Niagara Falls geography. Niagara Falls is one of nature's most beautiful wonders. Niagara Falls in winter and summer

Despite the fact that the maximum height of Niagara Falls is significantly inferior to Victoria and Iguazu, it is no less beautiful and popular than the latter. This natural landmark is located on the border of the two largest states - Canada and the United States. It was this fact that significantly influenced the fact that Niagara is almost the most popular waterfall in the world. More than 15 million tourists visit it annually.

How to get to Niagara Falls?

• boat trip to the waterfall, during which you can see the beginning of the "Horseshoe" and the top of the gorge;
• hot air balloon flight over Niagara. During this trip, tourists are given the opportunity to simultaneously see all three waterfalls, while their gaze opens to the maximum height of Niagara Falls;
• travel "beyond the waterfall". It provides for the delivery of tourists to three tunnels using a special elevator;
• visit to the observation deck, protruding from the cliff and located on the side of the United States, as well as a beautiful one connecting the two countries.

Whichever way you decide to inspect Niagara Falls, you will definitely like the excursion, you can be sure of it.

Inhaling the moist fresh air emanating from Niagara Falls, you understand how small and insignificant a person is against the forces of nature.

Niagara Falls is the second largest waterfall in the world after Victoria Falls in South Africa... The Niagara Falls complex is located in New York State and Ontario. Despite the fact that many are accustomed to colloquially using Niagara Falls in the singular, in fact, Niagara Falls means several waterfalls:

• Canadian Falls or Horseshoe Falls
• American Falls
• Fata waterfall

The foot of the American Falls is cluttered with stones, which is why the apparent height of the water fall is just over 21 meters, the width of the American Falls is 323 meters, and the volume of falling water is 567,811 liters per second.

In all respects, the Canadian Falls significantly surpasses its American relative, the width of the waterfall is 792 meters, the height is 53.6 meters, the volume of falling water is 2,271,247 liters per second.

Fata Falls is the smallest of the Niagara Falls group. A small island called Luna Island separates the American Fatu Falls. The waterfall is 17 meters wide and 24 meters high.

Most of the Niagara River does not fall into the waterfall zone, this is due to the fact that 50-75% of the water passes through 4 special tunnels built for several hydroelectric power plants. After passing through the hydroelectric power plant, the water returns to the river, only now below the waterfalls. Thus, the use of water by hydropower plants significantly affects the volume of water flowing before falling from the Niagara escarpment. If the hydroelectric power plants did not take water from the river, the noise of the falling water would be much louder. Also, the amount of falling water is influenced by the season. The largest flow occurs during the daytime, during the peak tourist season(June, July and August). It is noteworthy that in the event of an emergency, the flow of water can be reduced by increasing its consumption by hydroelectric power plants.

History of Niagara Falls

18 thousand years ago, the province of Ontario was covered with ice 2-3 kilometers thick. With the movement of glaciers to the south, the Great Lakes and the Niagara River were formed in this place.

12.5 thousand years ago, the glaciers moved north. The melt water formed Lakes Erie and Ontario, as well as the St. Lawrence and Niagara rivers. At the same time, 5 waterfalls appeared, flowing into Lake Ontario from Lake Erie, later there were 3 waterfalls. It is noteworthy that the Niagara River is more than 12 thousand years old, however, the Niagara Escarpment, which was created as a result of erosion, is much older than the river.

One fifth of the total fresh water the planet is located in five Great Lakes located in the United States and Canada. The four upper lakes: Michigan, Huron, Superior, and Erie flow into Niagara. After 24 kilometers, the water reaches the fifth Great Lake - Ontario, forming a spectacular fall from about a 20-storey building. This place is known as the Niagara Escarpment.

About 500 years ago, Niagara collided with a patch of land that split it into two channels. After the goat herd froze to death on this land in the winter of 1780, this place was called "Goat Island".

The water flow on the American side of the falls is much weaker because he is stopped by "Goat Island", while the Canadian Horseshoe Falls are unobstructed.

Does Niagara Falls freeze in winter?

Niagara Falls never freezes completely, but falling water and fog create ice formations on the banks of the falls and river. This leads to a mound of ice 15-17 meters thick. If the winters are cold and the frosts persist for long periods of time, then the ice can pass through the entire river, forming an "ice bridge" that extends several miles down the river.

On March 29, 1848, the flow of water from Niagara Falls was completely stopped due to the resulting ice plug in the upper part of the river. The waterfall stayed in such an unusual state for several hours. This is the only one famous case when the water stopped flowing from the Niagara escarpment.

