Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a group of three waterfalls located in the southern part of the Niagara Gorge, on the border of Ontario, Canada and New York, USA. The largest of the three is Horseshoe Falls, also known as the Canadian Falls, located on the border of the two countries. The smaller American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are located in the United States. Bridal Veil Falls is separated from American Falls by Horseshoe Falls and Luna Island by Goat Island, two islands in New York City.
Formed by the Niagara River, which flows from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, this combined waterfall has the highest flow velocity in North America, with a vertical drop of over 50 m (160 ft). During peak daytime sightseeing hours, more than 168,000 m3 (5.9 million cubic feet) of water passes over the top of the waterfall every minute. Horseshoe Falls are the most powerful waterfalls in North America in terms of flow rates. Niagara Falls is famous for its beauty and is a valuable source of hydroelectric power. Balancing recreational, commercial, and industrial uses has been a challenge for waterfall managers since the 19th century.
Niagara Falls is located 27 kilometers (17 miles) northwest of Buffalo, New York and 69 kilometers (43 miles) southeast of Toronto, between sister cities Niagara Falls, Ontario and Niagara Falls, New York. Niagara Falls was formed as the glaciers retreated at the end of the Wisconsin Ice Age (the Last Ice Age), and the waters of the newly formed Great Lakes made their way across the Niagara Cliffs into the Atlantic Ocean.
- Country: USA/ Canada
