Information
Landmark: Niagara FallsCity: Buffalo
Country: USA New York
Continent: North America
Niagara Falls, Buffalo, USA New York, North America
Overview
Niagara Falls, thundering at the edge of New York and Ontario, ranks among North America’s most celebrated natural landmarks.People around the world know it for its roaring, mist-covered waterfalls, its bustling tourism, and the massive energy it produces through hydroelectric power.First.The Niagara River runs between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, straddling the border between Niagara Falls, New York, and Niagara Falls, Ontario.Here, three mighty waterfalls roar, drawing millions of visitors from around the globe each year.Niagara’s three waterfalls each have their own character: Horseshoe Falls-also called the Canadian Falls-is the largest and most powerful, stretching about 2,700 feet (820 meters) across and plunging 167 feet (51 meters) as most of the Niagara River thunders over its edge; the American Falls, entirely on the U. S. side, spans roughly 950 feet (290 meters) and drops 70 to 100 feet (21–30 meters) onto massive boulders below; and the smallest, Bridal Veil Falls, sits beside the American Falls, separated by Luna Island, measuring just 56 feet (17 meters) wide.Prospect Point in the U. S. offers close-up views of the American Falls, while Canada’s Table Rock looks straight out over Horseshoe Falls.Luna Island sits between the American and Bridal Veil Falls, and the Maid of the Mist boat ride carries you right to the base, where the spray chills your face; Hornblower Niagara Cruises gives a similar thrill from the Canadian side.At Cave of the Winds, walkways and platforms lead you near Bridal Veil Falls’ thundering drop, and in Niagara Falls State Park-the oldest in America, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted-you’ll find hiking trails, picnic spots, and sweeping overlooks.Journey Behind the Falls takes you through damp underground tunnels to stand behind Horseshoe Falls, hearing the roar echo around you.Niagara Falls churns out massive amounts of hydroelectric energy, powering homes and businesses on both sides of the U. S.–Canada border.Several power plants tap the falls’ rushing water to make electricity, keeping the lights on while protecting the river’s wild beauty.Five.Events & Night Illumination: Each night, colorful lights wash over the falls, turning the rushing water into a glowing cascade you can see from miles away.Seasonal fireworks burst over the night sky, and special events pull in big crowds.Every year, the town bursts to life with festivals honoring its history, rich culture, and the natural beauty of the surrounding hills.Number six.Just beyond the falls, you can wander the rugged trails of Niagara Gorge, sip wine in the storybook streets of Niagara-on-the-Lake, explore the centuries-old walls of Old Fort Niagara, or watch colorful fish glide past at the Aquarium of Niagara-all while the roar and mist of Niagara Falls remind you why it’s one of the world’s most unforgettable natural wonders.Millions still flock here, eager to feel the roar and mist of the falls up close.
