Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of North America’s most iconic spectacles, beloved for its beauty and uniqueness. The name refers to three individual waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls (also known as the Canadian Falls), the American Falls, and the smaller Bridal Veil Falls. They are located on the Niagara River, and lie on the border between Ontario, Canada and the American state of New York. This breathtaking and beautiful natural wonder is sight to behold - and absolutely worth a visit!

The best vantage points can be found at Queen Victoria Park on the Canadian side. This is the main area for appreciating the powerful majesty of Horseshoe Falls - named for its shape, and the largest of the three. From the park you can access the well-known Maid of the Mist boat cruise for a close-up experience of the rapids.

On the U.S. side, head to Prospect Point or Rainbow Bridge to enjoy views of the American Falls. Visitors can cross from the U.S. shore to Goat Island, which offers more views and is accessible by footbridge. From there, you can take an elevator to the foot of the falls - and experience Cave of the Winds, self-guided attraction at Niagara Falls State Park that allows sightseers to walk right up to the base of Bridal Veil Falls, behind a curtain of falling water.

Did you know?

Niagara Falls were formed about 10,000 years ago, by the same forces that created the Great Lakes and the Niagara River. The area was carved by a continental ice sheet, which retreated at the end of the last ice age.

The combined falls have the highest flow rate of any waterfall in North America, with a drop of more than 50 meters, or 165 feet. While not exceptionally high, the falls are very wide, and a large amount of water passes over them - 150,000 gallons per second! They are the world’s greatest waterfall by volume.