Niagara is a river that is one of the major water streams of North America. One can envy her beauty. After all, this is not a simple channel flowing through the area. The uniqueness of the river is that it has many waterfalls. They are known all over the world. A lot of people strive to come here at least once to see this unearthly beauty with their own eyes.

Description of Niagara (briefly)

Many people are interested in where exactly the Niagara River is located and from which lake it flows. The watercourse originates from the River is geographical boundary between the United States of America and Canada. In the United States, the Niagara flows in the state of New York, and in Canada its banks are located on the border of the province of Ontario. The length of the river is 56 km, the flow is directed mainly to the north, the volume of water is 665 thousand square meters. km. But what lake does the Niagara River flow into? As can already be understood from the information described above, the water flow ends its path in Canada. It flows into

Hydronym

The name of the river came to us from the Indians living in this territory. In the Iroquois language it was called Ongiara, literally translated “land in half.” This was mainly due to the fact that in the upper reaches the Niagara is divided into two branches, due to which islands were formed. Some of them belong to the United States (Grand Island) and one belongs to Canada (Navi Island).

A little history

Niagara is a river that is more than 6,000 years old. Her story can safely be called unique. During this time, many significant events occurred. The activity of the last ice sheet in North America also formed the Niagara River. The glacier, descending from the top, pushed the stone blocks apart, forming furrows. This is how these reservoirs arose. When the last period ended, the stream moved along these furrows and buried itself in the rapids, forming a system of waterfalls under the force of the water.

Niagara Falls

Niagara is a special river, if only because it has waterfalls. Thanks to the connection, you can enjoy these beauties. is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful on the planet. It has a complex system of thresholds, so a canal, the Welland, was artificially built to bypass it.

The “Niagara Miracle” is not a single site, but a complex consisting of several places where sharply and quite high altitude The river water recedes. Together they form a single wide system of waterfalls. The height of the cliffs varies significantly. Highest points of these waterfalls is more than 50 m (located beyond the Canadian border), and the height of those located in America is 21 m. This difference in indicators is due to the fact that in the 50s of the last century, a cliff occurred on the site of the American waterfalls, forming the foot of a stone pile.

The importance of waterfalls for countries

This complex consists of three waterfalls - the American, Canadian “Horseshoe” and a section called “Veil”. Their width spans more than 1,000 m, and the power of the flow allows it to be used to generate hydroelectric power. Due to the fact that Niagara is a river with character, several significant hydroelectric power plants were built under its falls.

River waters were first used as a source of energy at the end of the 18th century. Small farmers and entrepreneurs built small canals and supplied their businesses with electricity. But strong water flow began to be used on a large scale at the end of the 19th century after Tesla invented the alternating current generator. Currently, factories and enterprises have been built at the foot of the waterfalls that successfully use water energy.

The value of the Niagara water stream

Understanding where the Niagara River is is very important, since several cities are located on its deep banks:

  • Niagara Falls, Buffalo, Lewis - in the United States.
  • Fort Erie and Niagra Falls - off the coast of Canada.

The river, together with the waterfalls, has enormous economic value for these two countries. This place is also popular among tourists, which brings considerable income to the treasury of states.

Shipping

The Niagara River is deep and suitable for heavy navigable ships. But because of the waterfall, the path is interrupted. To solve the problem, a special canal was built to bypass the cliff, which, since the 1960s, has allowed ships to travel along the river from Atlantic Ocean and to and from the Great Lakes area. Now, annually the total amount of cargo transported along this route reaches 40 million tons.

The canal has a modern equipment system, equipped with 8 shipping locks that can control the water level and ensures a comfortable transition from one water basin to another.

Tourism

Undoubtedly, waterfalls are very popular in the tourist aspect.
Every year millions of holidaymakers from all over globe come to see the miracle of nature. For this purpose, a powerful infrastructure has been developed here. Tourists have the opportunity to take a tour of the waterfall by helicopter or hot-air balloon. A large number of observation platforms and towers have been built here. Even at night they conduct excursions, when the waterfalls shimmer with multi-colored lanterns and spotlights.

The most popular “attraction” at Niagara Falls is a walk under the falling waters on special boats.

Niagara Falls is one of the oldest nature reserves USA.
Not only beauty lovers are eager to go on excursions here, but also people thirsting for extreme sports. So, in 1901, an ordinary elementary school teacher Mrs. Taylor, on her 63rd birthday, decided to jump from a waterfall in a wooden barrel. Subsequently, her act was included in the Guinness Book of Records.

