist could not believe his eyes when he saw an orange life vest in the boiling white water at the base of the waterfall. The boy was alive, and a few minutes later Roger Woodward was safely lifted on board. He became the first to survive Horseshoe Falls without a protective capsule. Unfortunately, Jim Honeycutt died. The chances of survival in Niagara Falls are slim.

In October 2003, Kirk Jones became the second person to climb the falls without any equipment and survive. He escaped with broken ribs, abrasions and a large fine. All who survived passed the Horseshoe Falls. No one survived the fall from American Falls.

Niagara Falls video

Discovered in the 17th century by explorer Father Louis Ennepin, Niagara Falls has been known to everyone since school. Therefore, everyone who happens to be in the USA or Canada strives to visit the most important attraction that belongs to two countries at once and see this miracle of nature with their own eyes.

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Each of the three water streams that make up Niagara Falls itself is distinguished by its name and size. On the American side, you can see a stream of water called the American Falls, falling from a height of 21 meters, the width of which is 323 meters. Separated from him small island Fata Falls may not be impressive in size, but it attracts tourists with its unusual beauty, reminiscent of a wedding dress.

Horseshoe Falls

Most often, tourists strive to admire the 50-meter wide waterfall Horseshoe. The width of the falling water streams in it is 792 meters. Looking at the seething giant stream, it is difficult to imagine that in 1848 a huge mass of falling water suddenly stopped, and pedestrians and riders easily moved along the Niagara riverbed for thirty hours.

After a short lull, thundering streams of water filled the river again and the mightiest waterfall came to life. The surprising phenomenon was explained quite simply. Huge blocks of ice melting in the spring accumulated on Lake Erie and blocked the path to Niagara.

Observation platforms

More than 12 million tourists from all over the world strive to admire the grandiose waterfall. Most people prefer to contemplate the huge streams of water rushing down from the Canadian shore. That’s why they stop in the Canadian city of Niagara Falls, located directly next to the waterfall. A visit to the waterfall would be appropriate at any time of the year. Summer, autumn, winter and spring add their own unique charm to Niagara and the surrounding area.

An amazing breathtaking panorama opens from the observation decks of the Skylon tower to the Horseshoe Falls, the most powerful in terms of the volume of falling water. Most tourists who want to admire Niagara Falls prefer these safest viewing platforms. A particularly beautiful sight opens up from here at night, when the spectacular lighting turns on.

Why was the waterfall called Niagara?

Many scientists are inclined to believe that the word “Niagara” is translated as “thunder of waters.” Obviously, this name did not appear by chance. After all, the roar of falling water can be heard many kilometers from the waterfall itself. Often, when approaching it, you can even hear the rumble of real thunder. In clear weather, tourists experience something extraordinary a natural phenomenon. Several rainbows formed in the rays of the sun often intersect and are located within each other.

Waterfall conservation

Over the entire 12.5 thousand years of its existence, the waterfall has moved 11 km from its original position due to the intensive erosion of its edge. As a result of these destructive processes, a canyon of quite impressive size was formed here. To preserve the waterfall and stop erosion, a number of engineering works were carried out. In addition, a tunnel was built behind the curtain of falling water, through which lovers of extreme sensations and those who want to watch the water curtain from the inside seek to walk.

In the twentieth century, the intensity of erosion processes decreased significantly, as cascades of power plants were built in the area of ​​powerful watercourses, both in the USA and Canada. It’s not for nothing that a monument to Nikola Tesla was erected at Niagara Falls. Thanks to the proposal of this famous physicist and inventor, the energy of waterfalls is used to generate electricity.

Extreme entertainment

In the recent past, enterprising adventurers, seeking profit, began to set up hotels near raging streams of water and look for various opportunities to attract more tourists. So in 1827, the owners of nearby hotels united and, for the amusement of the public, arranged for the abandoned schooner Michigan to sail through Niagara with wild animals and one goose on board.

At the Horseshoe waterfall, the schooner began to sink. The bears and goose escaped safely, but the other animals died. This terrible spectacle was observed by 10 thousand people. Since then, a tradition has emerged of competing with the power of the waterfall, setting sail across Niagara and flirting with death. Many daredevils, in pursuit of glory, successfully managed to survive such an adventure, and many madmen were swallowed up by the waters of Niagara.

Among the extreme entertainments, you should give preference to an exciting boat trip to the foot of the waterfall. For those who want to watch the seething falling streams from a bird's eye view, there is the opportunity to purchase an aerial tour over Niagara. In addition, you can witness the performance of tightrope walkers crossing the river on a high-tensioned rope.

What to see in the area

There is also something to see in the vicinity of the waterfall. After all, 19 species of seagulls fly over Niagara, and in the nearby greenhouse you can see 50 species of butterflies. Local botanical garden You can tell the time by the world's largest flower clock, created from 6 thousand plants.

Worth seeing in Niagara Falls wax figures celebrities by visiting one of the two corresponding museums or trying the “House of Ghosts”. The unique landscape of the surroundings of the waterfall attracts not only tourists. Many viewers of "Superman" and "Niagara" will easily recognize the stunning views of Niagara Falls in these films.