On February 24, 1888, about 20 thousand people descended on the "ice bridge" to look down at the waterfall. On February 4, 1912, the ice bridge cracked, killing three people.

Interesting facts about Niagara Falls

In 1969, American Falls was completely shut down for several months. Niagara was launched on a different channel, building a temporary dam for this. Such a complex work was done in order to remove the loose rock at the base of the waterfall, as well as remove the rocks from the bottom of Niagara, thus making the appearance of the waterfall even more spectacular. In November 1969, the dam was destroyed, and the water flow returned to its former course.

The word "Niagara" comes from the Indian word of the Iroquois tribe "Onguiaahra" means "strait".

In the dark, the waterfall is illuminated by powerful multi-colored spotlights, giving it a unique view.

The first person to survive the descent from Niagara Falls was 63-year-old Annie Taylor. In 1901, she threw herself from a waterfall in a closed barrel.

Twenty percent of the world's fresh water is found in the Great Lakes, most of which pass through Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls has become popular place since the beginning of the 19th century. Tourists came to see this miracle of nature not only from North America as well as from Asia and Europe. Today Niagara Falls attracts over 12 million tourists annually.

Due to soil erosion, the slopes of the falls are slowly moving upstream. Now the speed of such movement is 30 cm per year. Scientists and engineers are actively working on this problem, tk. if the waterfall recedes to the high rapids of Niagara, then its height will increase by 15 meters, which in turn will increase pressure on the bottom and accelerate erosion.

Let's hope that scientists will cope with this problem, because I would like to preserve this beauty for future generations.

Having visited this virtual excursion(did you like it?) let me think I'll tell you more about the waterfall. Especially . Or maybe they did not know any interesting details about one of the most famous. Test yourself ... Niagara Falls (or Niagara) is the most famous waterfall in the United States and one of America's most popular tourist attractions. It is located on the connecting Lake Erie and Ontario (and separating American state New York from Canada) Niagara River about thirty kilometers from the city of Buffalo. On both banks of the river, Canadian and American, small towns have sprung up with the same names - Niagara Falls ("Niagara Falls"). Name famous waterfall comes from the language of the Indians who lived here - the Iroquois and means, according to different versions, either "dividing in half", or, more poetically, "thundering water".
Niagara Falls appeared several thousand years ago, when streams of water formed as a result of the melting of a retreating glacier washed their bed in soft sandstones. The Niagara River cut a deep ravine through them until harder rocks were exposed. This is how a cliff turned out, from which thousands of tons of water fall down. The characteristic greenish color of Niagara is due precisely to the high content of rock particles dissolved in the waters of the river.
Babbitt, Platt D., d. 1879. Many historians agree that in 1677 the Catholic priest Louis Hennepin was the first European to visit the falls. There is even documentary evidence - the records of the priest himself, who described the miracle of nature in all its glory. In the next few decades most of the land near the waterfalls was bought by the Europeans. It is believed that in ten thousand years the waterfall has risen about eleven kilometers upstream of the river, this movement continues today at a speed of about thirty centimeters a year. Scientists estimate that in about fifty thousand years, the cliff will reach Lake Erie and Niagara Falls will cease to exist.
As can be clearly seen in the aerial photograph, Niagara is a complex of waterfalls, the total width of which is more than a kilometer. Goat Island (Goat) divides the river into two branches, forming the "Canadian" and "American" parts of the waterfall. The Canadian part of the waterfall is called because of the characteristic shape of the "Horseshoe"; from the US side, a small islet of the Moon separates a narrow strip of the "Fata" waterfall from the "American Falls".
The bulk of Niagara's water flows through Horseshoe Falls (up to 90%). The width of the waterfall is about 670 meters, the depth in the central part is about 3 meters. The streams of water cross the ridge of the waterfall at a speed of about 32 kilometers per hour and fall 53 meters down.
The width of the American Falls is about 250 meters, the depth of the river on the ridge is about 60 centimeters. Numerous rockfalls formed a huge stone embankment at the foot of the waterfall, so the height of the water fall here is much lower than at the Horseshoe - from 21 to 34 meters. Near the American is the smallest of the Niagara Falls - Fata. Its width is only 17 meters and its height is 24 meters.

