Niagara Falls Attractions

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Whether you’re planning a trip to the US, or to Canada, taking the time to see Niagara Falls, one of the most amazing natural sights in the world.

Two Falls

The two distinct falls that make up Niagara Falls are Horseshoe Falls and American Falls. The Horseshoe Falls drop fifty three meters, and are over seven hundred and ninety feet wide. The American Falls, on the other hand, range from seventy to a hundred feet drop, because of the huge boulders at its base. They’re three hundred and twenty three feet wide though, so while they’re much higher, they are narrower than the Horseshoe Falls.

Age Old Attraction

It seems that Niagara Falls has been an attraction to visitors for as long as there have been people in the Americas. Native Americans used to visit the falls, and explorers from the 1700’s described it. There are photos of tourists sitting alongside the falls since the 19th century.

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Other Industry

Of course, the main attraction of the falls is the beauty of the water that gushes unstoppably over the cliffs. But the falls do provide much more than that. The water that gushes over the falls daily is also used to create power, at nearby hydro electric plants.

Over the falls in a Barrel!

Niagara Falls is not only about natural beauty and electricity though. It’s got an interesting history of eccentric stunts and daredevils as well. If you are interested in history, why not take the time on your trip to the falls to research people like Sam Patch, the Yankee Leapster, who jumped from tower, over the falls, and survived, way back in 1829?

Or the 63 year old retired school teacher, Annie Edson Taylor, who was the first to go over the falls in a barrel in 1901. In 1985, the youngest person in history, 22 year old Steve Trotter went over the falls. He was also the first American to attempt the stunt in 25 years.

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The Maid of the Mist

One of the very best ways to see the Niagara Falls is on the Maid of the Mist boats, which have been operating since 1854, in one incarnation or the other.

These boats take you close enough to the falls to get wet from the spray. Don’t worry though, since the company that operates them is nice enough to give everyone a blue Maid of the Mists poncho, which will keep you dry, and give you a souvenir of the trip.

The Falls at Night

Whichever side of the falls you visit, seeing them lit up at night is amazing, and if you find yourself a great viewing spot, maybe take a picnic, and a great bottle of wine, it makes for a great romantic evening out.

Visiting the Niagara Falls is a great reminder of just how beautiful and powerful mother nature is. If you are planning a trip to the US, or to Canada, make sure you include it on your trip plan – it is definitely worth it!

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