The Niagara River flows north out of one Great Lake (Erie) on route to another (Ontario). The river forms an international border – Canada on the west and the US state of New York on the east. About half way downstream the water takes a sudden 57m vertical tumble to create the immensely impressive Niagara Falls, attracting about 30 million tourists a year in the process. Recently, we were two such tourists.
Before the water reaches the falls, it splits into two – about 90% goes over the horse-shoe shaped Horseshoe Falls (technically in Canada), while the remainder creates the straight-line American Falls (technically in the US). There is a third waterfall, but its basically part of the American one. The view from the Canadian side is supreme:
The boat tour on the Canadian side is called the Hornblower Cruises where patrons are supplied with pink/red ponchos. The Americans have the Maid of the Mist and blue ponchos. Two friends from nearby Burlington, Ontario, joined us for the day. We jumped into a queue, took an elevator down to the water level, and hopped on the Hornblower. With GoPro in hand we managed to get a few good pictures up close. You get soaking wet.
The scale of the two falls are immense, and it really strikes home when you get up close. The power of the water is almost mesmerising, and I found myself just staring at the falls. That power has been utilised by people for centuries. Currently, four giant tunnels at times divert more than half of the upstream water through huge hydroelectric turbines below the American city of Niagara Falls to generate electricity. The water is then returned to the river downstream of the falls. Interestingly, there is a water usage treaty that limits the amount of water that can be diverted, particularly during high tourist season.
A strange part of Niagara Falls’ history is the number of people who have tried to go over the falls in a barrel. The first successful attempt (as a publicity stunt) was in 1901 by a 63-year old school teacher (63!). After surviving, she is noted as saying that, “No one ought ever do that again”. Many did. Why a barrel? Well, if you’re asking that question, perhaps ask why go over the falls in the first place. While it seems like a dumb idea to me, I’ll admit that it must take a big douse of courage.
The city of Niagara Falls, Ontario, is exceptionally touristy. In the past, it had a reputation as a seedy place, and we were told to expect Canada’s Las Vegas. It definitely had a few casinos and the bright lights of an entertainment destination, although it seemed more geared for family fun. With fairly low expectations, we actually had a great time. Our two Canadian friends, Hailey (we go back many years and many adventures) and her boyfriend Jeremy, were the biggest contributors to that. They are both such good people with warm hearts, and we spend a fantastic day with them. Boston Pizza followed by a selection of Niagara Brewing Company’s finest beers, all on the mighty Clifton Hill.
During the summer, the falls are illuminated and the city puts on a fireworks show. I think this is the Las Vegas part…
