Go Travel and See the World

There are dozens of amazing facts about the Niagara Falls in Canada, but here are ten of them:

1. The Falls are in fact made up of three separate waterfalls, the largest being the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The Bridal Veils Falls sit next to the American Falls, and are so-named because of their delicate appearance.

2. The total height of the Falls is 51 m. It is the largest waterfall by volume in North America, and the water flows at a maximum speed of 40 km per hour. The Falls occupy an area of 212 sq km.

3. At certain times the flow of water over the falls is reduced. This is to divert water to the nearby hydroelectric dams. These are a major source of electricity for the city of Ontario.

4. Four of Canada’s Great Lakes drain into the Niagara River. From there they pass through the Falls into the fifth lake, Lake Ontario.

5. The combination of light and water means that you are almost guaranteed to see a rainbow when you visit the Falls. The best time for this is in the afternoon or early evening. At night time colours of a different sort appear when the Falls are spot lit.

The Niagara Falls. taken by my friend Neyla.

6. Marilyn Munroe came here in 1952 for the filming of the movie “Niagara”. Parts of the film “Superman” were also shot here.

7. It is thought that the name “Niagara” comes from the Iroquois word “Onguiaahra”, which means “strait”.

8. The international boundary between Canada and the United States goes right through the middle of the Falls.

9. The Falls have always attracted daredevils, from the tightrope walker Charles Blondin to those who tried to go over the top in a barrel. Today you can have your own adventure by flying overhead in a helicopter or by going right up to the base of the Falls in the famous Maid of the Mist diesel powered boat.

10. The area attracts 14-20 million visitors every year. This is because it is a fantastic place for a family vacation, with world class hotels, restaurants and entertainments. Make sure you pack your credit cards because there are lots of opportunities for shopping, as wells as golf courses, casinos and fun things for the kids to do.

Both comments and pings are currently closed.