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Niagara Falls Facts

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Below are some of the facts about Niagara Falls:

  • Niagara Falls at the border of America and Canada is not only a wonderful tourist attraction but is a source of hydroelectric power.
  • There are three separate waterfalls that makes Niagara. They are American falls, Horseshoe Falls or the Canadian falls and the Bridal Veil falls.
  • The drop of American Falls is between 90 to 120 feet. The Horseshoe Falls has a height of 167 feet and Bridal Veil Falls has drop of 90 to 120 feet.
  • The Niagara Falls is 12,000 years old, It was formed when massive fresh water lakes were formed by the melting glaciers.
  • There are many man made attractions near the Niagara Falls this includes Table Rock Scenic Tunnels, Maid of the Mist, Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum, and others.
  • Every second nearly 3,160 tons of water flows over the fall.
  • Michigan, Huron and Superior great lake drains into Lake Erie. The water from Lake Erie turns into Niagara River that rushes over to reach the Lake Ontario. On the way, the falls is formed creating this magnificent view.
  • During his 1678 expedition, Father Louis Hennepin saw the falls and after returning to France he documented this impressive falls in his book "A New Discovery."
  • Every summer more than 12 million people visits the Niagara Falls. It has become one of the most sought after honeymoon destination.
  • At the hydroelectric power stations of the Niagara Falls, more than 4 million kilowatt of electricity is produced. This is shared by both America and Canada.
  • It was possible to ride around the falls by horse-drawn carriage during 1885. It cost $1 per hour.
  • It is not legally permissible to go over the Niagara Falls nor is it feasible. Still many people tried it. Although a few succeeded many failed and killed while attempting it.
  • In 1859 the first tightrope walker crossed the Niagara Falls. After 116 years in 2012, Nik Wallenda was the first person who crossed the Niagara Falls by tightrope. He had to take permission from both American as well as Canadian Government.
  • The Maid of the Mist made its first maiden voyage in 1846. It was a ferry that transported cargo and people across the river for a fee. After completion of the bridge the business went away. Now, it is a sightseeing boat that takes the visitors near the Horseshoe Falls.
  • Another popular tourist spot in this area is the Goat Island that is nestled in between Horseshoe Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.