Since Niagara is one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world - the total volume of water passing through it is 5.720 m³ / s during periods of greatest activity. It is not surprising that such a strong flow of the Niagara River constantly undermines the ledge and brings a lot of sand and stones to its foot. Until now, due to erosion, the falls have gradually retreated southward at a rate of 0.6 to 3.0 meters annually. This process was initially slowed down by the increased outflow of water from the Niagara River to hydroelectric power plants in the United States and Canada, located on the same scarp, but by the beginning of the twentieth century, the rate of erosion increased again. Therefore, on January 2, 1929, the two countries entered into an agreement, the purpose of which was to stop the destruction of the waterfall. However, it was finally signed only in 1950, after which work began to stop erosion.
In June 1969, the US Army Corps of Engineers built a temporary dam and drained the American side of Niagara. This was done in order to survey and strengthen the rapidly crumbling waterfall. Already in November of the same year, the dam was blown up and the river returned to its course. Interestingly, the "dry" Niagara Falls attracted even more tourists, than usual.
In five years, the US Army Corps of Engineers built a 180-meter dam across the Niagara River, which diverted water flowing to the American half of it into the Canadian part. Interestingly, 27,800 tons of stones were placed in this dam - more than any other construction in the United States at that time. As a result, on June 12, 1969, the American part of the waterfall stopped for the first time in 12 thousand years. Thousands of tourists rushed to the drained waterfall to admire this unusual sight, which makes it possible to examine in detail the ledge along which the water of Niagara flowed for thousands of years.
Apparently it was then that these historical photographs were taken, which until recently were stored in a shoebox in the garage of an American Cypriot couple, until the husband of their daughter Pacc Glacon accidentally discovered them. If you look closely at these photos, you can see that the slope and bottom of the waterfall look like a rocky desert. The piles of stones in the central part of the slope are especially striking - these are traces of landslides in 1931 and 1954.
As a matter of fact, it was them that were planned to be removed in the first place. However, by November 1969, it became clear that this was unlikely to work, since the funds allocated to clear the slope of stones were almost exhausted. Therefore, it was decided to stop the "dismantling of the rubble" and see what else can be done to save the waterfall.
As a result, military engineers examined the river bed, after which they pulled together and fixed a number of faults with special bolts in order to slow down the erosion process. Then the temporary dam, which held the water flow, was blown up. On November 25, water again rushed into the waterfall in the volume of 170 thousand cubic meters per minute. The American media reported that this process was watched by 2,650 spectators.
Since then, the waterfall has no longer been drained. True, the threat of his disappearance, sadly, still persists. According to the calculations of scientists, every year the waterfall moves upstream by one meter. At the same time, they believe that the waterfall has existed for about 50,000 years and during this time it moved upstream by 7 miles, that is, almost 10 km, and in 20,000 years the waterfall will come close to Lake Erie and disappear. It is also sad that along with his disappearance the lake itself will dry up. Unique video - Niagara 1969
More water flows through Niagara Falls than any other waterfall in North America (up to 5,700,000 liters per second). The energy from this stream is successfully used to generate electricity, so Niagara is not only the object of attention of numerous tourists, but also a very important factor for the economy of New York State.
The first power plant in Niagara was built back in 1881. It was modernized several times and was successfully used until 1951, when it was destroyed by a landslide.
Already in 1957, the US Congress decided to build a new, one of the largest in the world at that time, hydroelectric power station on the Niagara River. In 1961, construction was completed, and the new hydropower plant was named after Robert Moses, a famous New York architect of the mid-20th century. Water for the operation of the power plant is taken upstream of the waterfall, and discharged below.
Millions of tourists visit Niagara Falls every year. At their service cable car, observation decks and towers, walkways and galleries for pedestrians, helicopter tours and even a hot air balloon. In summer, after dark and until midnight, the waterfalls are illuminated with colored floodlights. But the most popular tourist attraction for more than one hundred and fifty years is a trip under the waterfalls on pleasure boats, which traditionally bear the name "Maiden of the Mist". Tours depart from both the Canadian and American sides of the falls, and it is on them that tourists, hiding from the spray and fog under the capes, can fully appreciate the power and beauty of Niagara. The Niagara Falls area has the status of a state protected area - it is the oldest nature reserve in the state of New York, created back in 1885.
Niagara Falls attracts many daredevils - "extreme lovers". Back in 1829, Rhode Island native Sam Patch rose to fame after jumping into Niagara at the foot of a waterfall. In 1859, the Frenchman Charles Blondin became the first person to cross from coast to coast along a rope stretched at an altitude of about fifty meters above the Niagara Gorge. On October 24, 1901, Michigan schoolteacher Annie Taylor became the first person to descend from Niagara Falls in a barrel and survive. In this original way, Annie Taylor celebrated her sixty-third birthday, and at the same time went down in history.
Annie Taylor's trick haunted numerous followers. The first who managed to repeat her original feat was Bobby Leach in 1911. If Annie "dived" into the waterfall in an oak barrel, though specially reinforced with steel and upholstered with soft material, then Leach used a steel one. After falling from the waterfall, he was seriously injured and spent six months in the hospital. Attempts to go down Niagara Falls are illegal in both the United States and Canada, however, more and more daredevils periodically appear who want to become famous in this way.
Now the waterfall is a favorite place for visiting tourists, not only American, but from other countries. In addition, hydroelectric power plants have been operating on it since 1896. V late XIX For centuries, giant underground pipelines were built, connected to turbines, which could generate energy up to 100,000 horsepower (75 megawatts). Today the capacity of these power plants is even higher.
It is believed that 50% to 75% of all water passing through Niagara is diverted through four huge tunnels, located much upstream of the falls itself. The water then flows through hydroelectric turbines that supply power to nearby parts of the United States and Canada before returning to the river below the falls.




