Niagara Falls — A Deep Dive
Niagara is two cataracts — Horseshoe and American Falls — separated by Goat Island. Combined flow over the lip averages 2,400 cubic metres per second, the largest of any falls in North America by volume. The falls are on the map.
Geology
The falls sit on the Niagara Escarpment, a Silurian dolomite caprock over softer Rochester shale. Erosion is rapid: the lip retreats up to one metre per year — slower in recent decades because of flow diversion to power plants.
The two falls
Horseshoe Falls (Canadian) is 57 m tall, 670 m wide, and takes 90% of the river's flow. American Falls is 30 m tall, 320 m wide. Bridal Veil Falls is the small section at the American side.
Hydroelectric history
Power generation began in 1881 (Schoellkopf). The 1950 Niagara River Treaty allocates flow: 100,000 cfs (3,000 m³/s) over the falls minimum during summer daylight, the rest diverted to hydroelectric plants on both sides.
Famous attractions
Maid of the Mist (Canada: Niagara City Cruises), Cave of the Winds (USA), Journey Behind the Falls (Canada), Skylon Tower observation deck (Canada). All open seasonally.
Famous incidents
Annie Edson Taylor was the first to survive a barrel descent (1901). Roger Woodward, age 7, survived an accidental plunge in 1960. Several decades' worth of stunts (and many fatalities) are documented in the IMAX theatre on the Canadian side.
Visiting practicalities
Border crossing is required between US and Canada; the Canadian side has the better panoramic view. Hotels: Niagara Falls, Ontario (Canada side) or Niagara Falls, NY (US side). Winter freezes the lower mist into impressive ice formations.
Best times to visit
June-August: full flow but peak crowds. September-October: lower crowds, full flow, autumn colours. November-March: ice formations, reduced flow, few visitors. Avoid early March if you can — slush and grey skies.
Plan your next trip
All of these are pinned on our interactive map.