Now the laws of Canada and the United States prohibit going down the waterfall by any means, but this does not stop daredevils.

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The fact that Niagara Falls is one of the wonders of the world is inevitably convinced by every lucky person who feels on his skin the cool spray of giant streams loudly falling from the cliffs in a picturesque place on the border of the USA and Canada.

Niagara - “rumbling water” - a waterfall falling from a height of 50 m, a miracle of nature and a landmark of Canada and the USA. Every year, millions of tourists come to North America to see this embodiment of the strength and power of nature. Niagara can be seen and heard long before it appears: a cloud of water vapor appears in front of you and the sound of breaking water is heard.

The legendary complex of Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls is located near the five largest freshwater lakes in the world: Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario and is a tourist pride thriving sister towns of the same name, Niagara Falls, Canadian and American.

Near the waterfall there are two islands - Lunar and Koziy, and water rushes from the rock in three streams. Canadians are lucky because the largest waterfall, the Big Horseshoe, is located in their country. It reaches a width of 800 meters. And the “Bridal Veil” and “American” waterfalls were taken over by the USA.

Niagara Falls is the most powerful and widest in North America. All three waterfalls are more than a kilometer wide and about 50 m high.

"Niagara" takes its name from the indigenous local residents- Iroquois tribe Ongiara. Literally "Niagara" means onguiaahra - "thunder of water".

How to get there

There are two check-in options: from the Canadian or American sides. In the first case, it is optimal to fly to Toronto and get to Niagara Falls by bus, which depart every one and a half to two hours from the central bus station Toronto Coach Terminal. Driving time is about two hours. A local bus runs from the Niagara Falls bus station to Niagara Falls, the journey takes 20 minutes, the ticket price is about 3 USD. Prices on the page are as of September 2018.

You can go to the waterfall one day excursion from New York, Toronto or Ottawa. The nearest airport is Buffalo, 40 km away.

You can look at Niagara Falls from a bird's eye view by going up in a helicopter, or from below by sailing up to it on a steamboat. At the foot of the waterfall there is the “Cave of the Winds”, where tourists descend on a special elevator. Each traveler receives a raincoat and a bag for personal belongings, because it is impossible to stay dry in Niagara.

Search for air tickets to New York City (closest airport to New York State)

Climate

The waterfall is open all year round. Summer - best time to visit Niagara. In winter, when the temperature drops below zero, the shores and observation decks are covered in ice, and outdoor excursions are quite chilly.

But in winter in Canada, a festival of lights is held near the waterfall. Fireworks explode against the dark sky and are reflected in the streams of water and the icy belt of the waterfall.

Niagara Falls

Activities and attractions in Niagara Falls

Best to view natural miracle from the Table Rock observation deck, but many prefer to do it from the deck of one of the Maid of Mist boats, which depart every 30 minutes from both the Canadian and American coasts. These are two boats, Maids VI and Maids VII, with a capacity of 600 passengers. Ticket price is 19.25 USD.

In addition, an IMAX cinema was built here. Travelers are introduced to the history of the waterfall, its discovery and conquest. A kind of museum has been created in the building, where objects are displayed on which madmen tried to overcome the waters of Niagara: someone swam on a boat, someone on a barrel, and for others a lifebelt was enough.

The surrounding area of ​​Niagara Falls is no less interesting than its main attraction. Here are located National parks, museums and historical monuments.

The surroundings of the waterfall are attractive Botanical Garden Niagara, covering an area of ​​100 acres. It is located 9 km north of the waterfall, and is famous for the world's largest flower clock, assembled from 19 thousand flowers, with a fragrant “dial” that is renewed twice a year.

Tropical plants from all over the world grow here in the Niagara Butterfly Conservatory, among which flutter about 2000 species of exotic butterflies from countries Latin America, Africa, Asia. It maintains a humid and warm tropical climate. Here you can relax in a park with fountains, visit an ornamental pond and a magnolia garden.

Further along the Niagara River you can find Queen Victoria Park, designed in an ancient style. Tourists come here in the spring to admire the cherry blossoms, or in the summer, when the rose garden is in bloom. There is an observation deck here that offers a wonderful view of the waterfall.

