Niagara Falls is a group of waterfalls located on the Niagara River in northeastern North America, between Canada and the United States. Located at about 236 meters above sea level, its drop is approximately 51 meters. They comprise three waterfalls: the “Canadian Falls” (Ontario), the “American Falls” (New York) and the “Bridal Veil Falls”, smaller than the other two. Although they do not have a great height, they are very wide and are the most voluminous in North America, since all the water of the Great Lakes passes through them. Goat Island is located between the Canadian and American falls.
Since they were discovered by European settlers they have become very popular, not only for their beauty but also for being a source of energy and a challenging environmental conservation project. They are a tourist spot shared by the cities of Niagara Falls (New York) and Niagara Falls (Ontario).
The name “Niagara” originates from an Iroquois word meaning “water thunder” . The original inhabitants of the region were the Ongiara, an Iroquois tribe called the Neutrals by the French conquerors, who found in them help as mediators of disputes with other tribes.
On the American side, the cave of the Winds carry hikers to a point below the Bridal Veil Falls. On the Canadian side, Queen Victoria Park has platforms that offer spectacular views of the American and Canadian Falls.
There are also trails that lead to observatories that give the illusion of being under the falls. The observation deck near the Skylon Tower offers the highest view over the falls and, to the other side, spectacular views of the Toronto skyline.
