A tourist attraction on the border between the USA and Canada is the Niagara Falls, some of which let their enormous masses of water tumble down from a height of 57 meters. The American Falls, the Horseshoe Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls form one of the most bombastic natural spectacles in the world.
Natural highlight on the US-Canadian border
In a normal year, over 20 million visitors are drawn to the famous Niagara Falls, which is fed by the Niagara River. The magnificent falls are located between the two sister cities of Niagara Falls, which can be found on the Canadian and US sides. About 168,000 m³ per minute flow down the prominent waterfalls on busy days – a top value among waterfalls in North America. The Horseshoe Falls, the largest of the three waterfalls, are particularly powerful. The distinctive geological formations that favored Niagara Falls were formed before the last glacial period.
When the glaciers melted, the Great Lakes of North America were formed – and with them the permanent connection between the two North American bodies of water, Lake Eri and Lake Ontario, known today as Niagara Falls. Since the 18th century, the energy released in this way has also been used to generate electricity via dam power plants. But far away from all the facts, Niagara Falls today are above all an aesthetically impressive natural spectacle that knows how to inspire visitors from all over the world. And the famous waterfalls have also been immortalized in pop culture in unforgettable cinematic works – whether in the 1953 film classic Niagara with Marilyn Monroe and Joseph Cotton or the superhero classic Superman II (1980) with Christopher Reeve.
Tourist highlights at Niagara Falls
Especially in the summer months, Niagara Falls are well visited. There are several ways for visitors to see Niagara Falls in all its glory. The Maid of the Mist tours, which first took place in Niagara Falls in 1846, are still very popular today. The traditional boat tours make the spectacularly thundering waterfalls immediate, but you should be prepared for a wet pleasure. A Canadian alternative is Hornblower Niagara Falls Cruises, which also offers regular boat tours. An impressive tour on the mainland is the equally popular Journey Behind the Falls, which leads through historic rock at the Horseshoe Falls.
The highlight of this tour, however, is the Observation Deck in the immediate vicinity of the Horseshoe Falls. If you prefer to enjoy Niagara Falls from a safe distance in an impressive panorama, you can visit the Skylon Tower. The approximately 160-meter-high building in Niagara Falls, Ontario presents the bombastic scenery of Niagara Falls from the Canadian side. A spectacular perspective from above is also offered at Table Rock, which is located at the Horseshoe Falls. The Table Rock Welcome Center is also the ideal starting point to start the tour to the North American natural wonder.
Sights near Niagara Falls
A visit to Niagara Falls, which is undoubtedly considered a tourist highlight of the border region between Canada and the USA, can be excellently combined with other sights in the region. In the Canadian community of Niagara Falls are the Botanical Gardens, which opened in 1936 and now cover about 40 hectares. One of the highlights of the gardens is the rose garden with over 2,000 roses. Not far from the falls, in Niagara Falls, Canada, is also the Clifton Hill tourist promenade. There are numerous attractions for visitors here. In particular, the SkyWheel with breathtaking views of Niagara Falls is worth mentioning. One thing is certain: Niagara Falls has a lot to offer in terms of tourism.