You can see the imprints of ancient earthly creatures and immerse yourself in the secrets of biology and geology of the Earth natural resources Niagara Glen - natural park, located in the depths of the canyon. Scientists have found that millions of years ago there was a huge ocean here. The fascinating world of the underground tropics, enclosed in the embrace of stones, granite and limestone, amazes the imagination of even experienced lovers of natural “unusualities”.

And in the town of Niagara Falls is located famous museum aviation and wax museum. Among his characters are heroes who conquered Niagara Falls. Nearby is the museum of politician William Mackenzie. Part of the house is occupied by a printing house; there is a Museum of Newspapers and Printing Equipment.

5 things to do in Niagara Falls

  1. Visit the border between the USA and Canada by walking along the Rainbow Bridge, located a few hundred meters from Niagara Falls.
  2. In the winter, visit Niagara, Canada, to see the noisy, colorful fireworks of the Winter Festival of Lights in person.
  3. Capture the rainbow born in the spray of the waterfall, for which you need to be on the Canadian side of the waterfall from noon to sunset.
  4. Make sure for yourself that the fish really “travels” along the waterfall by visiting the “Cave of the Winds”. Cost - 15 USD.
  5. Take a boat cruise through the waters of Niagara on a ship called the Maid of the Mist, which is named after the ancient Indian mythical character Ongiara.

Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada (Robert Linsdell / flickr.com) American Falls and Veil, USA, New York (Richie Diesterheft / flickr.com) View of the Horseshoe Falls - part of Niagara Falls. (snowgen / flickr.com) LUIS ANGEL CAMARGO / flickr.com Joe deSousa / flickr.com paul bica / flickr.com Aerial view of Niagara (Doc Searls / flickr.com) Veil Falls to the right of the American Falls (Robert Linsdell / flickr .com) Veil Falls, Niagara Falls, NY (GreggMP / flickr.com) American Falls, observation tower and Rainbow Bridge (Kimon Berlin / flickr.com) On the way to the American Falls and Veil (Morgan Paul / flickr.com) View from the stairs on the way to the observation deck (rizha ubal / flickr.com) Niagara Falls - view from the stairs along the way to the observation deck (Rosalba Tarazona / flickr.com) Maid of the Mist walk to the base of the falls (Joe deSousa / flickr.com) Niagara Falls Cascade (Jason Pratt / flickr.com) Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls (Arian Zwegers / flickr .com) View from a pleasure boat (Nic Redhead / flickr.com) American Falls (Robert Linsdell / flickr.com) Niagara River (Ken Lund / flickr.com)

Niagara Falls is one of the the most beautiful waterfalls world, along with Victoria and Iguazu. In fact, this is not one waterfall, but a whole chain of cascades that belong to both the USA and Canada.

Niagara Falls (or Niagara) includes 3 waterfalls that have very powerful streams of water falling from great heights.

Their names are: American Falls, Horseshoe and Veil.

According to one version, “Niagara” means “roar of water.” In another version, the name comes from the name of the Iroquois tribe - Ongiara. Its approximate translation is “forked earth.”

The height of all three waterfalls is approximately equal and averages 53 meters.

American Falls and Veil - view from the stairs on the way to the observation deck (Rosalba Tarazona / flickr.com)

At the American Falls (USA, New York State), overall height significantly concealed by the pile of stones located below, which arose due to a landslide in the middle of the last century. Visually its height is 21 meters.

The Horseshoe Falls (Canada) leads in width - 792 meters; it also takes on the maximum volume of water (90%). While the width of the American Falls is approximately half that – 323 meters.

The enormous volume of water that rushes through Niagara in this section every second is 5,700 cubic meters. The noise from the roaring water is so great that it is impossible to talk nearby. And water dust from it spreads over a long distance.

Fata Falls (USA), 17 meters wide and 25 meters high, is, of course, inferior in size to the two previous giants.

Where is Niagara Falls located? Location of Niagara Falls

The Niagara River runs along the border of two vast countries of the continent, thus dividing the province of Ontario in Canada and the state of New York.

View of Niagara from an airplane (Doc Searls / flickr.com)

Niagara connects the two Great Lakes of the continent - Erie and Ontario. Its bed stretches for 56 kilometers. It originates in Lake Erie and flows mostly in a northerly direction.

Closer to the source, the current is divided by islands. On the US side it is Grand Island, on the Canadian side it is N’vi Island. Niagara carries its waters into Lake Ontario.

