The inclement weather kept most visitors away for.viewing any part of Niagara Falls. On the way out of the park we stopped to see the Upper Rapids. It was very impressive to view the strength of the water rushing towards Niagara Falls. It was also cold and we were prepared with our hooded jackets and wintery clothes. Even the Canadian geese did not seem bothered by the weather. Free parking lot. read more

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There would be no Niagara Falls without the Niagara River. Seems self evident, but still worth a moment of thought. What is often overlooked is that four of the five Great Lakes (Superior, Huron, Michigan and Erie all drain to the east, meaning that all the water flowing west to east ultimately travels through the Niagara River, over the Falls and into Lake Ontario before moving into the St. Lawrence River on the way to the Atlantic Ocean. That is a whole lot of water, and it explains while the only 36 mile long river carries more water, sediment and dissolved minerals than any other watercourse its size on Earth. That its course is north is explained by looking at a map of the Lakes. The eastern end of Lake Erie is actually southeast of the western end of Lake Ontario, and the channel connecting them (Niagara River) must navigate almost due north to link these huge fresh water bodies together. There is only a 9 foot decline from Erie to the head of the Falls, but this gravitational pull is enough rush that watercourse to the edge of the three falls in rapids that spill over the dolomite capstones and crash down the final 190 feet to account for the final verticality between the two lakes. Below this precipitous drop the River becomes a gorge as it races the narrow banks past a hydroelectric dam siphoning off power to generate electricity for more than 1 million people living on both sides of the border, yet leaving sufficient volume to continue to fill Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence beyond. In earlier times, a portion of the War of 1812 was fought in and around this area for control of these assets and for the Americans, to finally evict Great Britain from North America. Although the overall war was won by the United States, the piece that occurred in and around Canada and these borderlands, was actually lost, which is why England remained in Canada; and Canada, a part of the British Empire, and thereafter, the Commonwealth, for nearly a century thereafter. All is peaceful today, and the Niagara River and Falls can be enjoyed on both sides of the border created by the River, although from this perspective, Canada has the better views. read more

Niagara River - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Niagara Falls, New York

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Nature is at its best when it comes to the Niagara River. I've lived and been in a lot of places around the world where water is not available for the area, depending on some nearby BUT usually far tiny body of water for water. One doesn't appreciate the importance and availability of water until you're in a location, city or town where your water comes from far away. When that water is unavailable due to one reason or another, then bottled water is your only option. Even having a well doesn't guarantee water for the rest of your life as now wells are hitting rock bottom as climate change affects the amount of water that falls OR doesn't fall to refresh those ground water well reservoirs. I've been even living years in an international location where water was so limited, that for many years while I lived there, water was cut at 7am and flowing again at 11pm. Water dept people went around throughout the day on streets with instruments to listen for moving water, and they could even backtrack listening to the sound of rushing waters to find out WHO was using water and be fined!! Only then can one understand the difference between having water as a luxury as we do have in the USA and as a necessity. Then there's the beauty of the Niagara River and all of its living animals and creatures, unfortunately including humans who dump trash cigarette butts and more into its waters just because they can and have been for centuries. We take for granted so much of its beauty, it's resources and all that flock to it on two or four legs, wings or tails, and this river has been flowing for centuries.... What if it trickled to a few drops tomorrow? Will we then realize what we had and will then miss? Don't wait till then to appreciate the beauty of our Niagara River and all it gives us now and tomorrow...... Never take for granted what we have and enjoy because if it disappears tomorrow, the world would indeed change for everyone!! We are not the only ones using the Niagara. It is home to fish, reptiles and birds of near and far. Let's give them AND us, a resource that is clean and everlasting for life and for those who follow when we are no longer here to enjoy it's beauty! read more

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Growing up minutes from here has allowed me to see some spectacular views from all different areas that this river touches: Buffalo, Grand Island, Niagara Falls, Lewiston, Queenston, Youngstown, and Niagara-On-The-Lake. The trails along the river, in all of these areas should not be missed, especially the Niagara Gorge trails on both sides of the border that take you to the loud and fast Whirlpool rapids. There's tons of history here from southern slaves crossing into Canada for freedom, to stunt people going over the Falls in a barrel, to power generation for both countries. It's an absolute great wonder of the world and I will always be grateful to have grown up beside it. read more

The Nigeria River is in a completely different part of the world. Probably in the nation of Nigeria, I'd say. On the "Gold Coast" of West Africa, where it's much, much, much warmer than it is here in NY/ON. The Viagra River on the other hand, is a mythical waterway whose water is said to be an aphrodisiac. But enough of that. I have done two separate photo shoots at this river, and I loved every minute of it because the backdrop is just so stunning. Living near this river is an absolute blessing. Not just because of the Falls, but also the Gorge that is part of this river. Utterly stunning. The thundering, beautiful light blue Niagara River is one of the absolute highlights of Upstate New York and of Southern Ontario. Particularly in the portion which emerges from the mist beneath the falls, and winds its way under the Rainbow, Whirlpool and Lewiston Bridges. Absolutely stunning. The gorge is like a mini Grand Canyon (although it's enormous) filled with turbulent waters and rapids and whirlpools. I can't possibly write a better review than my good friend in Germany, Harald, did, so I'm going to translate his review for English speakers, so that you can enjoy it too. Harald: "The Niagara River runs from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario and is the border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the US state of New York. The Niagara River is 56 km long and has Niagara Falls on its course. On its route it drops 99 meters in height. There are the islands, Grand Island, Luna Island and Goat Island. Niagara Falls, which are part of the Niagara River, consist of three parts, the Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the American Falls. The use of hydropower has been around since 1759 on the Niagara River, initially to drive water mills and from 1882 for electricity production through the first power plant. Nowadays there are several power plants along the river, and part of the water is diverted. The positive side effect is that it slows the soil erosion. Four bridges cross the Niagara River connecting the US and Canada: - The Peace Bridge, - The Rainbow Bridge, - The Whirlpool Rapids Bridge, - The Lewiston-Queenston Bridge The main towns on the Niagara River are: - Buffalo, New York - Fort Erie, Ontario - Lewiston, New York - Niagara Falls, New York - Niagara Falls, Ontario - Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario - Queenston, Ontario I experienced the Niagara River when we visited Niagara Falls. A good view can be enjoyed from Niagara Falls State Park, at Luna Island and from the Rainbow Bridge. It's amazing how fast the water rushes past here and falls into the depths with loud thunder." And there you have it. The German has spoken. So not only do they make the best beer, the best cars, the best highways, the best train networks, and the best World Cup performances against Brazil in the Semi Finals... they also make the most efficient reviews of rivers. Now you know. Das ist gut. Danke Harald. read more

The drive from NF, USA to NF, CA is a beautiful segment of the river that any tourist or local should consider taking in via driving tour.

Watching the Niagara River from the bridge from the road and from the walkways is impressive. That water is moving moving fast , and if you were in it and the Falls were coming you are in deep yogurt. No one could swim against the current and paddling against this current would be paddling Against the Wind. Head for the shore and stay on it your life depends on it. What an impressive River read more