Behold Niagara Falls
- Lifestyles
- Travel & Leisure
- Travel Destinations
Author: Aramco ExPats Staff
Released 25 October 2004
American Falls
Photograph Contributed by Aramco ExPats
Once a strategic military post, then a prosperous trade center, Niagara Falls is now a popular, year-round tourist attraction.
Canada's Ontario Niagara Park and America's New York State's Reservation Park share this world-class travel destination.
Formed by wind, ice and water over 12,000 years ago, the 167 foot high precipice of Niagara is awe-inspiring. This wonder of nature has been marveled at by nomadic hunters, Indian tribes, European explorers, fur traders, and missionaries. Wars have been fought around Niagara including tribal wars and the War of 1812 setting human frailty against a backdrop of Nature's greatness.
Illuminated American Rapids and Pedestrian Bridge to Goat Island
Photograph Contributed by Aramco ExPats
Over 100,000 cubic feet of water per second rush over the edge of the Falls ushered in from the Upper Great Lakes Basin through the 7 miles of Niagara Gorge.
The famous falls are the Canadian Horseshoe Falls , the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. The Canadian Horseshoe Falls plunges 170 feet (52 meters) into the Maid of the Mist Pool. At the American Falls the water's vertical descent ranges from 70 to 110 feet (21 to 34 meters) to the rock at the base of the Falls.
Fifteen people have challenged the Falls between 1901 and 1995, going over the Horseshoe Falls in a ball, barrel or rig. The rock at the base of the American Falls has discouraged such feats. While ten have been successful, five have died.
Viewmobile
Photograph Contributed by Aramco ExPats
For those less ambitious, the surrounding Parks offer beautiful sight seeing and a chance to explore the Falls from top to bottom.
Since the first trains and bridges were installed, people have been coming to visit Niagara Falls. With the invention of the automobile, more and more people traveled to Niagara. Now, several attractions are featured throughout the Parks including the Top of the Falls Restaurant, tours such as The Cave of the Winds, a geological museum, and the Aquarium of Niagara. Accommodations are also available nearby.
Maid of the Mist Tour Boats
Photograph Contributed by Aramco ExPats
Niagara Falls is a sight to behold.