The great Niagara Falls is one of the world’s natural wonders, dividing into the American and Canadian falls. Its sheer size and forceful roar create an interacting cauldron of splays and foam that rush past with barely a ripple before rushing down into a chasm below. The sheer force of the water and its ability to obliterate human voices make this spectacle a spectacle of sheer beauty.
Geologic forces
The rocks that comprise the base of the Niagara River and its gorges were deposited during the Silurian Period in shallow seas and lowlands. During a major sea level fall, these rocks were deposited on land. At the contact of these two layers of rock, erosion takes place. Therefore, the falls are made up of two distinct layers of rocks. Consequently, the rocks on either side of the river to fall in a different manner.
A large glacier covered most of eastern North America about 16,000 years ago, creating a lake and river system. This glacier eroded much of the land, exposing a low channel that eventually connected to the Great Lakes. Once the glacier was relieved of its weight, the Earth’s crust began to spring back and tilt slightly to the south. As a result, the Niagara River began flowing.
Location
The Great Niagara Falls was once located near Queenston, Ontario, and Lewiston, New York. The Great Niagara River began flowingflow from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario about 12,500 years ago. It gradually migrated across the area, eroding rock and creating the Great Gorge. Today, the falls can be seen in a breathtaking scenic view from the overlook. The crest of the falls is approximately nine meters high, but the waterfalls have a deeper, darker appearance.
The waterfalls are a popular tourist attraction and a valuable source of hydroelectric power. The project to protect this natural treasure is challenging but a rewarding end result. Both cities, Niagara Falls, New York, and Niagara Falls, Ontario, have shared the attraction for more than a century. This makes the Niagara Falls an important source of hydroelectric power and an important site for environmental protection. At its base, the falls form the Niagara River, which divides between the states of New York and Ontario.
Attractions
The famous Niagara Falls is one of the most visited places in Canada. This natural wonder pours more than 600,000 gallons of water per second into the river below. Several attractions in the region focus on the falls. Most of them are AAA GEMs. Niagara Falls is also a great place for families, especially since it is free to visit children under five years old. Read on to learn about the top attractions in the Niagara Falls area.
A family-friendly attraction is a jet boat tour on the Niagara River. The tour lasts 45 minutes and covers eighteen miles. On the way, passengers are given a short lesson on the geology and history of the falls. A highlight of any Niagara Falls trip is the cave of the winds, which were discovered in the 1830s behind Bridal Veil Falls. This attraction is especially beautiful at night.
Weather
When planning your trip to Niagara Falls, you should keep in mind the season and the weather conditions. Although Niagara Falls has good weather all year round, the most enjoyable time of the year is during the summer months, which are defined as June through August. During the summer months, the temperature is usually warm, but it may feel cold if you’re used to a hotter climate. Moreover, during this season, you’ll encounter fewer crowds and less rainfall.
The summer months are the hottest, so you’ll want to plan your trip around these months. Although mid-summer temperatures may be over thirty degrees Celsius (nearly ninety degrees Fahrenheit), they rarely go above 90 degrees. The days are clear and warm, and there are few chances of rain. During the summer, the waterfalls are especially beautiful and you might even spot a rainbow near them.
Stunts
Ever since the settlement of the area, people have been trying to take on the mighty falls. Some have succeeded, while others have failed spectacularly. Daredevils have attempted to swerve, jump, and hang from boats, jet-skis, and even tightrope-wires. The success of these daredevils has inspired others to try their own stunts. These high-risk stunts have proved to be dangerous for both the performers and rescue workers.
In 2003, Kirk Jones was the first man to jump over the falls without protection. Later, he tried it again in April in a 10-foot ball. But he was killed during this stunt, and his body was recovered 12 miles away, on the mouth of Lake Ontario. The next day, a tour boat picked up the ball, and his body was found. This stunt has become a worldwide sensation. Despite his fatal accident, however, many people have still wondered how Kirk Jones managed to survive the fall.
Boat tour
You can enjoy a daytime cruise on a boat tour of the Great Niagara Falls. This 20-minute cruise takes you past American and Bridal Veil Falls as they crash into the bed of rocks on the shore of the Niagara River. From the boat, you can also catch a glimpse of the scenery at Terrapin Point or Prospect Point Observation Tower on Goat Island. The views from these vantage points make it impossible to resist a photo opportunity.
The Hornblower Niagara Falls boat tour gives you an up-close look at the waterfalls as you sail down the scenic river. This tour has an open deck, so you can soak up the spray from the thundering water below. The Hornblower Niagara Falls boat tour also offers an outdoor viewing platform for better views of Horseshoe Falls. The tour is quick and hassle-free and includes complimentary ponchos. For an additional fee, you can purchase a ticket to the Hornblower’s observation deck for a closer look at the falls.
