Jun 18, 2012
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a combined named that refers to the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Canadian “Horseshoe” Falls.
It is located on the Niagara River that empties Lake Eerie into Lake Ontario and it is the most powerful waterfall North America. Niagara Falls forms the international frontier between Ontario, Canada and New York, USA.
Niagara Falls
History of Niagara Falls
During the last Ice Age, which was 18,000 years ago, Southern Ontario was covered in ice sheets that were 2-3 kilometers thick. The ice shelf stretched from the Great Lakes to the present location of the Niagara Falls. And as the ice sheets melted northward, large quantities of water made its course into these basins.
The Niagara Peninsula was free of the ice 12, 500 years ago and the ice water started to stream through Lake Erie, the Niagara River, Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River and the sea. The falls then started to erode from through the bedrock which was a mixture of limestone, soft shale and sandstone.
Before the arrival of the British and the Americans, the Iroquois (local Indian tribe) named the falls “Onguiaahra”, where the name Niagara is believed to have originated.
Whirlpool Aero Car
Tourism in Niagara Falls
There are so many places that you can visit and countless adventures to experience when visiting the Niagara Falls. Here are some spots that you should not miss in the Canadian side:
- Queen Victoria Park : This is the main parkland and viewing area of the Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada. The park is renowned for its wide collection of unique flowers and other plants. The park garden is beautifully maintained and you will surely enjoy the magnificent trees and flowers in bloom. Also, the park’s platforms offer breathtaking views of the American and Horseshoe Falls.
- Skylon Tower : This is an observation tower soars 236 meters or 775 feet above the Niagara Falls and it provides the highest overhead view of the American Falls, New York and the Horseshoe Falls. At night, one can see the lighting of the falls and the display of fireworks during certain events. And aside from the astounding sights, one can also enjoy good food in their Revolving Dining Room and Summit Suite Dining Room.
Skylon Tower
- Whirlpool Aero Car or Spanish Aero Car : This cable car is built high above the flowing Niagara River and it transports tourists over the Niagara Whirlpool. Enjoy and experience a rush of adrenaline as you watch the magnificent view of the water torrents.
- Konica Minolta Tower : This is considered the oldest landmark in Niagara Falls as it has been standing since 1962. It ascends more than 150 meters or 500 feet above the Niagara Gorge and it features a panoramic view of the falls and the Niagara River. Furthermore, indulge yourself in a gastronomic experience in the first-class Pinnacle Restaurant.
- Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort : If you are fond of gambling, then you will surely enjoy this place. This $1 billion multifaceted building has a spectacular view over Horseshoe Falls. This Casino resort has over 3,000 slot machines and over 100 gaming tables, including sports betting and poker tables.
Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort
How To Get To Niagara Falls
So if you are visiting Ontario, then you should really stop by Niagara Falls and see its majesty for yourself. Here are the estimations of travel time of some cities to Niagara Falls:
- St. Catharines: 19.5 km, 20 minutes
- Welland: 24.6 km, 28 minutes
- Beamsville: 40.1 km, 32 minutes
- Burlington: 72 km, 54 minutes
- Hamilton: 80.6 km, 1 hour 2 minutes
- Brampton: 122 km, 1 hour 26 minutes
- Toronto: 128 km, 1 hour 34 minutes