Thundering Water

Observing the waterfalls, it is impossible not to wonder where such a vast amount of water comes from, where it is rushing to, where it ends, and whether it will ever calm down? There is great debate over which side offers a more beautiful sight and where the best view of the falls can be found – the Canadian or the American side? One thing is for certain: those who have the opportunity to see them, witness their natural beauty, and enjoy the special energy felt here are truly privileged.

Niagara Falls are the largest in North America. They were formed more than 12,000 years ago on the Niagara River, which connects two lakes, Erie and Ontario. The falls are not known for their height – at 50 meters, they are definitely not the tallest – but their width makes them a true wonder of nature. They consist of three parts: Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side, and American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls on the American side, with a total width of 1,200 meters. Approximately 168,000 cubic meters of water plunge down the falls every minute.

Although the best time to visit is during the summer, the water flows year-round regardless of the temperature. Thanks to the impressive power of the water, it has been recorded only once in history that the flow of all three waterfalls stopped, back in 1848 due to freezing. In 1912, it was recorded that an ice bridge connecting the two banks formed due to low temperatures, while the river continued to flow beneath it. In the summer, it is particularly pleasant to stay here because the mist of tiny droplets provides true refreshment during high temperatures.

The most attractive activity is the boat ride through the water mist; boats depart from the docks every half hour, taking tourists to Horseshoe Falls and back. Despite the large crowds, the wait is not long due to excellent organization.

Nikola Tesla played a major role in the construction of the first hydroelectric power plant at Niagara Falls, and a monument was erected in his honor on the Canadian side in 2006.

For tourists in the area, there is a vast range of accommodation on both sides – from luxury hotels to modest apartments – while a camper parking area is organized for adventurers. In addition to visiting the falls, tourists can enjoy cycling trails or walking. The Canadian side features one of the world's longest scenic cycling paths, the Niagara Parkway, two observation towers, Skylon and Minolta Tower, the Whirlpool Aero Car cable car, and Queen Victoria Park, which houses underground tunnels leading to observation rooms where you can view the falls from the inside.