Global development is threatening the natural beauty of the area. Many businessmen, having bought the land, charged tourists for the right to look at the waterfalls.
All this could not last long, and as a result of popular discontent, the Free Niagara movement was created. The purpose of the movement was to preserve the pristine appearance of the area near the waterfalls. The reverse process began: the state of New York began to buy land around the falls from the previous owners.
But what a wonderful view from the windows of these buildings! a source

Basic moments

At the end of the last ice age, 12,000 years ago, following the retreat of a grand glacier, five Great Lakes formed: Superior, Michigan, Huron, Ontario and Erie. Abundant melt water overflowed the shores of Lake Erie. They formed a stream that we call the Niagara River. It cascades off a cliff known as Niagara Escarp into Lake Ontario. Niagara Falls refers to three separate falls. Horseshoe Falls (Horseshoe Falls) currently the largest, it is located on the Canadian bank of the river, and opposite it, on the American bank, is the American Falls (American Falls) and the Bridal Veil waterfall (Bridal Veil Falls)... The falls are separated by a chain of small islets, the most famous of which is Donkey Island on the Canadian side. Nearly 90% of the Niagara River's mass falls from Horseshoe Falls, and only 10% passes through American soil.

Niagara, like any other waterfall, looks different depending not only on the time of day, but also on the season. In the spring and summer, the boiling white curtain is set off by luscious greens, in the fall - with crimson colors. In winter, only the edges of the river freeze. From the rocks-ledges of the ridge, huge, like a factory chimney, ice rushes - giant icicles ”, sparkling with diamonds against the background of raging water, gradually freeze. Pipes are not a metaphor. "Icicles" of many large and small frozen, more precisely, freezing waterfalls are really hollow inside, conical or expanding downward ice formations, through the transparent walls of which you can see how water falls, pulsates and beats, resisting freezing.

The terrible picture at Niagara Falls unfolds in early spring, during the ice drift. Huge ice floes, like icebergs, crash to smithereens with a crash and a rumble and disappear into the abyss. In 1848, the ice of Lake Erie in a dense mass clogged the source of Niagara, and the water in the falls dried up. Locals not understanding the reasons for the phenomenon, they expected the “end of the world”. Nobody slept for 24 hours. Thirty hours later, the water broke through the ice mouth. The overthrow of water mixed with blocks of ice was like a volcanic eruption, accompanied by an earthquake.

The real miracle of Niagara Falls lies in how nature manages to triumph over the spirit of unbridled bargaining, which is less strong on the Canadian than on the American side of the border, which runs along the line of the falls. Nothing beats the spectacle of a boiling body of water crashing down from a height as it travels from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario and the Atlantic.

Those who have ever seen Niagara Falls have received an indelible impression of a lifetime, and some have only heard of it, but even they do not doubt its power and splendor. However, not only the waterfall is famous, but also the place where this miracle of nature is located.

Tourists

The view of the falls opens from several observation platforms... The Table Rock, named after the stone cornice, is located at the right edge of Canada's Horseshoe. With a tour called "The Journey Behind the Falls", you will find yourself behind a powerful wall of falling water. The ticket price includes the rental of protective clothing, but ... near Niagara, nothing can be waterproof. Don't worry about it - seeing Niagara without getting wet is at least strange. Just keep dry change clothes in the car in reserve.

In clear weather, the rays of the sun, refracting in the smallest drops of water, form seven-colored rainbows. There are several of them, often one inside the other. Like other giant waterfalls, the rainbow is incomparable at night, in the light of the moon. The game of the elements is so impressive that huge crowds of tourists watch it for hours without moving. Americans skillfully present the miracle of nature. Dozens of floodlights with a total capacity of 1.5 million kW are installed at the waterfall. Multi-colored floodlights. As soon as darkness falls on Niagara, their rays are directed to the continuously moving wall of the waterfall and, creating a fabulous illumination, enhance the already impressive picture. Therefore, a visit to Niagara Falls must necessarily consist of at least two parts - daytime and evening.

