Niagara Falls is considered to be one of the largest landmarks not only in North America but also worldwide. It is not a waterfall with the largest flow, it is not also the highest, but still takes the breath away to anyone who stay before it. This fantastical waterfall is situated on the border of the United States and Canada.
For more beautiful and impressive is considered the view of the Canadian side of the waterfall. Niagara has the shape of a horseshoe and this is what makes it so attractive.
The waterfall is formed between lakes Erie and Ontario and as a result of the continuing effects of water on the rocks it moves increasingly to its source – Lake Erie.
Canadian part of the waterfall has a width of around 800 meters and the American part of Niagara is approximately 300 meters. The height of the falls ranging from 48 meters in Canada to 51 meters in the USA.
Because the curves of the Niagara River, waterfall flow in the direction from east to west, although the current of Great Lakes is generally to the east to the Atlantic Ocean.
Formation of Niagara. Niagara Falls was formed about 10,000 years ago, when the last ice age ended and ice retreated, leaving behind the largest system of freshwater lakes on the planet.
Practical between Erie and Ontario runs the Niagara River, but since the difference in height between the two lakes is approximately 100 meters, the forming of a waterfall is not at all surprising.
Tourism on Niagara
When the first settlers from Europe arrived in the new world, they remain very impressed by what they saw here. Niagara was something unseen before. Everyone wanted to see it.
Any type shenanigans began to occur around the waterfall. There were people who wanted to cross over the raging waters on a rope.
There were also people who wondered whether it is really possible for someone to come down with the barrel along the Niagara Falls without being destroyed.
In 1901, 63 year-old Annie Edson became the first one who went down with the barrel along the water element. After the barrel fell into the abyss turned out that the old woman has survived, which was a miracle.
And what is more amazing – she was virtually unscathed. After her taking out from the barrel, she said that people better not try it. Annie Edson actually hardly realize how lucky she had to be survived. Many people have tried their luck to go down the waterfall, but some of them died.
Today Niagara is one of the most important tourist destinations on the continent. Every year millions of visitors come here to take pictures, to enjoy the beautiful scenery and to go with the boat almost to the point where the tonnes of water fall down with a crash.
Tourists are given ponchos to protect them from water splashes, as without precautions they could be quite drenched in seconds.
Cities around Niagara. On both sides of the waterfall, there are cities with the same name – Niagara Falls. One of them is in the U.S. and the other is in Canada. Canadian city of Niagara Falls is located in the province of Ontario. Metropolitan area has a population of about 400,000 people.
American City Niagara Falls is located in New York. It is larger and has a population of about one million people. Not far from the famous waterfall is located also the Canadian metropolis Toronto.
What is the best time for tourism in Niagara Falls? If you plan to visit Niagara the best period to do that is during the warm months of the year from May to September.
Winters here are extremely harsh with subzero temperatures and heavy snowfalls. From May to September the weather is great – mild in May and September and hot in June, July and August. In this part of the year you can enjoy plenty of sunshine, and nature will be in its best light.
What clothes to wear? If you visit Niagara in June, July and August summer clothes are most adequate. During these months the weather can become very warm, even hot.
During the period from November to April the weather is cold and you should always have a warm winter clothes in your suitcase. During the months of May and October you need spring clothes.
A thin jacket or warm anorak will do a good job in cooler days. In September, spring clothes are suitable. Do not forget to take also enough clothes with short sleeves, because in September some days are still very warm.
Accommodation around Niagara. Accommodation opportunities are excellent on the U.S. and the Canadian side, but Canada offers more attractive view. On the coast of Canada there are several very tall hotels, offering stunning views of the waterfall.