If you’ve never been to Niagara Falls, you’re missing out. This natural wonder is a sight to behold and should be on your bucket list. Niagara Falls is easily accessible from Buffalo and Toronto in upstate New York.
Millions of people visit Niagara Falls annually to witness its natural beauty and power. The best way to experience these falls is by walking along the Niagara River on either side of the falls. You’ll be able to feel the mist created by the waterfall and get some great views of this majestic sight!
Geography and History of Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is placed on the Niagara River in New York, United States. They are about 17 miles away from the northwestern side of Buffalo and 43 miles from the south-eastern edge of Toronto. Although Niagara Falls is on the border between Ontario, Canada, and New York, USA, most falls are on the Canadian side.
It is the most magnificent natural wonder on the planet. Every year, millions of people visit the falls to see the awe-inspiring sight of water cascading over the precipice. The falls also attract daredevils and thrill seekers who attempt to cross the falls in various contraptions, including barrels and kayaks.
The historical background of these falls is a prolonged and fascinating one. The falls were formed over 12,000 years ago for the duration of the last ice age. Glaciers carved out the land that would eventually become Niagara Falls. The falls began to take their present form about 10,000 years ago.
The first people to see the falls were probably Native Americans. The Native Americans of that area had many names for the falls, including “Thundering Waters” and “Mists Rising.” The Americans also had a legend about a woman who turned into a snake and plunged over the falls.
The first European to see the falls was probably an explorer Louis Hennepin from France. Hennepin was part of an expedition led by French traveler La Salle. Hennepin is credited with naming the falls after the name of the area’s first European settlers, the Niagara Dutch.
Annie Edson Taylor was the first person who endured the Falls in a barrel. Taylor, a schoolteacher from Bay City, Michigan, went over the Falls in a barrel on her 63rd birthday in 1901. Taylor survived the ordeal and later said a cautionary statement.
Despite Taylor’s words, others have attempted (and sometimes succeeded) in going over the Falls in a different contraption, including a barrel. The most recent person at the Falls was an Ohio man, Kirk Jones. In 2003, Jones became the first individual that survives the Falls without a barrel or any other safety device. However, he did not survive the recent attempt.
Every year, Niagara Falls attracts millions of visitors from all over the world. Visitors can ride on the Maid of the Mist boat, which takes them right up to the base of the Falls. They can also walk behind the Falls on the Cave of the Winds tour. Niagara Falls is a truly spectacular natural wonder. It is a place that has inspired awe and wonder in people for centuries. The history of the Falls is as fascinating as the Falls themselves.
Sections of Niagara Falls
The falls are divided into Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Let’s have a closer look at each!
Horseshoe Falls
Horseshoe Falls is the largest and most potent of the three waterfalls and is located on the border’s Canadian side. It got its name because of its distinct shape – it looks like a horseshoe! The water flows over the edge of a cliff about 165 feet high and has a width of about 2,600 feet. This means an incredible amount of water flows over the falls every minute – up to 168,000 gallons!
The power of the water is so great that it creates a huge mist that rises from the base of the falls. You can even feel the moisture when standing on the Canadian side of these falls, about a mile away.
American Falls
The American Falls are located on the American side of the border, and they’re slightly smaller than Horseshoe Falls. They’re about 1,060 feet wide and drop over 70 feet. Around 10% of the water from Niagara River flows over the American Falls every minute.
Bridal Veil
Bridal Veil Falls is the smallest of the three waterfalls, and it’s also located on the American side of the border. It got its name because the waterfall looks like a bride’s veil flowing in the wind. These falls are about 620 feet wide and drop over a cliff about 55 feet high.
Even though Niagara Falls is North America’s most popular attraction, it’s dangerous. Many people have died while trying to go over the falls, either on purpose or by accident. The currents are powerful, and it’s challenging to swim to safety once you’ve fallen in.
Marine Life in Niagara Falls
There’s more to Niagara Falls than just the falls themselves. The area around the falls is also home to a wide variety of plant and animal life.
Some exciting creature that you can find in Niagara Falls is the fish known as the white sucker. It is a freshwater fish that is native to North America. It survives in many habitats but is most common in streams and rivers.
The white sucker is an integral part of the ecosystem in Niagara Falls. It is a bottom feeder, which feeds on insects and other small animals on the river’s bottom. This helps to keep the river clean and free of harmful bacteria and parasites.
The white sucker is also an important food source for many different animals. Birds, fish and even some mammals eat white suckers. It is a hardy fish that can live in a variety of conditions. It can tolerate cold water and warm water equally well.
The white sucker is not considered to be a threatened or endangered species. However, it is essential to protect the habitat of the white sucker so that it can continue to play a vital role in Niagara Falls’s ecosystem.
Wrapping Up
If you want to explore a unique natural wonder to see in person, add Niagara Falls to your list! This iconic site is located on the border of New York State, and Ontario, Canada and is home to three spectacular waterfalls – The American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. With more than 12 million visitors annually, this falls is the most popular destination for tours in North America, so be sure to plan if you want to visit this amazing sight!