Queen Victoria Park is located away from the flea market and violent emotions. (Queen Victoria Park), giving a welcome rest to hikers and cyclists in summer, and skiers in winter. During these periods, due to the relatively small number of tourists, the waterfalls acquire a much more romantic look. In spring, magnificent daffodils, tulips, roses and magnolias bloom in the park, and evening visitors to the park restaurant can admire a fabulous view of the waterfalls, decorated with night illumination.

In addition, fireworks are shown almost every evening from the Canadian side opposite the American Falls. It usually starts at 10 pm, so even if you've seen enough of the nighttime waterfalls, it still makes sense to stay and wait until the fireworks show. Although the fireworks are arranged on the Canadian side, it is better to watch it from the American side. Then you can look at the colored streams of water pouring into the river with one glance, and streams of fire pouring from heaven. It is better to take care of a convenient place near the waterfall in advance. This is especially important if you need to set up a camera tripod, because by the time the fireworks start, a huge number of people gather along the railing on the river bank.

Above and below the waterfall along the river, for the convenience of tourists, bridges have been built to admire the grandiose spectacle, and observation decks leading to water attractions such as "MAID of the MIST" are open for free entry. (see below).

Niagara Falls is a city on the Canadian side that takes you to where the water falls from great heights and with a wild roar. But, going on an excursion on your own, do not get confused in the signs. It is worth remembering that the streets of Niagara Street (Niagara Street) and Main Street (Main Street) lead to the border, and the Rainbow Bridge (Rainbow Bridge) is a transition from Canada to the United States.

From the top of the mountain, from where you can see the whole Niagara River, you can also see a small island of Goat, dividing the stream in two. One part forms the Bridal Veil Falls, owned by the United States, the other - Horseshoe, the latter is located on the Canadian side of the island.

Translated from the Indian Niagara - "big noise". The name is true: the roar is carried over many, many kilometers. Standing on the observation deck, you can practically "feel" the river, because tons of water fall at a distance of only two meters from you. The feeling is unforgettable!

The most real adventure at Niagara Falls - a boat trip "Maiden of the Mist" (Maid of the mist Boat Tour), 716-284-8897, www.maidofthemist.com. Of course, this event is not for pampered people who are afraid to get wet again, because the boat will take you to the very foot of the waterfall. Dress up here, don't wear raincoats and raincoats - it won't help! Get ready for a big wash. At first, the boat, as if luring, floats along the steep coast, which does not promise any special surprises, gently and smoothly swaying on the waves, gives you the opportunity to admire the majesty of the falling river, but after a few minutes, with one turn of the steering wheel, you instantly fall into an avalanche of elements, from the claws of which, it seems , you can no longer get out. Indescribable feelings overwhelm you. The attraction gives a much greater idea of ​​the power of the waterfall than a simple contemplation from above, and the adrenaline in the blood foams better than any, the most expensive champagne!

If, on the contrary, you are ready to plunge into Niagara headlong, then you will certainly be attracted by the attraction on special boats. Here people fasten to the seats with seat belts, equip themselves life jackets and collectively dive from May to October into the abyss of the elements! 115 South Water Street (115 South Water street) (USA), 61 Melville Street (61 Melville street) (Canada), www.whirlpooljet.com

On the American side of Niagara Falls there is the so-called "Cave of the Winds" (Cave of the Winds)... Here, tourists, dressed in yellow plastic raincoats and special shoes, holding onto the handrails of a wooden bridge, can feel the full power of the falling water. The symbol of the cave is the figure of a man standing on the bridge and touching the waterfall with an outstretched hand. The entrance to the cave costs $ 8 and waiting in lines. First for tickets, and then - in an even longer line directly to the elevator to the cave (Goast Island - Niagara Falls State Park, 716-278-1730).

After purchasing tickets, everyone is given a "cave set", which consists of a traditional raincoat-poncho (yellow this time), a plastic bag for personal belongings and ... flip-flops. The fact of issuing a sandal allows you to mentally prepare for how much you have to get wet. The view from the observation platforms located along the descent path to the foot of the waterfall is as breathtaking as a cruise on the ship. Lower one, Hinged deck (Hurricane Deck), is located just 6 meters from the Bridal Veil Waterfall. Water sprinkles here, just hold on!

The waterfall disperses the wind so that it threatens to rip off a thin poncho from any gaping tourist, billions of splashes simply surround you from all sides, it is almost impossible to open your eyes. I kept the camera under the raincoat, but the water got to it there, and the main part got on the photographic equipment, when I did not even try to get it out from under the raincoat, so I do not advise going down to the waterfall with the camera without protection.

