Niagara Falls (French: les Chutes du Niagara) is a set of massive waterfalls located on the Niagara River, straddling the international border separating the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of New York. The falls are located 17 miles (27 km) north-northwest of Buffalo, New York, 75 miles (120 km) south-southeast of Toronto, Ontario, between the twin cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Niagara Falls, New York.

Niagara Falls is composed of two major sections separated by Goat Island: Horseshoe Falls, on the Canadian side of the border and American Falls on the United States side. The smaller Bridal Veil Falls also is located on the American side, separated from the main falls by Luna Island. Niagara Falls were formed when glaciers receded at the end of the Wisconsin glaciation (the last ice age), and water from the newly-formed Great Lakes carved a path through the Niagara Escarpment en route to the Atlantic Ocean. While not exceptionally high, the Niagara Falls are very wide. More than six million cubic feet (168,000 m³) of water fall over the crest line every minute in high flow,[1] and almost 4 million cubic feet (110,000 m³) on average. It is the most powerful waterfall in North America.

The Niagara Falls are renowned both for their beauty and as a valuable source of hydroelectric power. Managing the balance between recreational, commercial, and industrial uses has been a challenge for the stewards of the falls since the 1800s.

Source: Wikipedia

Entertainment

Niagara Falls offered varied lively and fun entertainment for the whole family and for every budget. Below are just some of the entertainment options available.

Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort is open 24 hours a day year round. This casino has 3,000 slots, 150 gaming tables and loads of entertainment options. The Casino features fine dining restaurants, a health spa, shopping centre and entertainment venues such as the Performing Arts Centre. A visit to the Casino is an unforgettable experience.

Historic tours and seasonal festivals provide educational and informal cultural highlights. Visit the buzzing Clifton Hill, lined with fun and exciting attractions. Stroll down Lundy's Lane and sample the wide variety of dining locations while "hunting" for that "perfect" momento.

A visit to Zooz provides the whole family with a opportunity to see over 400 exotic and domestic animals, housed on over 110 acres of land, use the numerous educational exhibits to discover the ways and lifestyles of the animals. Catering is provided onsite by various restaurants and entertaining outdoor picnic facilities. Adding to the experience, Zooz has a play area, splash pad and paddle boats.

Americana Waterwaves is a 25,000 square feet indoor water park, complete with a beach entry wave pool, tube slides, body slides, kiddy pool interactive play structure, whirlpools, lounge areas and food & bar services. Also features an extensive video arcade and redemption centre.

Children and adults alike will enjoy Disney's Aladdin Jr. presented at the Greg Frewin Theatre. Audiences will feel the excitement from Aladdin, Jasmin, the Genie and many other colourful characters. With magic, flying carpets and memorable music, you are sure to escape this world and venture into ‘A Whole New World.

Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show, a musical celebration of Canada, will make your Niagara Falls vacation even more fun and memorable. With performances from Mounties, lumberjacks, Anne of Green Gables and many other Canadian.

After your day of sightseeing or gaming, why not dance the night away at one of the local dance hot spots. Enjoy the fun filled, up to date, fashionable and entertaining dance clubs. Music to suit every taste. Or are you just looking for a place to sit back, relax and enjoy a glass of wine (or two)? Looking for live music entertainment? Niagara Falls has it all - several suitable pubs, clubs and show places for you to enjoy.

History

Niagara Falls is a city located in Ontario at the Canada U.S. border. Approximately 12 million tourists per year visit the“honeymoon" capital of the world”, where the Horseshoe falls are located.

Until the year 1856 Niagara Falls was called Elgin. When it was joined with the community of Clifton, it was renamed Clifton.

In 1881 the name changed once again to Niagara Falls, which comes from the word “onguiaahra” meaning “thundering noise".

The Falls were formed when glaciers receded at the end of the late ice age. Water from the newly-formed Great Lakes carved a path through the Niagara Escarpment en route to the Atlantic Ocean.

Niagara Falls includes three, 12,000 year old waterfalls that were created during the last ice age when melting glaciers formed the Great Lakes. The American and Bridal Veil Falls are 176 ft high and the Canadian/Horseshoe Falls is 167 ft.

Many of the battles in the 1812 war were fought in Niagara. Several attractions and street names received their name due to events in the war. Laura Secord Chocolates is named after a heroine who warned the British troops about an attack.

There are several commemorative plaques and markers located across Niagara Falls and the surrounding area which provide visitor information of the historical significance of that location. There are over 100 monuments and plaques that identify areas of historical significance.

Museums in area include Lundys Lane Historical Museum which is situated in a two-storey attractive limestone building constructed in 1874. This museum today pays homage to the historical Battle of Lundy's Lane. Other exhibits include a Victorian parlor, an early kitchen and old children's toys. Visitors enjoy this step back in time for a peak at the Niagara region's past life.

