Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. In fact, it attracts more than 12 million visits every year. However, most people do not realize that Niagara Falls comprises of three different falls, including Horseshoe, Bridal and American. These waterfalls converge and crest over a huge 170 feet shale and dolomite cliff to form the raging river below. The three waterfalls combine to form the area called Niagara Falls. It reaches into the provinces of New York State and Ontario.
Water Source – Niagara Falls gets its water from four great lakes, including Michigan, Huron, Erie and Superior. These water bodies form the Niagara River, which flows right below Niagara Falls. The water flows for more than 15 miles and empties into Lake Ontario. It is worth mentioning that Niagara River and the Great Lakes account for over 20% of the world’s freshwater. Niagara Falls is the second largest waterfall in the world. Only Victoria Falls in South Africa surpasses Niagara Falls in size.
Formation – According to researchers, Niagara Falls was formed more than 12,000 years ago. Thus, it is quite young in geographic terms. Niagara Falls got its name in 1615, when a Jesuit priest recorded the Iroquois name for Niagara River. The name given to the river at the time was Onguiaahra, which meant the strait’ and sounded like Niagara when spoken. English-speaking people later simplified the name to its current adaptation.
Tourism – The first tourists began visiting the place in 1820s. People wanted to witness the amazing beauty of the scenery. Even a stairway was constructed to take people to Table Rock, which provided easy access to the falls. However, it has been closed by the authorities. It was not long before tourism became the region’s most profitable industry.
Soon– numerous hotels were constructed around the falls to meet the increasing demand for accommodation and lodging. The first suspension bridge for the popular Niagara Railway was constructed by John August Roebling, which designed New York’s Brooklyn Bridge. This allowed tourist to travel to the region easily.
Winter Beauty – During winter season, mist rising out of Niagara Falls freezes to form mounds of ice, which measure more than 50 feet thick. In most cases, the ice stretches across the falls and spans numerous miles to form a huge ice bridge. Before 1912, tourists used to walk across the ice bridge. After 3 tourists died in an accident in 1912, the practice was outlawed.
Potential – According to authorities, more than 3,000 tons of water plummets over Niagara Falls every second. This force is harnessed for the production of electricity in Canada and the United States of America. Niagara Falls can produce more than 4 million KW of electricity. Niagara River is also home to the White Surgeon, one of New York’s endangered fish.
Basic Travel Tips for Your Visit
Most of the time, traveling or holidaying in Niagara Falls turns out to be an expensive deal for most tourists or travelers. Regardless of your knowledge of the place, a complete holiday experience always tends to be heavy on your pocket and dent the budget. However, there are some good tips to help you travel on a small budget in Niagara Falls. With these tips, you can save a lot of money without compromising on the basics which make your travel or journey worthwhile.
Flight Search –
Booking tickets–
Budget Hotels or Apartments –
Hotels–
Public Transportation –
Make Connections With Locals –
It is also better to seek information about the best eating joints in the city. If you’re a bit shy or reserved to talk to strangers, your accommodation manager or staff can help you a lot in this area.
Traveling on a budget in a popular hotspot like Niagara Falls may seem unrealistic, but it is possible with some good tips, common sense and presence of mind. While traveling, you need to constantly look for good deals, and avoid unnecessary luxuries to save your money.
