Niagara Falls – one of the most beautiful and popular waterfalls in the world

Despite its name, Niagara Falls is not a single waterfall but three adjacent cascades. Two of them, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, are located in the United States, while the largest, Horseshoe Falls, lies on the Canadian side. This natural wonder has become a magnet for newlyweds, hydroelectric enthusiasts, and daredevils alike, but its future remains uncertain.

The origins of Niagara Falls

Unlike mountains or seas, waterfalls are temporary phenomena. Niagara Falls formed only about 12,000 years ago when melting glacial waters shaped the Great Lakes on the modern-day border of the United States and Canada. One of these lakes, Lake Erie, sloped toward Lake Ontario, giving rise to the river now known as the Niagara River. As fate would have it, a steep cliff lay in the river’s path, forcing the water to tumble down.

But that’s just the beginning of the story of Niagara Falls. The immense volume of roaring water began to erode the rock, carving out a gorge and gradually pushing the cascade backward by a full 11 km (7 miles). This process continues to this day, with Niagara Falls retreating by at least 30 cm (1 foot) each year. According to scientists, in about 20,000–25,000 years, the famous cascades may vanish entirely as erosion reaches Lake Erie.

Niagara – hydrological facts

For now, Niagara Falls continues to attract 20 million visitors annually and never ceases to amaze. Around 2.6 million liters of water flow through the falls every second, rushing at speeds of up to 40 km/h (25 mph). This enormous potential is harnessed by hydroelectric plants on both sides of the border, with a combined capacity of 2.5 million kW. The U.S. and Canada have an agreement allowing water to be diverted to the power plants at night, while during the day, the cascades roar at full force to delight tourists.

At its highest point, Horseshoe Falls measures 57 meters (187 feet) in height, which isn’t particularly remarkable in the world of waterfalls. However, its impressive hydrological power comes from its width, spanning 690 meters (2,264 feet). The second-largest, American Falls, reaches a maximum height of 34 meters (112 feet) and a width of 290 meters (951 feet). About 4,000 years ago, the massive volume of water pouring into Niagara’s narrow gorge created a giant whirlpool stretching 1.6 km (1 mile). This fast-moving water, with speeds of up to 9 m/s (30 ft/s), rotates violently counterclockwise. Interestingly, at night, when part of the flow is redirected to the power plants, the river’s current reverses direction.

Daredevils at Niagara

This extraordinary hydrological phenomenon has, for centuries, attracted not only awestruck observers but also fame-seekers. In the mid-19th century, Niagara Gorge became a stage for acrobat Charles Blondin, who crossed the 340-meter (1,115-foot) span on a tightrope—not only walking but also cooking an omelet with a stove and pan along the way. In 1901, 63-year-old schoolteacher Annie Taylor locked herself in a barrel with her cat and plunged down the falls, becoming the first person to attempt—and survive—this daring feat.

Unfortunately, the falls have seen far more fatalities and suicides than successful stunts. Daredevils have tried to conquer the great waters using kayaks, water skis, and even inflatable balls. To prevent such stunts, U.S. and Canadian authorities introduced a ban in 1951 on descending the cascades in any form, with fines ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. However, few live to see the due date for payment.

Main photo: Stephen Crane / Unsplash