Recording natural wonders is necessary and possible if you use simple ways to protect your photo and video equipment. In the best way of course, there will be a purchase of a special box designed for shooting in water. Another option is a variety of plastic bags such as AquaPack, which will protect from splashes and sand on the beach and in the desert, and even from immersing the camera in water. But all this, in the first place, costs money (and sometimes considerable), and secondly, it may not be at hand at the right time. A hiking method to protect your camera from splashes and sand is a simple plastic bag. It is advisable to screw a UV filter onto the lens. The bag around the lens is pulled together with an elastic band, and a simple camera protection is ready!

Walk into Canada, across the Rainbow Bridge (Rainbow bridge), on foot 50 cents, by car $ 2.50 border tax. You can stop in the middle of the bridge and take plenty of pictures of the opening panorama, and the overly daring can even organize a picnic until the border guards come for them. You can argue who gets there first: the Americans or the Canadians.

By the way, a mini Las Vegas has been created on the Canadian side, in contrast to the boring American side. The most luxurious hotels and the newly opened, huge casino hotel overlooking Niagara! Only on the Canadian side there are hotels with views of Niagara Falls from a five-star jacuzzi. It captures the spirit, romance splashes over the edge, you want to live forever! There are only six such hotels, and they are all unique. One more detail: while walking around the town, do not try to find where to buy beer on the way or other alcoholic liquid, you will be wasting your time. Such products are sold only in a special wine supermarket! But the choice is simply huge!

Continue down Niagara if you wish and have free time. At one of the points of the highway, which runs along the canyon and vineyards, the river bends quite sharply. There is a cable car at a height of 100 meters. (Whirlpool Aero Car, www.niagaraparks.com/nfgg/aerocar.php) with open carriages for a ride over the seething water, this excursion allows you to see from a bird's eye view the eddies on the Niagara Rapids 4.5 km downstream. The pleasure is not for the faint of heart. Next to this attraction is a wonderful landscape park Botanical Garden (Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, www.niagaraparks.com/garden/botanical.php) and "Butterfly Conservatory" (Butterfly Conservatory), - a huge glazed hangar with thousands and thousands of butterflies of different climatic zones, as well as the world's largest flower clock (Flower Clock), Observation Tower (Skylon Tower) overhanging the falls, also on the Canadian side, www.skylon.com

On the American side, you can take a hot air balloon ride or hire a helicopter.

And finally - Niagara Aquarium (The Aquarium of Niagara) where one and a half thousand species await you marine life: penguins, piranhas, seals, eels, as well as sharks, which, if you are not afraid, you can feed from your hands (www.aquariumofniagara.org).

More gambling rides, luxury hotels are located on the Canadian side. Americans are probably happy with their Vegas, so the Niagara entertainment sector was given to Canadians for development.

Destruction of Niagara Falls

The rock underneath the Niagara Scarpe is quite unusual. From above it is covered with a layer of durable erosion-resistant dolomite. The bottom, on the other hand, is very vulnerable, and the tons of falling water wash it away much more easily. Soft rock collapses, depriving dolomite of support, and it also splits, falling in huge chunks into the turbulent waters of the river. Every year in this way the water destroys 2 m of rocks, which is why Niagara Falls managed to retreat 11 km upstream in the 200 years that have passed since the first description made by scientists. Human activities have changed the natural process. The Niagara River has long been ridden by a series of power plants that power the industrial region of the Great Lakes. This significantly reduced the volume of water passing through the falls and thus slowed down erosion.

Nevertheless, Niagara's extensive use as an energy supplier could not pass without leaving a trace. The numerous power plants, when they all work together, leave only 6,000 cubic meters of water to the river. m of water per second. This is half as much as it once passed through the waterfall.

Legends, myths and interesting facts

In 1812, one of the decisive battles of the American-Canadian war, which lasted 3 years, was fought in these places, which was known as the White House with white paint. Niagara has a simple Canadian named Laura Secrod, whose name is still revered as a heroine, having accidentally heard the conversation of American officers who were discussing the place of the attack on the Anglo-Canadian troops, she passed through the front line and told everything to her commanders ... The battle was lost by the Americans. however, the English general who commanded the troops in this battle was killed. A tall column was installed at the site of his death, and Laura Secrod's house is preserved as a museum. Not far from it is the old fort of St. George. There is still a Canadian garrison there, wearing the uniforms of that war. Each of the visitors can taste here the soldier's porridge of that time. But for modern dollars. There is also a bastion on the American side of Niagara. Its cannons look out over the pretty little town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, which once played a big role in the country's history. Every house there is a memorial plaque: the former parliament building, the court, the first pharmacy on the continent. There are hardly 15 thousand inhabitants in it. But there is no end to tourists. And there is a repertory theater where Shakespeare is played.

