Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the world?s most famous cities. Its popularity as a tourist attraction is legendary with more than 14,000,000 people visiting ?the Falls? every year. In addition to the falls, there are scores of attractions, such as Casino Niagara?one of the country?s leading gaming destinations?to keep visitors entertained. Niagara Falls also has a serious side and this is what satisfies the more than 75,000 people who choose to call this energetic city home.

With a history that goes back 12,000 years, Niagara Falls is a natural wonder wrapped in intrigue. Nearly 200 years ago, when conflict between America and The United Kingdom turned to the War of 1812, Niagara Falls, as part of the British Empire, became a stage for numerous bloody battles. Historical sites, many of them related to the military action, are scattered about the Niagara Region, including those marking the battle of Queenston Heights, the recapture of Fort George, the battle of Beaver Dams, the battle of Chippawa, the battle of Lundy?s Lane, and the siege and recapture of Fort Erie.

Another interesting aspect of the city?s history involves the numerous bridges that were constructed across the Niagara Gorge. Between 1849 and 1962, thirteen bridges were built to transverse the gorge. Only four remain standing today. Like most of the Niagara Region, the optimal weather conditions and excellent soil around the Falls have contributed to its growth as Canada?s foremost wine-making region. Eighty per cent of the wines made in Canada come from Niagara and there are more than 50 wineries in the region.

Niagara is renowned for its exciting festivals and annual events. The Winter Festival of Lights presents a magical light show and extravagant lighting display in Queen Victoria Park, just across from the Falls. Each year, a spectacular wine and culinary event is held during the wine harvest. The Niagara Wine and Food Classic offers premium grand tasting receptions, food and wine pairing events, and celebrity chef cooking demonstrations.

Some interesting facts about Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls erodes by approximately one foot per year

The Niagara River flows at approximately 56.3 kilometres per hour

There are actually two waterfalls in Niagara; the American Falls and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls

The Horseshoe Falls are (57 metres) 180 feet high, and allow six million cubic feet of water over the crest line

every minute. That is about a million bathtubs full of water per minute!

Water is redirected from travelling over the falls to drive large hydroelectric turbines that produce electricity for Southern Ontario and western New York State

Niagara Falls

Population: 78,818

Age: Incorporated as a city in 1904

Location: 140 km south of Toronto

Highways: QEW

Airport: Closest service is John C. Munroe International Airport, Hamilton, Ontario; Niagara Falls, NY; Buffalo, NY

Public Transit: Regional bus service

Education: The District School Board of Niagara operates 16 elementary schools and three secondary schools; The Niagara Catholic District School Board operates 13 elementary and two secondary schools

Emergency Services: Local Niagara Parks Commission policing as well as Niagara Regional Policing and 911 emergency coverage

Tourist/Cultural and Recreation Facilities: Scores of attractions related to the Falls area, live theatre, museums, historical sites, art galleries, libraries, shopping, wineries, breweries, Annual Winter Festival of Lights, Niagara Wine and Food Classic, Grape and Wine Festival, Canada Day Celebration, and Niagara Parks Commission Events; nightlife includes casinos, comedy shows, and nightclubs; numerous multicultural clubs, religious institutions, abundant parks and recreational facilities, sports facilities, golf clubs, community centres, and more