Niagara Falls Canada | Niagara Falls Hotels | Niagra Falls | Niagara on the Lake

The Niagara Falls, located on the Niagara River draining Lake Erie into Lake Ontario, is the collective name for the Horseshoe Falls and the adjacent American Falls along with the comparatively small Bridal Veil Falls, which combined form the highest flow rate of any waterfalls in the world and has a vertical drop of more than 50 meters. Horseshoe Falls is the most powerful waterfalls (vertical height along with flow rate) in North America. Niagara Falls forms the international border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of New York, also forming the southern end of the Niagara Gorge. The falls are located 17 miles (27 km) north-northwest of Buffalo, New York and 75 miles (121 km) south-southeast of Toronto, between the twin cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Niagara Falls, New York.

Cataratas del Niagara:

Niagara Falls are composed of two major sections, separated by Goat Island: the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side and the American Falls on the American side. The smaller Bridal Veil Falls are also located on the American side, separated from the main falls by Luna Island. The international boundary line was originally drawn through Horseshoe Falls in 1819, but the boundary has long been in dispute due to natural erosion and construction.

Niagara Falls were formed when glaciers receded at the end of the Wisconsin glaciation (the last ice age), and water from the newly formed Great Lakes carved a path through the Niagara Escarpment en route to the Atlantic Ocean. While not exceptionally high, the Niagara Falls are very wide. More than 6 million cubic feet (168,000 m3) of water falls over the crest line every minute in high flow, and almost 4 million cubic feet (110,000 m3) on average.

The Niagara Falls are renowned both for their beauty and as a valuable source of hydroelectric power. Managing the balance between recreational, commercial, and industrial uses has been a challenge for the stewards of the falls since the 19th century.

Niagara Falls Facts:

Niagara Falls Location:

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada & New York, U.S.A.

Niagara Falls Coordinates:

43°04′48″N 79°04′16″W / 43.080°N 79.071°W

Niagara Falls Total height:

167 ft (51 m)

Number of Drops of Niagara Falls:

Watercourse of Niagara Falls:

Niagara River

Average flow rate of Niagara Falls:

64,750 cu ft/s (1,834 m3/s)

Best time to visit at Niagara Falls:

The best weather occurs from mid May until mid September. The first two weeks in October is the best time for viewing our Fall foliage. Due to the "micro climate" within the Niagara Gorge, leaves in the gorge tend to peak during the third week of October. Niagara Falls can be very spectacular during the Winter. Nowadays more and more people visit the Cataract City year round.

Charge to see the Niagara Falls:

The parks are free and open to the public 365 days a year. During the busier months of May through September there is a charge for parking your automobile, r/v etc. There are also fees for municipally operated "attractions" ie: cave of the winds, maid of the mist, journey behind the falls.

Best way to get to Niagara Falls:

By air, you have to fly into either Toronto, Ontario or Buffalo, New York.

Toronto's airport "Pearson International" is 78 miles (125 kilometers) from the Rainbow Bridge.

Buffalo's Airport "Buffalo/Niagara International" is 25 miles (41 kilometers) from the Rainbow Bridge (35 minute drive).

To get to the Falls from the airport, you can either rent a car, take a shuttle bus, or arrive by taxi. More information is available from our "transportation link".

Trailways Bus Service and Amtrak/VIA train service is available directly to cities of Niagara Falls.

Geography and climate of Niagara Falls Canada:

Niagara Falls, Ontario is 130 kilometers (81 mi) from Toronto by road. The area of the Niagara Region is 1800 square kilometers (718 sq mi). The city sits at 43°7′N 79°4′W.

Topography of Niagara Falls Canada:

The city is built along the Niagara Falls waterfalls and the Niagara Gorge on the Niagara River which flows from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario.

Climate of Niagara Falls Canada:

The city of Niagara Falls experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa) which is moderated to an extent in all seasons by proximity to water bodies. In winter it can receive snow-squalls from both Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, which it is located between.

