USA-Niagara
Niagara Falls is a natural wonder consisting of three separate waterfalls on the border of the USA and Canada and is the most popular attraction in the USA and Canada.
Until 1886, when the Statue of Liberty was erected, Niagara Falls was a symbol of America and the New World. Visitors from all over the world considered Niagara a must-see on their visit to North America
It is not only remarkable for its size, but also for its volume of water: Lake Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie all flow into the mighty Niagara River before emptying into Lake Ontario, so when you put the five Great Lakes together, you get the largest freshwater system in the world!
It is less well known that in 1885, Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse created the world's first hydroelectric power plant at Niagara Falls thanks to the enormous force of the current. Today, the falls could generate 4 million kilowatts of electricity, enough to supply more than a quarter of the energy used in New York State and Ontario, Canada.
The vertical height of Niagara Falls exceeds 53 meters in some sections. While this does not give it the title of the tallest waterfall, Niagara Falls makes up for what it lacks in height in horizontal dimensions and volume! More than 700,000 liters of water pour over Niagara Falls every second, at a speed of about 40 kilometres per hour. This makes Niagara Falls the largest waterfall in North America - in volume and width.
The three main parts of Niagara Falls are:
- Horseshoe Falls: The largest and most spectacular, 90% of which is located on the Canadian side.
- American Falls: Located in the United States.
- Bridal Veil Falls: The smallest waterfall, also on the American side.
The American side of Niagara, Niagara Falls State Park, is America's oldest state park, offering stunning views of the falls, one of the world's most famous natural wonders.
Top Attractions and Activities on the US Side
- Niagara Falls State Park: This is the country's oldest state park, offering lush green areas, lookouts, and hiking trails. Goat Island separates the American and Canadian falls.
- Maid of the Mist Boat Tour: This classic tour takes visitors down the river to the "heart" of the falls, where they can experience the power of water up close.
- Cave of the Winds Tour: A walking tour that takes visitors behind Bridal Veil Falls, along a wooden boardwalk, wearing a raincoat.
- Night view: After dark, the waterfalls are illuminated, creating a unique and impressive sight.
By boat and helicopter
There are several ways to see the falls:
- By boat: The "Maid of the Mist" boats depart from the American side and take passengers to the base of all three falls. (Those traveling from here wear blue raincoats, while those traveling from the Canadian side wear yellow raincoats for the approximately half-hour attraction.
- By helicopter: Helicopter tours are also available, offering breathtaking bird's-eye views of the entire falls and the surrounding landscape.
Day trips in the area
The Niagara area in New York State offers additional attractions:
- Buffalo: The nearby city is rich in architecture and history, and those arriving by plane can land at the small town's airport, from where it takes about half an hour to reach the falls.
- Niagara Wine Trail: The area's wine country, where you can visit local wineries for wine tasting.
- Erie Canal Discovery Center & Lockport Lock tour: - very interesting excursion
"you'll board a boat on the historic Erie Canal", a 363-mile waterway between the Hudson River and the Niagara River and the Great Lakes, and an important part of American history.
Useful Tips
- Location: The Canadian side (Ontario) generally offers better views, while the American side (New York State) offers a more natural experience with the hiking trails of Niagara Falls State Park.
- Border Crossing: You can cross the Rainbow Bridge between the two countries (valid passport and visa/ESTA/eTA required).
- Timing: To avoid crowds, it's best to visit on weekdays, Tuesday through Thursday.