Niagara Falls on the map is located on the border of two countries - the USA and Canada. The waterfall is located in the middle part of the Niagara River and is especially beautiful from the shores of Canada.

Just upstream is Goat Island, which cuts the Niagara River into two parts. To the west of the island is the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, and to the east are the American and Veil waterfalls. The latter is separated from the American one by a very small island called Luna.

Panorama of Niagara - American and Canadian Falls, Ontario, Canada (Robert Linsdell / flickr.com)

Location of Niagara Falls on the map

History of discovery

There are different opinions about who was the first to discover Niagara Falls.

In 1604, there was an expedition led by the Frenchman Samuel de Chamlin. But it was not the leader himself who saw Niagara Falls, but one of the participants in his expedition spoke about the majestic creation of nature. The Frenchman entered this description in a journal.

Then detailed description Niagara was made independently by Per Kalm at the beginning of the 18th century. But according to some sources, the Catholic priest Louis Hennipen made a qualitative description of these waterfalls earlier - in the winter of 1677–1678. Together with the French expedition, for the purpose of missionary activity among the Iroquois tribe, and the explorer Rene Lasalle.

Development of the waterfall

In the middle of the 18th century, attempts to somehow use the power of Niagara Falls began for the first time. In 1759 Den Jonkers dug a small canal to power his own sawmill. Soon this territory was purchased and the water power was used for the mill.

The Niagara River and, accordingly, its falls became the border between the United States and Canada after the Civil War of Independence in the United States of America.

American Falls, Observation Tower and Rainbow Bridge (Kimon Berlin / flickr.com)

In 1848, when Niagara Falls gained popularity in the United States of America and Canada, the first bridge was built for pedestrians. It was designed by Charles Ellet.

Later, this bridge was replaced by the creation of the architect Rombling, the future author of a similar structure in Brooklyn.

And in 1897, an arched bridge was built on this site, mainly from metal structures. It was already both pedestrian and for road and rail transport.

The power plant was built here for the first time in 1881. Niagara began to provide energy to nearby settlements. The power plant was constantly subject to improvements. But it existed until 1951, when it was destroyed by another landslide. The authorities of the United States of America built a new one 10 years later, and at that time it was the largest power plant in the world.

Go through Niagara Falls in a barrel and stay alive

In 1901, teacher Taylor from the United States went over Niagara Falls in a barrel and managed to survive.

Bobby Leach with a barrel after passing Niagara Falls

She wanted to celebrate her 63rd birthday this way. After she tried this trick on her cat, she decided to take this step herself.

She herself did not know how many followers Teacher Annie would have in the future. But not everyone is as lucky as her. For example, no one managed to pass the American Falls (New York State) alive due to a pile of boulders.

However, this method of crossing Niagara Falls is considered illegal in both the United States and Canada.

Attempts to save the waterfall

As tourism boomed, some businessmen took over lucrative land near Niagara. To prevent this, a movement was created called "Free Niagara".

Letters were sent to newspapers in New York and Boston. Thus, it was possible to influence the public, and in 1885 the state of New York gradually bought these lands from their owners.

Since the waterfall was constantly shifting to the south, in the 20th century an agreement was reached between neighboring countries on actions to reduce the waterfall’s full flow.

In 1969, Niagara was launched in a different direction. As a result, the American Falls were completely drained. Some of the water was taken over by the Horseshoe Falls. This was necessary to create a rock slope and an earthen dam. After some time, Niagara returned to its course.

How did Niagara Falls come about?

The formation of Niagara Falls is closely related to the Wisconsin glaciation. The Ice Age, which ended 6 thousand years ago, greatly influenced the entire modern northern territory of the North American continent.

Niagara River (Ken Lund / flickr.com)

The glacier slid like a huge shield from the eastern part of modern Canada. For many years he cultivated and modified the surface of this land, moved stones here and there, expanded river beds and formed lake basins.

On the contrary, it blocked some channels with its glacial deposits, so that the rivers then re-paved their path.

When the glacier melted, it filled the Great American lakes: Superior, Michigan, Erie, Huron, Ontario. And the water from large lake Erie, began to gradually pave the way for the Niagara River.

The area where the channel is located is characterized by soft rocks occurring in two layers. The upper layer is composed of limestones, and the lower layer is composed of even more unstable shales, with limestone veins.