Niagara Falls Weather:

Weather Forecast | Weather Maps | Weather Radar | Hurricane Center

Nigara Falls Transportation:

Ships can bypass Niagara Falls by means of the Welland Canal, which was improved and incorporated into the Saint Lawrence Seaway in the middle 1950s. While the seaway diverted water traffic from nearby Buffalo and led to the demise of its steel and grain mills, other industries in the Niagara River valley flourished with the help of the electric power produced by the river. However, since the 1970s the region has declined economically.

The cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada and Niagara Falls, New York, U.S.A. are connected by two international bridges. The Rainbow Bridge, just downriver from the falls, affords the closest view of the falls and is open to non-commercial vehicle traffic and pedestrians. The Whirlpool Rapids Bridge lies one mile (1.6 km) north of the Rainbow Bridge and the oldest bridge over the Niagara River. Nearby Niagara Falls International Airport and Buffalo Niagara International Airport were named after the waterfall, as were Niagara University, countless local businesses, and even an asteroid.

Highways:

Niagara Falls and Niagara Falls, New York are linked to major highways in Canada and the United States respectively, with the Queen Elizabeth Way acting as a major artery between Toronto and Buffalo, New York. Highway 420 (along with Niagara Regional Road 420) connect the Rainbow Bridge to the QEW. The Whirlpool Bridge is located at the end of Bridge Street. The Niagara Parkway is a road operated under the Niagara Parks Commission which connects Niagara-on-the-Lake to Fort Erie via Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls formerly had a plethora of King's Highways passing through the city. These included:

The original routing of Highway 3, (which later became Highway 3A,) which ended at the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge via River Road
Highway 8, which ended at the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge via Bridge Street
Highway 20, which ended at the Honeymoon Bridge and later the Rainbow Bridge via Lundy's Lane and Clifton Hill
The Queen Elizabeth Way followed Roberts Street and Newman Hill to the Rainbow Bridge -- later renamed Highway 420

Niagara Falls Airport:

The closest airports to the Falls are across the border in the U.S. Buffalo-Niagara International Airport (IATA: BUF) in Buffalo, New York is about a 20-30 minute drive from the Falls and is served by most major American carriers. Niagara Falls International Airport (IATA: IAG) is the closest airport to the Falls, but it is only for chartered and private flights.

On the Canadian side, Hamilton International Airport (IATA: YHM) in Hamilton is about 70 km (43 mi) from Niagara Falls, and is served by WestJet. Toronto Pearson International Airport (IATA: YYZ) in Toronto is about a 1 1/2 hour drive from the Falls and is served by most major domestic and international carriers.

Buffalo Airport Shuttle, +1 716 685-2550, offers service from the Buffalo-Niagara airport to the Canadian side of the Falls. A family of 4 can expect to pay less than $25 per person and the drivers often have great tips on where to go and what to avoid.

Buffalo Niagara International Airport in Cheektowaga, New York.
Toronto Pearson International Airport in Mississauga, Ontario.
Hamilton/John C. Munro International Airport in Mount Hope, Ontario.
Niagara Falls International Airport in Niagara Falls, New York
St. Catharines/Niagara District Airport in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.

Shuttle bus services connect the city with all three airports.

Niagara Falls Bus:

Coach Canada, +1 800-461-7661, and Greyhound, +1 800-661-8747, offer regular bus service to Niagara Falls from other Ontario cities.

GO Transit, +1 416 869-3200, operates bus service to the Burlington train station, connecting to trains to Toronto.

Megabus, offers discount bus service to Niagara Falls from Toronto. The stop is near the VIA Rail station.

The Niagara Falls bus depot is located at 4555 Erie Avenue, +1 905 357-2133. Taxi service to the Falls and main tourist area from the bus depot will run $10-15, or you can take the Falls Shuttle, or the People Mover bus. If you fancy a walk the route is simple and easy, although nearly 5 km (3 mi), and has the advantage of seeing the Falls come slowly into view.