Mildred Mahoney Doll House Museum specializes in collecting miniature dollhouses and contains 140. The doll houses depict over 200 years in history 1780 - 1980 and each doll house contains period furnishings. It is located within Bertie Hall which was built in 1832.

Shopping

Niagara Falls hosts some world class shopping locations which feature several bargain- based locations.

Niagara Outlet Mall (Niagara Falls Canada One Factory Outlet) located on Lundy’s Lane is sure to be a delight to any shopper. The mall features a large variety of stores which offer merchandise directly from the manufacturer. Merchandise offered by this outlet may be last year’s products, ends of season, ends of lines, discontinued, seconds, refurbished and current season merchandise. Deals Galore!

The Fallsview Casino also features a great selection of stores in the Fallsview Galleria. The Galleria offers everything from designer fashions and exquisite jewellery to decadent treat, unique handicrafts and a Logo Store.

The Pen Centre Mall located at Highway 406 and Glendale Avenue in St. Catharines, is just 15 minutes west of Niagara Falls and easily accessible from the QEW. Featuring 170 stores and services and 1 million square feet of shopping all located on one convenient level. The mall is wheelchair accessible and there is plenty of free parking. Visitors can dine in one of the Pen Centre's four full-service restaurants or in our 'sky lit' international food court amphitheatre. The Pen Centre also features the 8-screen Silver City Cinemas with modern 'stadium" sound, for visitors looking to enjoy summer blockbusters while vacationing.

The Seaway Mall is located in downtown Welland, a hop, skip and jump away from Niagara Falls. The mall is a perfect stop for bus tours, so visit the Seaway Mall and visit its excellent collection of stores!

Parking

Parking has to be paid for 24 hours per day 7 days a week. If staying at a Fallsview or a premium hotel property, you can generally park in their lots, though you may want to inquire ahead about any parking costs. Generally, motels do not charge for parking but hotels do.

Many Fallsview hotels have shuttles that will take you to various points of interest throughout the city, so you are able to leave your car parked and either walk or take the shuttles.

Dining

Niagara Falls is a haven for food lovers. The city offers a wide variety of dining options. These include Fine, Casual and Patio Dining, Coffee Shops and fast food options. There are also several nightclubs, lounges and pubs that provide meals. Listed below are just a few of the options available:

The Keg Steakhouse & Bar Fallsview - 800-420-6980
Located inside the Embassy Suites Niagara Falls Fallsview Hotel and offers guests a stunning view of Niagara Falls while they dine. Contemporary setting with, mouth watering steaks and seafood and a terrific wine list.

Rainforest Café - Experience the rainforest as it comes to life at this unique and entertaining themed restaurant and gift shop. Located under the Volcano at Clifton Hill. Live animal encounters daily. Family-oriented menu including salads, pastas, signature sandwiches and a wide selection of exotic desserts.

Hard Rock Café - Features a vast collection of authentic rock memorabilia collection spanning over four decades, and a merchandise shop. Visitors are able to enjoy a unique Tex-Mex menu with a rock'n roll flavor that's irresistible.

Table Rock Center
Features Tim Hortons, Pizza Pizza, Yogen Fruz, Mini-Melts, Ah-So Sushi, and Burger Town

Ruby Tuesday’s - 800-668-8840
Renowned for its Salad Bar, Ruby Tuesday’s features Handcrafted Burgers, ‘Hang off the Plate’ Ribs, and Sizzling’ Fajitas! Mega Nachos and a New Orleans Seafood dinner.

Mick & Angelo's Eatery & Bar - 905 357-6543
Reputed for its great Italian food, Mick & Angelo's is a local favorite. Features an outdoor patio and sports bar.

Edgewater’s Tap and Grill - 905-356-2217
Features a menu of North American cuisine. Guests are able to enjoy their meal while taking in the breath taking view of the Niagara Falls from the second floor patio. Also has a selection available in the Riverview Market Eatery on the main floor

The Watermark Restaurant – 905-353-7138
Located on the 33rd and 34th floor of the Hilton hotel, this location offers a wonderful fallsview dining experience. The interior features aquariums, vaulted ceilings, and 18 ft windows.

Queenston Heights Restaurant - 905-262-4274
This historic setting beneath Brock's Monument, offers a beautiful and rustic venue featuring a panoramic view of the north Niagara River and the vineyards below Traditional Afternoon Tea is offered and the restaurant is able to boast about its popular Sunday Brunch. There is indoor air conditioned Seating or guests can enjoy the outdoor covered patio. Unique menu selections are created with fresh local ingredients, and perfectly paired with VQA selections.

Legends on the Niagara Clubhouse Whirlpool Restaurant - 905-295-2241
Guests are able to enjoy the panoramic lakeside view of the Battlefield course from the beautiful stone and timber Clubhouse. The restaurant is open to the public for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in our Lounge Bar, Dining Room or on the Outside Covered Terrace. The menus include fresh local cuisine and Niagara VQA wines.