View from a pleasure boat (Nic Redhead / flickr.com)

All these rocks were formed in the Early and Late Silurian. The instability of the rocks allowed the river to create such a large ledge, cut deeply into the plain, reaching a solid base.

The lower part of the Niagara Valley is composed of sandstones and shales of Ordovician age. These are all sediments ancient sea, which covered this territory.

Niagara Falls is still moving upstream as a result of water erosion. In 10,900 years it has moved several miles to south direction. It is estimated that in 50 thousand years Niagara Falls will move to the section of the river where it flows out of Lake Erie. By then it will cease to exist.

Niagara Falls is one of the most beautiful attractions in the USA and Canada, and indeed the whole world, which you can reach one day tour from New York, Ottawa and Toronto.

The Niagara cascade is called the cascade, which is located on the US-Canadian border. Niagara Falls formed on the Niagara River, connecting Lakes Erie and Ontario. Its 53-meter height is inferior to many others. But Niagara Falls falls from a very wide (more than a kilometer) cliff, and is considered one of the most powerful on the planet.

The word Niagara translates as “rumbling water.” A person nearby really only hears its roar. The noise from Niagara Falls travels for miles, especially at night.

The history of the formation of this natural attraction dates back to the end of the Ice Age. About 12 thousand years ago, during the retreat of a huge glacier, five known North American lakes arose. Melt waters overflowed the banks of one of them - the Erie, forming the Niagara River. Its waters, reaching the cliff of the same name (scarp), fall from it into another lake - Ontario.

Currently, more than half of the Niagara River's volume is devoted to electricity generation. The waterfalls retain a flow with a capacity of up to 5700 m 3 /sec.

The name Niagara Falls refers to three separate waterfalls:

  • Horseshoe Falls in Canada, 53 m high and 792 m wide, which accounts for 90% of the overflowing water mass;
  • American Falls (American) 21-34 m high and 323 m wide;
  • small Bridal Veil Falls, 24 m high and 17 m wide.

Between these waterfalls are located small islands. One of them, Goat (“Goat”), divides the water flow into Canadian and American. There are observation platforms on the island.

Niagara Falls in winter and summer

The waterfall makes a strong impression at any time of the year. Powerful water streams in spring and summer are fringed with green, and in autumn - with multi-colored living colors. Niagara Falls usually freezes only at the edges of the cliff in winter. Gradually increasing ice flows appear there. These are huge icicle floors inside. Through their walls you can see the pulsation of water that resists freezing.

During the spring ice drift, huge blocks of ice fall down with a roar. During the harsh winter of 1848, the Erie ice completely blocked Niagara. As a result, the waterfall disappeared for 30 hours. The subsequent breakthrough of water through powerful ice resembled a volcanic eruption and an earthquake at the same time. And in 1911, Niagara Falls froze completely.

Rainbows, often one inside the other, are an indispensable attribute of a natural attraction both on a clear day and on a moonlit night. Niagara Falls is fantastically beautiful at night: the water flows are illuminated by dozens of powerful multi-colored spotlights. In addition, almost every evening (from 10 p.m. in the summer) the Niagara Falls Illumination fireworks display takes place on the Canadian side, which is better viewed from the United States.

Waterfall excursions and entertainment

Travelers heading directly to Niagara Falls should understand one truth: they will not be able to get away with it. Tours and excursions will vary in degrees of wetness. Directly proportional to it is the amount of positive emotions received and unforgettable impressions. Don't be afraid of even a possible cold. It will pass, but the resulting charge of natural beauty and power will remain for life.

There are several viewing platforms in the area of ​​the waterfalls. They are only a few meters away from tons of water falling down. The price of tickets includes the rental of waterproof clothing, which, however, is not able to fully protect the tourist. There is an excellent rocky observation deck on the American side.

Real travelers are not limited to observation from viewing platforms.

You can truly feel the full power of the waterfall and... get wet to the skin on the Maid of the Mist excursion boat. Flights operate every half hour on both sides from April to the end of October. The boat takes standing (there are no seats) tourists to the very foot of Horseshoe Falls. The trip lasts 30 minutes, ticket price is 15 USD.

Travelers who want to literally plunge into the waterfall can do so on special boats. Tourists wearing life jackets strap themselves into the seats of the ship and dive into the abyss. This extreme excursion is organized both from the American (115 South Water St., Lewiston) and on the Canadian side (61 Melville St., Niagara-on-the-Lake).