Coach Canada has daily runs to and from Toronto and Buffalo, New York.
GO Transit offers daily bus service between Niagara and Burlington GO Station.
Greyhound Canada has daily runs to and from Toronto and Buffalo, New York.
Megabus has daily runs on its route to New York City starting in Toronto.
Niagara Transit is the public transit operator in the city.

Niagara Falls Train:

VIA Rail Canada's Toronto-Niagara Falls train offers two departures per day in either direction, one in the morning and one in the late afternoon. On some days in summer there is a third train. The trip is about 2-1/2 hours direct to Niagara Falls from Union Station in Toronto. One of the trains daily continue on to New York City, via Buffalo. On the way back, it leaves New York in the morning and arrives in Niagara Falls in late afternoon.

A further four trains per day each way are operated between Toronto and Niagara Falls, only on weekends and (Canadian) holidays and only in the summer, by Toronto-based commuter train operator GO Transit. This is a new service as of 2009 and will operate weekends and holidays from 27 June through 12 October (Canadian Thanksgiving), 2009. It uses the same stations in both cities as the VIA trains, although some intermediate stops use GO-only stations.

The Niagara Falls train station, +1 888-842-7245 (toll-free), is located at 4267 Bridge Street, about 4 km (2.5 mi) from the Falls and right across from the bus depot. Taxi service to the main tourist area at the Falls will run $10-15.

Via Rail runs out of the Niagara Falls station, and in the summers offers a bike train service on a limited schedule.
Amtrak has trains connecting it to Toronto and New York City. As of the of summer 2009, Go Transit Started a pilot project providing weekend and holiday train service from Toronto to Niagara falls From Mid June to mid October.
GO Train runs seasonally between Toronto Union Station and Niagara Falls.

Organized tours:

Visitors staying in Niagara Falls can catch a tour from various Niagara Falls tour providers. The following tour companies offer pick-up from all hotels in Niagara Falls:

See Sight Tours of Niagara. Provides fully guided and narrated tours of Niagara Falls. Half-day and full-day tours available. Pickups anywhere in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Admission tickets, parking, and all related fees are covered.

Visitors staying in Toronto can catch a tour from various Niagara Falls tour providers. The following tour companies offer pick-up from all hotels in Toronto:

Bedore Tours Offers guided sightseeing tours of Niagara Falls, Ontario and Niagara Falls, New York, Charter Bus service from 14 passengers to 56 passengers, Group Tour services catered to reunions and conventions and one day tours from NYC.

Elite Tours of Niagara Falls. Guided and narrated tours of Niagara Falls. Several tours to choose from, including adventure tours and history/heritage tours. Lets you bypass the line at popular attractions like Maid of the Mist, Journey Behind the Falls and the IMAX Theater.

Toronto Tours Canada. Niagara region day tour from Toronto, including Niagara Falls. Optional helicopter flight over the Falls.

Buffalo Airport Shuttle is a reservation based shuttle that operates from the Buffalo Airport to and from Niagara Falls, Buffalo, Hamilton, and Toronto.
Niagara Livery Service is a taxi/limo company in Niagara.
5-0 is a local cab service. A taxi shuttle provides transfers to airports from Buffalo, New York to Niagara Falls, Ontario and Toronto, Ontario.
Niagara Falls Taxi is a local taxi service from Buffalo, New York and Toronto, Ontario airports back to Niagara.
Elite Taxi is a local taxi service that provides regular and wheelchair accessible taxi service to and from Niagara Falls, ON. Specialists in airport transfers (Buffalo, Hamilton, Toronto, Niagara Falls, NY).

Get around at Niagara Falls Canada:

On foot:

Many of the main attractions are within walking distance if you get a hotel that is near the Falls, and the rest are easily accessible by transit.

During the busiest tourist season (May - October), the Niagara Parkway and Queen Victoria Park, along the Canadian side of the Falls, can become very crowded and finding a "picture perfect" view of the Falls can be hard to do. Walking to the attractions can also be slow during peak tourist season with thousands of people bustling by.

