Niagara Falls is one of the most famous and popular in the world. Thousands of tourists come to see the tons of falling water every year. This landmark from North America is the pride of two countries at once.
Geographic location of Niagara Falls
Eastern North America is home to one of the world's largest freshwater systems, the Great Lakes. A part of its basin are numerous rivers and canals along which water moves from one reservoir to another. Lake Erie leaves the Niagara River, which is about 56 km long. It flows northward and into Lake Ontario. The state border between Canada and the United States of America runs along both lakes and the river.
On both sides of Niagara Falls are two cities with the same name - Niagara Falls. One of them is in the state of New York (USA), the second is in the province of Ontario (Canada).
The small island of Goat, located on the river, divides the waters of Niagara into two powerful streams that rush down the cliff, forming waterfalls. The famous Niagara Falls is a complex of three falls, each with its own name and characteristic shape.
The wide American Falls adjoins the bank of the river, located in the United States. On the other side of it is the small island of Luna. Between it and Goat Island is the smallest of the Niagara Falls complex - a bridal veil shaped like a bride's veil. All of these properties are owned by the United States.
At the place of the waterfall, the river forms a bend at an angle of about 90 degrees. From the side of Canada, at the turn, the waterfall has an unusual semicircular shape, which is why, in addition to the Canadian Falls, it is also called the Horseshoe.
Main characteristics
The height of Niagara Falls is about 54 m, however, due to the accumulation of stones at the base of the American Falls, its actual height is 21 m. The length of the ridges is as follows: Canadian Falls - 792 m, Veil - 17 m, American - 323 m. the waters are much less powerful because of the Goat Island, while the Canadian part does not have such obstacles.
In total, the volume of the falling water is more than 2,800 cubic meters. m per second, however, depending on some factors, it varies. Upstream of the river, there are two hydroelectric power plants that draw water for their storage facilities from Niagara. Therefore, their consumption significantly affects the volume of water in the waterfalls. The time of the year and the time of day also play a role. In summer, at the peak of the tourist season, during the daytime, the flow has the largest volume.
Attractions for tourists
The Niagara Falls area is geared towards serving tourists. Buffalo International Airport is 20 minutes' drive away and is used by thousands of visiting guests. There are observation platforms near the waterfall on both sides of the river; you can also ride along the river on a special cruise ship. Especially impressive view of the waterfall in summer, after dark until midnight: at this time, colored lights are on.
About 12 million tourists visit the Niagara Falls complex annually.
Many attractions offer their services, including a climate-controlled Ferris wheel. The Skylon Observation Tower offers views of all Niagara Falls. Also of interest are the Butterfly Greenhouse and the Marineland Water Park with its many marine animals.