Excursionists to the American “Cave of the Winds”, having paid 8 USD, receive a raincoat-poncho, sandals-slippers and a protective plastic bag for things. This “cave” set psychologically prepares tourists for swimming. Observation platforms are located along the entire height of the waterfall. The lower Hurricane Deck is located just 6 m from it. The wind in the cave is truly hellish, and can easily “steal” a poncho. Tourists find themselves in billions of splashes of water, sometimes preventing them from even opening their eyes.

On the American side you can also order helicopter tour. It lasts 10 minutes and costs approximately 100 USD.

What's next to the waterfall

One Niagara Falls named by the same name border town at both sides. The Canadian one looks much better, reminiscent of Las Vegas in miniature.

The 160-meter Skylon Observation Tower (5200 Robinson St.) offers impressive views of the falls. Below are two restaurants: one of them rotates. Viewing and photographing from here is more comfortable than from the windy observation deck. To climb it you need to pay 21 CAD (Canadian dollars). In the same city is located The Aquarium of Niagara with marine life, including sharks.

Following the highway 4.5 km down parallel to the Niagara River, you can cross the river in the open cars of the Whirlpool Aero Car cable car at the point where the rapids form. Other Niagara Falls area attractions are nearby. These are the beautifully landscaped Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, the glass-enclosed hangar with tens of thousands of butterflies, the Butterfly Conservatory, and the Flower Clock, the largest flower clock on the planet. Further downstream is the picturesque Queen Victoria Park.

On the Canadian side there are several hotels where premium rooms offer beautiful views of Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls irresistibly attracts newlyweds, those who want to become famous and suicides. About two dozen of the latter are recruited annually. As for the daredevils, some of them will be discussed below.

    The first person to survive the dive from the top of the Horseshoe was Sam Patch, under the alias Yankee Leeper. This happened in 1829.

    30 years later, the Frenchman Jean-François Gravlet (Blondin) showed amazing skill and self-control. He crossed Niagara Falls not only by himself, but also carrying his manager. Another time he did it blindfolded. At the same time, Blondin was holding a mini-stove in his hands, on which the omelet was being prepared!

    10 people attempted to descend Horseshoe Falls in barrels or reinforced rubber balloons. Only seven survived. The first in 1901 was the elderly (63 years old) teacher Ann Taylor, who was barely making ends meet. from USA. Rescuers found her barrel 18 minutes later. However, the glory turned out to be short-lived. During a tour of cities, that same barrel was stolen. Anne Taylor was left poor and died in an almshouse.

    10 years later the first man - Bobby Leach repeated Ann Taylor's achievement. But unlike her, he received serious injuries, which he healed in the hospital for six months. Another difference is the tangible financial benefit that Leach was able to reap from the jump. However, fate then played a cruel joke on him. While on a lecture tour, he slipped on an orange peel and broke his leg. Due to the development of gangrene, he lost his leg and then his life.

    In 1931, professional rescuer William Hill successfully descended the waterfall in a sealed capsule with an 8-hour supply of air. Writer George Stratakis was unlucky: his similar barrel was discovered only 22 hours later. Other tragic attempts used a wooden barrel with ballast - an anvil, a kayak and a jet ski.

    The first person to survive the descent from Horseshoe without equipment appeared in our century. True, it appears that Kirk Jones attempted suicide or was drunk on October 20, 2003. He just broke his ribs.

    To this day, no one has survived a fall from American Falls. Its bottom is covered with large stones, and the water flow is not strong enough to throw a person further into the depths.

Where is the waterfall

How to get to Niagara Falls from New York? The most economical way is by bus, which takes 9 hours. They depart from the Penn Station metro station, where you can buy a ticket there. If you purchase it 2 weeks in advance, it will cost half as much - 40 USD.

A plane from New York flies to Buffalo Airport in 50 minutes. Ticket price is approximately 120 USD. The city of Buffalo can also be reached by Amtrack train, paying 50 USD and spending 8 hours on the road. From Buffalo to Canadian city Niagara Falls is served by bus number 214. And from Niagara Falls station to the waterfall you can take a local bus in 20 minutes and 5 CAD.

Niagara Falls, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Western Hemisphere, is lucky enough to be located exactly on the border of the two largest countries of the North American continent - Canada and the United States of America.