By bus:

The People Mover, bus system runs on the Niagara Parkway along the river from May to October. There are stops at all the main points of interest along the parkway. One-day pass: Adult (13 years and over): $7.50, children 6-12 years: $4.50, children 5 and under: free. A map of People Mover stops is available online. People Mover passes can be purchased from any of the Welcome Centers (see "Understand" above for locations).

The Falls Shuttle, is operated by the Niagara Transit Commission and has routes covering the Lundy's Lane and River Road districts. Tickets and day passes available at most lodgings, the bus terminal or from the shuttle bus driver. All-day pass $10. Single-ride paid in cash is $3.50.

There are also several tour services that offer the option to buy a hop-on hop-off pass, which allows you to board any of the tour buses at any stop point thoroughout the day.

Niagara Falls Map:

Characteristics:

The Horseshoe Falls drop about 173 feet (53 m), while the height of the American Falls varies between 70–100 feet (21–30 m) because of the presence of giant boulders at its base. The larger Horseshoe Falls are about 2,600 feet (790 m) wide, while the American Falls are 1,060 feet (320 m) wide. The distance between the American extremity of the Niagara Falls and the Canadian extremity is 3,409 feet (1,039 m).

The volume of water approaching the falls during peak flow season may sometimes be as much as 202,000 cubic feet (5,700 m3, 5.7 million liters) per second.[4] Since the flow is a direct function of the Lake Erie water elevation, it typically peaks in late spring or early summer. During the summer months, 100,000 cubic feet (2,800 m3) per second of water actually traverses the falls, some 90% of which goes over the Horseshoe Falls, while the balance is diverted to hydroelectric facilities. This is accomplished by employing a weir with movable gates upstream from the Horseshoe Falls. The falls flow is further halved at night, and during the low tourist season in the winter, remains a flat 50,000 cubic feet (1,400 m3) per second. Water diversion is regulated by the 1950 Niagara Treaty and is administered by the International Niagara Board of Control (IJC).

The verdant green colour of the water flowing over the Niagara Falls is a byproduct of the estimated 60 tonnes/minute of dissolved salts and "rock flour" (very finely ground rock) generated by the erosive force of the Niagara River itself. The current rate of erosion is approximately 1 foot (0.30 m) per year down from a historical average of 3 feet (0.91 m) per year. However, it is estimated that 50,000 years from now, even at this reduced rate of erosion, the remaining 20 miles (32 km) to Lake Erie will have been undermined and the falls will cease to exist.

Niagara Falls Attractions:

The Niagara Falls, Ontario tourist district is mainly centered around the waterfalls. Much of the land adjoining the river is parkland under the jurisdiction of the Niagara Parks Commission. Many attractions based on the local natural environment have been created. The city of Niagara Falls has a number of additional attractions in close proximity but not related to the natural features, including casinos and entertainment complexes. One new attraction, located in the Table Rock Centre at the brink of the Horseshoe Falls, is called Niagara's Fury and is a representation of how the Falls were created. The attraction creates a simulated ice age environment where the visitor is able to feel rain and snow fall, as well as experience a rapid temperature drop. The Niagara Peninsula is also a significant wine-growing area, with winery tours and festivals becoming a significant area of growth in the local economy. The Canadian side of Niagara Falls has more attractions.

Falls observation related attractions:

Maid of the Mist:

The Maid of the Mist is a boat tour of Niagara Falls. (The actual boats used are each named Maid of the Mist, followed by a different Roman numeral in each case.) The boat starts off at a calm part of the Niagara River, near the Rainbow Bridge, and takes its passengers past the American and Bridal Veil Falls, then into the dense mist of spray inside the curve of the Horseshoe Falls, also known as the Canadian Falls. The tour is available starting from either the Canadian or American side of the river, returning to the starting point in each case.

Journey Behind the Falls:

Journey Behind the Falls (known until the early 1990s as the Scenic Tunnels) is an attraction in Niagara Falls, Ontario located in the Table Rock Center beside the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. It is open year round and run by the Niagara Parks Commission.

