The big waterfall can be accessed from both the Canadian and the American side, though the best view facing the falls is entirely from the Canadian side. Niagara Falls is the collective name for three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. Located on the Niagara River, with the highest flow rate of any waterfall in the world and with a vertical drop of more than 50 m, Niagara Falls is renowned for its beauty.
For centuries, Niagara Region has exerted its magnetic pull on travellers from every corner of the world. Approximately 12 million tourist come to visit the Niagara falls each year. By day or night, regardless of season, the falls never fail to awe. Even in winter when the flow is partially hidden and the edges freeze solid, the watery extravaganza is undiminished. Very occasionally the falls stop altogether. This first happened on Easter Sunday morning in 1848, when ice completely jammed the flow.
There are differing theories as to the origin of the name of the falls. "Niagara" could be derived from the name given to a branch of the locally residing native Neutral Confederacy, who are described as being called the "Niagagarega" people on several late 17th century French maps of the area or equally could come from the name of an Iroquois town called "Ongniaahra", meaning "point of land cut in two".
Albert Bierstadt's oil painting of Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls has long been a source of inspiration for explorers, artists, filmmakers and visitors, few of whom realize that the falls were nearly to be solely devoted to industrial and commercial use. The enormous energy of Niagara Falls has long been recognized as a potential source of power. Niagara's hydroelectric stations can produce about 4.4 gigawatts of power. With its incredible diversity and proximity, Niagara falls is a true original and a world class destination that draws people back time and time again.
Photo source: Wikipedia
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