Niagara Falls: the complete guide

Niagara Falls is undoubtedly the most famous waterfall on the planet. At 57 metres, they may not be the highest in the world, but they are certainly the most impressive. In fact, at peak times, the water flows at a rate of more than 168,000 cubic metres per minute. There are three waterfalls:

• Horseshoe Falls or Canadian Falls: the largest and most photographed falls.
• American Falls: these 34-metre falls are in New York State, in the United States.
• Bridal Veil Falls: 55 metres high, also in the United States.

Where are Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls lie between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, in the Great Lakes region. Divided between Canada to the north and the United States to the south, there are 5 Great Lakes: Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron and Lake Superior. Niagara Falls is the connecting channel between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, and can be visited from most major cities in Canada and the north-eastern United States.

History of Niagara Falls

The entire Great Lakes basin is the legacy of the last ice age, 18,000 years ago. Niagara Falls came into being around 12,500 years ago. During this period, the glaciers on the peninsula gradually melted and retreated northwards. It was this very water that created Lake Ontario, the Niagara River and Lake Erie. And the Niagara River forms the border between Canada and the United States.

Drift and conservation of natural heritage

Until 1888, the land along the 58 km Niagara River was privately owned. The importance of the Falls and the financial potential of the site led to dubious commercial practices. The Niagara Falls State Park is working to safeguard this natural heritage. Today, both countries are committed to the park's conservation, restoration, preservation, education and management. Find out more about the various environmental protection projects on the Niagara Falls website.

Apart from being a huge tourist attraction for the whole of the Great Lakes region, the water that plunges into the void at a speed of more than 109 km has many other functions:

• The water of the Niagara Peninsula is drinkable.
• The Niagara River offers the surrounding towns and villages a host of water-based activities, including canoeing and swimming.
• The quiet corners of the Niagara River are excellent fishing spots.
• The water is used for industrial cooling to supply water to certain industries.
• Hydroelectric power generation.

The power of water

The Niagara Treaty of 1950, drawn up by Canada and the United States, allows water to be diverted from the Niagara River to create hydroelectric power. The quantities and times at which water is diverted are specific. In general, the water is diverted at night, when visitors do not have access to the falls. The flow rate is halved. They go from 2,832 tonnes of water per second to 1,416 tonnes of water per second flowing over the falls.

You can visit Niagara Falls from either the United States or Canada. The Canadian side is reputed to have a much better view of the Falls.

Niagara Falls is the largest tourist destination in the Great Lakes region. You have a multitude of options for seeing the Falls, up close or from afar. You can walk along the falls, view them from a boat, take a helicopter trip over the falls or take the famous tunnels under the falls for an incredible view. All travel agencies offer a range of options.

Toronto is the best place to visit Niagara Falls. At just 130 km from the site, you're 1 hour and 30 minutes away from these impressive landscapes. The town where you can find everything you need for your day at the Falls is Niagara Falls. The town is full of excursions, souvenir shops, restaurants, hotels and even casinos!

From Toronto, many guided day tours can be arranged. Generally, you leave in the morning and return in the evening. Transport is organised and you are accompanied by a guide. You'll visit the falls, the hydroelectric power stations, some of the attractions around the falls and the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Depending on the agency, you can visit the falls on your own or on a guided tour.

By bus or car

You can take a bus to Niagara Falls. The journey takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes, leaving from Union bus station in the centre of town. Companies such as Flixbus and Megabus Canada offer very competitive fares. Don't forget to book online for the best prices.

The journey from Toronto to Niagara Falls takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes by car, and easily 1 hour 30 minutes by bus. Once you've arrived, you'll find plenty of pay-and-display car parks.