Journey consists of an observation platform and series of tunnels near the bottom of the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian shore of the Niagara River. The tunnels and platform can be reached by elevators from the street level entrance. The tour is unguided and visitors have the option of using radios to receive facts and information broadcast into the tunnels.

The two tunnels extend approximately 46 metres behind the waterfall and allow visitors to view water cascading in front of the open cave entrances. Earlier in the attraction's history visitors were permitted far closer to the portals' edge to view a perspective to the sides and below the falling water. Barricades now exist further back from the ledge at the end of the tunnels to ensure visitor safety.

The observation deck provides a vantage point looking up with the falls to the right, allowing photographers a full view of the famous landmark. The deck is sprayed with water from the cascade so visitors are provided with plastic raincoats prior to their descent.

Skylon Tower observation deck:

The Skylon Tower, in Niagara Falls, Ontario, is an observation tower that overlooks both the American Falls, New York and the larger Horseshoe Falls, Ontario from the Canadian side of the Niagara River.

Features:

Standing at 160 metres (520 ft) from street level and 236 metres (775 ft) from the bottom of the falls, the tower required approval from both Canadian and United States air transport authorities, due to its proximity to the international boundary. It was the second tower to be built using the slipform method, in which concrete is continually poured into a form moving slowly up the tower. It was built by Pigott Construction of Hamilton, Ontario. The same methods were also used to build the Inco Superstack in Sudbury, and the CN Tower in Toronto.

The tower features three outside mounted "Yellow Bug" elevators. At the time of their construction they were the first such elevators in Canada. They were designed, engineered and maintained by a division of the Otis Elevator Company from Hamilton, Ontario and can carry passengers to the top of the tower in 52 seconds. Unlike conventional elevators that are guided by side rails, the Skylon elevators operate with a guide rail on the backside only. Special equipment is employed to prevent the cables from becoming tangled in the wind or impeded by snow and ice in the winter. A curtain wall on the outside of the tower behind each elevator protects the counterweight and traveling cables from the elements.

The tower has two restaurants at its top, the lower Revolving Dining Room and the upper Summit Suite Buffet. The Revolving Dining Room seats 276 people and revolves once every hour by resting on a circular rail that is propelled by a 3 horsepower (2.2 kW) motor. An observation deck sits at the tower's summit. The base of the tower features a number of gift shops, fast food restaurants and a large amusement arcade. A floor for conventions is also available, but has been seldom utilized in recent years.

The Skylon Tower is seen in Superman II. It is also used as a police lookout in the 1979 film Search and Destroy starring Perry King and George Kennedy.

Weekly fireworks over Niagara Falls:

Nightly illumination of Niagara Falls:

National Helicopters:

Niagara Helicopters:

Niagara Skywheel:

Queen Street Arts & Culture District:

Niagara River and parkway attractions:

Niagara Botanical Gardens
Floral Clock
Spanish Aerocar over the Niagara River whirlpool
White Water Walk at the Niagara River rapids
Winter Festival of Lights
Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory
Niagara Heritage Trail
Dufferin Islands
Niagara Parks School of Horticulture
Niagara River Recreation Trail
Whirlpool Jetboat tours of the Niagara Gorge
Numerous parkway golf courses
The Rainbow Carillon, which sounds from the Rainbow Tower

Tourist sector entertainment:

Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls — Tourist promenade featuring a Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum, arcades, five haunted houses, four wax museums including a Louis Tussauds Wax Works, and themed restaurants including the Hard Rock Cafe and Planet Hollywood.
MarineLand — Aquatic theme park
Casinos—Casino Niagara and Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort
Major theme restaurants including Planet Hollywood, Rainforest Cafe and the Hard Rock Café
IMAX Theatre and daredevil museum
Greg Frewin Theatre / Las Vegas style magic show.
Skylon Tower - Revolving dining towering 774 feet (236 m) above Niagara gorge.
Fallsview Tourist Area
Fallsview Indoor Waterpark
MGM Studios Plaza
Queen Street Arts & Culture District
Konica Minolta Tower Centre - the area's second tower

Niagara on the Lake:

Niagara-on-the-Lake (2006 population 14,587) is a Canadian town located in Southern Ontario where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario in the Niagara Region of the southern part of the province of Ontario. It is located across the Niagara river from Youngstown, New York, USA. It is also the only town in Canada that has a Lord Mayor.

