Niagara Falls (Niagara Falls) in Canada and the USA: photo, description, map
Discovered back in the 17th century by explorer Father Louis Ennepin, Niagara Falls has been known to everyone since school days. Therefore, everyone who happens to be in the USA or Canada strives to visit the most important attraction that belongs to two countries at once, and to see this miracle of nature with their own eyes.
American Falls and Veil Falls
Each of the three streams that make up Niagara Falls proper is distinguished by its name and size. From the American side, you can observe a water stream called the American Falls and falling from a height of 21 meters, the width of which is 323 meters. Separated from it by a small island, the Fata waterfall may not be impressive in size, but it attracts tourists with its unusual beauty, resembling a wedding dress.
Horseshoe Waterfall
Most often, tourists tend to admire the 50-meter wide Horseshoe Falls. The width of the falling water streams in it is 792 meters. Looking at the seething giant stream, it is hard to imagine that in 1848 a huge mass of falling water suddenly stopped, and pedestrians and riders moved easily along the Niagara bed for thirty hours.
After a short lull, the roaring streams of water filled the river again and the mightiest waterfall came to life. The surprising phenomenon was explained quite simply. Huge blocks of ice melting in the spring accumulated on Lake Erie and blocked the path of Niagara.
observation decks
More than 12 million tourists from all over the world seek to admire the grandiose waterfall. Most prefer to contemplate the huge streams of water rushing down from the Canadian coast. Therefore, they stop in the Canadian city of Niagara Falls, located directly at the waterfall. At any time of the year, it would be appropriate to visit the waterfall. Summer, autumn, winter and spring add their own unique charm to Niagara and the surrounding area.
An amazing breathtaking panorama opens from the observation decks of the Skylon tower to the Horseshoe Falls, the most powerful in terms of volume of falling water. Most tourists who want to admire the Niagara Falls prefer these safest viewing platforms. A particularly beautiful sight opens from here at night, when spectacular lighting is turned on.
Why is the waterfall called Niagara Falls?
Many scientists are inclined to believe that the word “Niagara” is translated as “thunder of waters.” Obviously, this name did not appear by chance. After all, the rumble of falling water is heard for many kilometers from the waterfall itself. Often, approaching him, you can even hear the peals of real thunder. In clear weather, tourists are presented with an unusual natural phenomenon. Several rainbows formed in the rays of the sun often intersect and are located one in the other.
Waterfall conservation
For all 12.5 thousand years of its existence, the waterfall moved away from its original position by 11 km due to the intensive erosion of its edge. As a result of these destructive processes, a canyon of quite impressive size was formed here. To save the waterfall and stop erosion, a number of engineering works were carried out. In addition, a tunnel was built behind the curtain of falling water, along which lovers of extreme sensations and those who wish to watch the water curtain from the inside tend to walk.
In the 20th century, the intensity of erosion processes decreased significantly, as cascades of power plants were built in the area of powerful watercourses, both in the USA and Canada. No wonder a monument to Nikola Tesla was erected near Niagara Falls. Thanks to the proposal of this famous inventor physicist, the energy of waterfalls is used to generate electricity.
Extreme Entertainment
In the recent past, enterprising adventurers, seeking profit, began to equip hotels near the raging streams of water and look for various opportunities to attract more tourists. So in 1827, the owners of nearby hotels teamed up and, for the amusement of the public, arranged a voyage across Niagara of the abandoned schooner Michigan with wild animals and one goose on board.
At the Horseshoe Falls, the schooner began to sink. The bears and the goose escaped safely, while the other animals died. This terrible sight was watched by 10 thousand people. Since then, there has been a tradition to compete with the power of the waterfall, sailing through Niagara and flirting with death. Many daredevils in pursuit of glory successfully managed to survive after such an adventure, and many madmen were swallowed up by the waters of Niagara.
Among extreme entertainments, it is worth giving preference to an exciting boat trip to the foot of the waterfall. For those who want to watch the seething falling streams from a bird's eye view, there is an opportunity to purchase an air tour over Niagara. In addition, you can witness the performance of tightrope walkers crossing the river on a highly taut rope.
What to see in the surroundings
There is also something to see in the vicinity of the waterfall. After all, 19 species of gulls fly over Niagara, and 50 species of butterflies can be seen in the nearby greenhouse. In the local botanical garden, you can tell the time by the world's largest flower clock, created from 6,000 plants.
In Niagara Falls, it's worth seeing the celebrity wax figures by visiting one of the two respective museums or tasting the “Haunted House”. The unique landscape of the surroundings of the waterfall attracts not only tourists. Many viewers of “Superman” and “Niagara” will easily recognize the stunning views of Niagara Falls in these films.
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The unique creation of nature requires careful attitude. Therefore, at the beginning of the 20th century, the United States and Canada signed an agreement on joint activities aimed at protecting these unique waterfalls in North America.
Niagara Falls on the map
Recommended for viewing: Eternal Flame Falls, USA.