Niagara Falls Ontario

There is something about Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada that appeals to the lover, daredevil and poet in everyone. Over the years Niagara Falls has evolved from a strategic military post to a prosperous trade centre, and finally into a world class year round travel destination.  Nature has left an indelible mark on the Niagara region. The Canadian Falls, with a height of 54 metres or 177 feet, and the American Falls, at 56 metres or 184 feet high, are true wonders of nature. Royalty, poets, and celebrities have all come to Niagara to experience its awe inspiring wonders.  The Canadian Falls located in Niagara, Ontario is a most amazing site, and great tourist attraction attracting worldwide visitors.

Some Interesting Facts About Niagara Falls

The Canadian Horseshoe Falls plunges 52 metres or 170 feet into the Maid of the Mist Pool. The Niagara Gorge extends from the Falls for eleven kilometres or seven miles downstream to the foot of the escarpment at Queenston.  More than 168,000 cubic metres six million cubic feet of water go over the crestline every minute during peak daytime tourist hours.  The remainder of river flow is removed upstream from the Falls and shared equally for hydroelectric generation by Canada and the United States. The total generating capacity at Niagara is about four point four million kilowatts or five million horsepower.  The coldest months in Niagara Falls are November through March, when temperatures average between -6 and 4°C or 21 and 39°F. Snowfall is abundant during the winter months. April and October are also brisk. June, July and August are balmier, with average highs of 25°C or 77°F and lows of 15°C or 59°F. Keep in mind that the falls affects local weather conditions. Even on the sunniest days, visitors close to the falls can get quite wet from the mist if the wind is blowing their way. So if you’re planning on visiting Niagara Falls, Ontario be prepared to wear rain gear or to carry an extra bit of dry clothing.

Historical Niagara Falls

Tourism travel to the Falls began in the 1820s and within fifty years it had increased ten fold to become the area's dominant industry. After World War I, automobile touring became popular. As a response, attractions and accommodations sprang up in strip developments, much of which still survives. About 12,000 years ago, Niagara Falls was 11 kilometres or 7 miles downstream from its present location. Until the early 1950s, the Falls eroded at the average rate of one metre (3 feet) per year. Since then, major water diversions have spread out the flow more evenly, slowing the rate of erosion at the Falls. These include the Sir Adam Beck #2 Generating Station (1954) on the Canadian side of the border Niagara Falls, Ontario, the Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant (1961) on the American side of the Niagara River, and the International Control Works (1954-1963).

Facts and Figures at a Glance

  • The Canadian Falls is approximately 52 metres or 170 feet high.
  • The crestline is estimated to be 675 metres and 2200 feet wide.
  • The depth of the river at the base of the falls is actually higher than the falls itself. The river's depth is estimated at 56 metres or184 feet.
  • The flow of water over the crestline of the falls is estimated at more than 168,000 cubic metres.
  • The Canadian Falls was first described as horseshoe shaped in 1721.
Today you can even see an image of Niagara Falls from a satellite on the internet and learn all about it if you wish.