Tourism in Niagara on the Lake:

The town is home to the Shaw Festival, a series of theatrical productions featuring the works of George Bernard Shaw, his contemporaries, or plays about his era (1856–1950), running from April to November. The festival operates three theatres in the centre of town: the Festival, Royal George, and Court House theatres, and features one of a repertory acting company, scenic staff, and collection of resident and guest directors considered some of the best in the English-speaking world.

The surrounding region enjoys a comparatively mild climate thanks to the adjoining lakes, and excellent soil for fruit production, for which it has become one of Canada's centres. In particular, NOTL has grown into a major viticultural region. Visitors flock to dozens of nearby wineries, including those making the world's largest volumes of ice wine. The town is also known for its gardens, art galleries, antique shops, and golf courses. There are many hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, and spas in the area.

The town accentuates its British heritage, and features the only Lord Mayor in Canada. Prior to 1970, the town was simply the Town of Niagara, and the title was Mayor. In 1970, the Town of Niagara, and the Township of Niagara were merged to create the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The title of "Lord Mayor" was to be given to all Mayors from that time forward. Many people incorrectly refer to the Mayor of Niagara prior to 1970 as "Lord Mayor". The first Lord Mayor was Frederick S. Goring.

Location Shooting Several popular films and TV shows have been shot on location in the NOTL Old Town, including:

When Michael Calls, also released as Shattered Silence (1972), which starred Michael Douglas, Ben Gazzara & Elizabeth Ashley
The Dead Zone (1983), which starred Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen, Brooke Adams & Tom Skerritt
The Experts (1989), which starred John Travolta, Arye Gross & Kelly Preston
Trapped in Paradise (1994), which starred Nicolas Cage, Dana Carvey & Jon Lovitz
The Ref (1994), which starred Dennis Leary, Judy Davis & Kevin Spacey
Canadian Bacon (1995), which starred John Candy, Alan Alda & Rhea Perlman
An All American Fairytale (2001)
Mighty Niagara
Samuel Lount (1985)
That Old Feeling (1997)
Amelia (2009), which starred Richard Gere, Hilary Swank, and Ewan McGregor

Demographics of Niagara on the Lake:

Only 15% of the population is under 14 years of age. Those over 65 years of age number 22.6% and constitute a fast-growing population. The town has seen growth of almost 1% yearly, partially due to a large number of retirees moving to the town.

Communities of Niagara on the Lake:

In addition to the primary town site of Niagara-on-the-Lake, the town also includes the villages of Glendale, Homer, McNab, Queenston, St. Davids and Virgil.

Glendale is located near the junction of the QEW, Highway 405, and Highway 55, and adjacent to the Welland Canal. It is home to the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus of Niagara College.

Virgil is located just south-west of old town Niagara-on-the-Lake, where most of the tourism takes place. The community has a large Mennonite community, who originally settled the area in the early to mid 20th-century. Virgil has a large sports park, serving as the centre of Niagara-on-the-Lake's bustling hockey, softball, lacrosse and soccer leagues, two arenas, three baseball diamonds and a skate park. Once a year, on the Victoria Day weekend in May, the community holds its annual "Stampede". The festival includes rides and attractions. Virgil's educational institutions are St. Michael's Elementary School and Crossroads Public School, which opened in September 2011, amalgamating the now-closed Virgil and Colonel John Butler Public Schools. The town's only secondary school, Niagara District, was closed by the District School Board of Niagara in 2010. The Old Town also has an elementary school, located on King Street - Parliament Oak Public School. St. Davids Public School serves JK to Grade 8 students in the southern part of the municipality.