What is Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls is a set of three waterfalls on the Niagara River along the international boundary between the United States and Canada, about midway between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, with the falls collectively dropping about 167 feet and carrying an average of 750,000 gallons of water per second over the crest, making them among the most powerful waterfalls in the world. The three falls are Horseshoe Falls (also called Canadian Falls) on the Canadian side, the largest of the three with a 2,600 foot crest curving across the international border; American Falls on the U.S. side, with a 1,060 foot straight crest; and Bridal Veil Falls, a smaller fall on the U.S. side just east of American Falls separated by Luna Island. About 90 percent of the Niagara River's water plunges over Horseshoe Falls.

The falls were formed by glacial action at the end of the last ice age about 12,000 years ago and have eroded upstream about seven miles from their original location at the Niagara Escarpment near Queenston, Ontario and Lewiston, New York. Erosion of the falls' lip continues today, although hydroelectric water diversions have slowed the rate.

The falls are at the boundary between Niagara Falls, New York (U.S.) and Niagara Falls, Ontario (Canada). The Rainbow Bridge connects the two cities. The U.S. side of the falls is accessible from Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the United States, established in 1885 partly through the efforts of Frederick Law Olmsted (who also designed Central Park). Goat Island separates the American and Canadian falls and provides spectacular vantage points. The Canadian side has Queen Victoria Park and offers panoramic views of all three falls.

Tourist infrastructure includes the Maid of the Mist boat tours that have operated since 1846, taking visitors close to the base of the falls; the Cave of the Winds walkway leading visitors to within feet of Bridal Veil Falls; and the Skylon Tower observation deck on the Canadian side. About 12 million people visit Niagara Falls each year.

The falls are also the source of significant hydroelectric power. The Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant on the U.S. side and the Sir Adam Beck stations on the Canadian side together generate more than 4 gigawatts. Both countries have reduced flow over the falls during nighttime and tourist off-season hours since the 1950s to support hydroelectric generation.

Famous events include barrel descents starting with Annie Edson Taylor on October 24, 1901, who survived; tightrope walks beginning with Jean Francois Gravelet (Blondin) in 1859; and frequent attempts to find new ways to defy or experience the falls.