Niagara Falls has always been very popular with tourists and newlyweds around the world. This natural phenomenon has spurred tremendous displays of courage, which has given rise to many legends and myths.

Every year about 20 people choose Niagara Falls to commit suicide ... But there are also those who are attracted by the adventure ... For over 200 years brave adventurers have been looking for fame and glory here.

In October 1829 Sam Patch (Sam Patch) who called himself Yankee Leeper (The Yankee Leaper), jumped from the Horseshoe Falls and became the first known person to survive the fall. This gave rise to a long tradition of daredevils, and, despite the unpredictability of the result, the flow of those who wanted it was already difficult to stop.

In 1859, the French tightrope walker Blondin crossed Niagara on a tightrope, and once he walked blindfolded and carried a stove on which he simultaneously cooked an omelet. Another time, he dragged his manager, Harry Colcord, who weighed 67 kg, on his back! Subsequently, other daredevils came into closer contact with the water, descending the Horseshoe Falls in barrels or in reinforced rubber balls. Some of the gadgets can be seen at the Niagara Falls Museum. Of the ten people who dared to take this step, only seven survived, and all left us their memories. The first, in 1901, was 63-year-old Ann Taylor. Hoping to capitalize on her fame, she went with her stories about the tested in the tour called "Queen of the Mists", but in one of the cities someone stole her barrel. Anne Taylor's later life was full of hardships; she died in poverty.

On July 25, 1911, Bobby Leach became the second person to come down from Niagara Falls in a barrel in search of fame ... He spent six months in the hospital before recovering from the injuries he received during the fall. Ironically, he died in New Zealand of complications from surgery to amputate his leg, which he broke after slipping on an orange peel.

On July 11, 1920, Englishman Charles G. Stevens placed an anvil in a wooden barrel as ballast. And for safety, he tied her to himself. The only thing that was found in the barrel after the fall was Stevens' right hand.

On July 5, 1930, the Greek writer Heorhe Stratakis, wanting inspiration for a new book, descends from the waterfall in a specially designed sealed capsule with an air supply for 8 hours. Unfortunately, he, who died of suffocation, could not be found until twenty-two hours later.

A year later, William Hill, nicknamed "Red," makes a successful jump in the same capsule as Stratakis. Hill worked as a lifeguard - during his life he saved 28 people, and at the same time got the bodies of 177 dead from the water.

1990 year. Jessie Sharp, 28, kayaking off Niagara Falls. Without any means of protection ... the body was not found.

1995 year. Robert Overacker, 39 Jumps from a waterfall on a jet ski to open the parachute after the jump ... The parachute does not open ... The body was found downstream.

Kirk Jones became the first person to climb the falls on October 20, 2003 without any equipment. It is still unknown whether he just wanted to commit suicide by falling from a height of a 16-storey building, or maybe he was drunk ... Nevertheless, as a result of the fall, he escaped with only broken ribs, abrasions and bruises.

Before you go to repeat the exploits of non-Russian-speaking heroes, take note that all cases miraculous salvation recorded at the waterfalls "Horseshoe" and "Bridal Veil". After the fall from the American Falls, not a single person survived, since the bottom is covered with boulders, and the stream is relatively weak and cannot throw a person further from the edge.

Facts

• Location and Dimensions: Niagara Falls is located in Canada and the United States. The fault is 1155 m wide: 792 m on the Canadian coast and 363 m on the American coast.
• Height: Most high point the cliff is 58 m above the water surface.
• Mass of water: 6000 cubic meters pass through Niagara Falls per second. m of water, 90% through the "Horseshoe" on the Canadian side.
• Erosion: In 1931, 70,000 tons of rock fell into the water from the cliffs on the American side of the cliff. A few years later, 27,000 tons fell from the Horseshoe cliff. Another significant collapse on the American side was recorded in 1954: 170,000 tons.
• Infrequent freezing: If the air gets very cold. Niagara Falls can freeze completely. The last time this happened was in the winter of 2014.

How to get there

From Canada

From Toronto to the town of Niagara Falls 130 km. Coach Canada buses leave every one and a half to two hours from the central bus station Toronto Coach Terminal. The driving time is about two hours. The ticket price is $ 15. You can buy tickets and view the schedule on the Company's website. There is a local bus service from Niagara Falls Bus Station to Niagara Falls. The ride takes about 20 minutes, the ticket price is about $ 5. But watch out and find out in advance when he returns to Niagara Falls. Otherwise, there is a chance to miss the return bus to Toronto. Of course, you can use a taxi, but the price of the issue will be much higher.