It is difficult to find a person who does not know on which river Niagara Falls is located, but not everyone knows that in reality we're talking about about a whole complex of waterfalls on the Niagara River, connecting Lakes Ontario and Erie, and dividing the Canadian province of Ontario and the American state of New York. In fact, the country where Niagara Falls is located is the United States of America, but from the shores of Canada, Niagara Falls looks much more spectacular.

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, whose name translates as “rumbling water,” consists of:

  • American Falls;
  • Fata waterfall;
  • Canadian Falls (Horseshoe).

The name of the latter is due to the fact that it is located precisely on the territory of the “country of the maple leaf”. In width, which is 792 meters, it is almost 2 times larger than its American neighbor, thereby taking on about 90% of the total volume of water rushing through Niagara in this section. And this is approximately 5000 m 3.

As for the Veil Falls, which is only 17 meters wide, then, like the American Falls, it is geographically located in the state of New York.

The most interesting thing is that Canada is positioning Niagara Falls as its national tourist attraction, while the United States insists on the opposite. However, due to the fact that the foaming streams of Niagara fall from the territory of the States, it is from the Canadian side that the waterfall, which ranks 5th in the world in terms of the width of the front of falling water, is best seen. Actually, that’s why the entertainment value of this natural phenomenon Canadians earn more than their American counterparts.

How to get to Niagara Falls?

When planning a trip to Niagara Falls, where there are a lot of observation platforms, both on the Canadian and American sides, it is worth considering that you can get to it from both the States and Canada.

New York is separated from the natural attraction, which is visited annually by about 16 million tourists, by 650 km. You can overcome them by personal transport or by bus, although you will have to spend at least 8 hours on the road. From Canada, the easiest way to get to Niagara Falls is from Toronto, from which the town of Niagara Falls is only 130 km away.

When getting to Niagara Falls through Canada, it is worth considering that the name Niagara Falls is also borne by a city in the state of New York, and settlements of the same name are located on the opposite banks of the Niagara River. They are connected by an arched bridge called the “Rainbow” bridge, along which both motorists and pedestrians can travel completely freely between neighboring countries.

The difference between these cities is colossal. Canadian Niagara Falls, which is inhabited by about 90 thousand local residents, is more like Las Vegas with a lot of hotels, casinos, shops and entertainment venues. At that time, the city with the same name, located on the other side of the river, was no different from the others settlements poor upstate New York.

Niagara Falls Tours

Having figured out where Niagara Falls is and how to get to it, it’s worth finding out what entertainment Niagara Falls offers tourists. First of all, this is a boat cruise on the Maid of the Mist, during which excursionists, dressed in yellow raincoats, have the opportunity to see the top of the gorge and plunge headlong into the atmosphere of the Canadian Falls.

No less interesting is the excursion called Journey Behind the Falls, which literally translates as “journey behind the waterfall.” On a special elevator, tourists move through three tunnels, from the tops of which stunning views of the cascading streams of Niagara Falls open.

Observation platforms, which Niagara Falls does not occupy, are located on both the American and Canadian sides. But best view This natural wonder can be seen from the Table Rock observation deck.

Entertainment

Despite the fact that most tourists associate Niagara Falls more with aesthetic pleasure than with entertainment, it can also impress extreme lovers. In search of thrills, you can rise above Niagara Falls in a hot air balloon or helicopter, or take a ride on a suspended cart over the seething waters of the American Falls.

Attractions in the vicinity of Niagara Falls

Niagara and its falls are attractions in themselves, but their surroundings are no less interesting. Historical monuments are located here, national museums and parks. The most popular among tourists are:

  • Niagara Botanical Garden, where 19 thousand plant species are collected;
  • Butterfly greenhouse;
  • Queen Victoria Park with observation deck and magnolia garden;
  • Niagara Glen Park deep in the canyon;
  • Aviation Museum;
  • The Wax Museum;
  • IMAX cinema.

When is the best time to visit Niagara Falls?

The appearance of Niagara Falls, like any other on the planet, changes depending on the season. If you want to see it in all its glory, you should come here in the summer, when the water level and flow strength reach their maximum levels.

It is worth admitting that even in the cold season, Niagara Falls makes an impression. When heading to it in winter, it is worth considering that at sub-zero temperatures, the observation decks are often covered with ice and are often closed for safety reasons. At the same time, it is from the beginning of November to the end of December that the grandiose Festival of Lights takes place on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.