Despite the fact that millions of people travel there each year, there are still so many people that haven’t visited Niagara Falls. Why? Perhaps they fear they’ll be bored, that there won’t be enough things to occupy them, or that they think all there is to do is go on a boat ride and take a walk around the Botanical Gardens.
While each of those things are equally enjoyable for anyone who visits the area, there is still a lot more to this corner or Canada than meets the eye. Here are just a few of its secrets…
- They’re just over 10,000 years old
It’s no wonder the Falls have carved their way into our minds the way they have; this iconic giant has been in place for 12,000 years. However, in geological terms, it’s very much the baby of the family; the Appalachians, for example, began forming around 500 million years ago. They won’t be around for ever though – in fact, scientists say that in 50,000 years or so, it will have eroded away completely.
- People once tight-rope walked over it
A lot of people have taken a tumble over the Falls over the years, with a couple even surviving, but did you know that in the 1800s, several people made a fantastic tightrope-walking effort over nearby Niagara Gorge? It was completed again successfully in 2012 by Nik Wallenda, an American stuntman, for the first time in 116 years.
- You can stay in a hotel right on the edge
If you’d prefer to see the Falls from the comfort of your own room, then you can do just that. A lot of people think that you have to stay in a hotel in a nearby town, but the Marriott Hotels in Niagara Falls offer breath-taking views, so that you can wake up each morning and eat your breakfast as you look out onto this magnificent natural wonder. You can even eat right on the edge, as many of the top restaurants in the area are built right on the cusp, so that you can enjoy unparalleled views while you dine.
- There’s a museum dedicated to people who have gone over the Falls
Given how many people have decided to brave the fury of the Falls over the years, an exhibit was set up to commemorate their brave efforts. At the Daredevil Museum, you can take a look at all the props that have been used, and read up on some of the genuine accounts from people who survived, as well as learn about those who didn’t.
- There are three parts to the Falls
You’ll have to take the Hornblower Cruise if you want to see them all, but Niagara Falls is actually made up of the American, the Bridal Veil and the Horseshoe Falls. It seems to be the Horseshoe waters that have captured imaginations for generations, but the others are just a stunning if you get the chance to visit.
Do you have any other fun facts about Niagara Falls?