From USA

You can get to Niagara by all known methods, the most economical is the bus, and if it is at night, then you save two nights in hotels (There and back again)... I must say that the nine-hour walk is tolerated quite normally, especially when you doze all the way, admiring the nature of New York State when you wake up. You can easily knead your limbs in the "service rooms", a mixture of department stores and gas stations, of course, American sizes! The main thing is to buy a ticket in advance, two weeks before the trip it costs 50% cheaper.

Discovered back in the 17th century by the explorer Father Louis Ennepin, Niagara Falls has been known to everyone since school. Therefore, everyone who happens to visit the United States or Canada strives to visit the most important attraction, belonging to two countries at once, and see this miracle of nature with his own eyes.

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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 the water stream, called the American Falls, and falling from a height of 21 meters, the width of which is 323 meters. Fata waterfall, separated from it by a small island, may not be distinguished by its impressive size, but it attracts tourists with its unusual beauty resembling a wedding dress.

Horseshoe Falls

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 gigantic stream, it is difficult to imagine that in 1848 a huge mass of falling water suddenly stopped, and pedestrians and horsemen easily moved along the Niagara bed for thirty hours.

After a short lull, the rumbling streams of water again filled the river and the most powerful waterfall came to life. The surprising phenomenon was explained quite simply. Huge blocks of ice melting in 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 people 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, a visit to the waterfall will be appropriate. Summer, fall, winter and spring add their own unique charm to Niagara and the surrounding countryside.

An amazing breathtaking panorama opens from the observation platforms of the Skylon Tower to the most powerful Horseshoe Falls in terms of the volume of falling waters. Most tourists looking to admire Niagara Falls prefer these safest viewpoints. A particularly beautiful sight opens up from here at night, when the spectacular lighting is turned on.

Why the waterfall was named Niagara

Many scientists are inclined to believe that the word "Niagara" is translated as "thunder of the waters." Obviously, this name did not appear by chance. After all, the rumble of falling water can be heard many kilometers from the waterfall itself. Often, approaching it, you can even hear the rumble of real thunder. In clear weather, tourists see an extraordinary a natural phenomenon... Several rainbows, formed in the rays of the sun, often intersect and are in one another.

Conservation of the waterfall

Over the entire 12.5 thousand years of its existence, the waterfall has moved 11 km from its original position due to the intensive erosion of its edge. As a result of these destructive processes, a canyon of rather impressive size was formed here. In order to preserve the waterfall and stop erosion, a number of engineering works were carried out. In addition, behind a curtain of falling water, a tunnel was built, through which lovers of extreme sensations and those wishing to observe the water curtain from the inside strive to walk.

In the twentieth century, the intensity of erosion processes decreased significantly, since in the area of ​​powerful watercourses, both in the United States and in Canada, cascades of power plants were built. It is not for nothing that a monument to Nikola Tesla was erected at Niagara Falls. Thanks to the proposal of this famous physicist inventor, the energy of the waterfalls is used to generate electricity.

Extreme entertainment

In the recent past, enterprising adventurers, seeking profit, began to equip hotels along the raging streams of water and look for various opportunities to attract more tourists. So in 1827 the owners of nearby hotels united and, for the amusement of the public, arranged a voyage around 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 other animals perished. This terrible sight was watched by 10 thousand people. Since then, a tradition has emerged to compete with the power of a waterfall, sailing across Niagara and flirting with death. Many daredevils in pursuit of glory managed to survive safely after such an adventure, and many madmen were swallowed up by the waters of Niagara.

Among extreme entertainment it is worth giving preference to an exciting boat trip to the foot of the waterfall. For those wishing to observe the seething falling streams from a bird's eye view, there is an opportunity to purchase an aerial tour over Niagara. In addition, one can witness the performance of tightrope walkers crossing the river on a high rope.

What to see in the vicinity

There is also something to see in the vicinity of the waterfall. After all, 19 species of gulls fly over Niagara, and in the nearby greenhouse you can see 50 species of butterflies. In local botanical garden you can tell the time by the world's largest flower clock, created from 6 thousand plants.

In Niagara Falls, it is worth seeing celebrity wax figures at one of the two respective museums, or sample the Haunted House. The unique landscape of the surroundings of the waterfall attracts not only tourists. Many Superman and Niagara viewers will easily recognize the stunning views of Niagara Falls in these films.