Niagara Falls, Canada provides a vast array of year-round activities for your whole family. Beautifully-maintained biking and walking trails line the world-famous Niagara gorge while many golf courses, ball diamonds, playing fields, swimming pools and rinks combine local citizens and contribute to a strong sense of community.
A Short History of Niagara Falls
Most of the early settled people in Niagara Falls were United Empire Loyalists. Arriving here just before and after the close of the 
American Revolution, their steadfast support of the British during that epochal event had brought them persecution and privation. Fleeing their homes in the former American colonies, they started their lives over again in various areas of what is now Canada, including the west bank of the Niagara River. The Lundy, Bender and McMicking families were among the Loyalists who became some of Niagara Falls’ earliest inhabitants.In 1848, the first bridge opened across the Niagara River. Designed as a suspension bridge for carriages and pedestrians, it was located where the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge is today. The new bridge was opened in 1855.By then, a small village named Elgin had grown up in the area around present-day lower Bridge Street. Elgin was a major divisional point on the Great Western Railway and was also at the Canadian end of an international bridge crossing. Consequently, it grew quite rapidly. In 1856, enlarged town took the name Clifton.In 1881, Clifton changed its name to the Town of Niagara Falls. Not to be outdone, the following year Drummondville became the Village of Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls’ area and population increased dramatically in 1963 when the adjacent Township of Stamford amalgamated with the city. With the advent of regional government in 1970, Chippawa, Willoughby Township and a small portion of Crowland Township also became part of Niagara Falls.
Facts About Niagara Falls
which (Lake Erie) ran downhill toward another (Lake Ontario). The rushing waters carved out a river in their descent and at one point passed over a steep cliff like formation (the Niagara escarpment).Currently, Niagara Falls wears its way back another approximately 1 foot/year.The Niagara River flows at approximately 35 miles/hour (56.3 kilometers/hour).There are actually two waterfalls in Niagara, the American Falls and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.The Horseshoe Falls are 180 feet (57 meters) high Man-made attractions of Niagara Falls include Maid of the Mist, Table Rock Scenic Tunnels, Spanish Aero Car, Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum, Marineland, Casino Niagara, IMAX Theatre, and the new Butterfly Conservatory.In 1959, the face of Niagara was changed when Louis Tussaud’s English Wax Museum was opened.The Minolta Tower rises 325 feet above the Horseshoe Falls.Skylon Tower rises 775 feet above the Falls.
Electricity generated in Niagara Falls at the Sir Adam Beck 1 and Sir Adam Beck 2 power stations from redirected waterflow serves the electrical needs of Southern Ontario and Western New York.Annie Taylor "Queen of the Mist" , a school teacher from Bay City Michigan was first person to travel over the Falls in a barrel on October 24, 1901.Niagara Falls Ontario Canada is known as the Honeymoon Capital of the world.The word Niagara comes from the word "onguiaahra" which means "a thundering noise".Until 1886, when the Statue of Liberty was erected, the Falls at Niagara were the symbol of America and the New World. Visitors from all over the world targeted Niagara as a must-see during a visit to North America. Water is redirected from traveling over the Falls in order to drive large hydro-electric turbines that produce electricity for Southern Ontario and Western New York State.One of the bloodiest battles of the War of 1812 took place on July 25, 1814 at Lundy’s Lane in Niagara Falls, Ontario… A total of 7500 Americans and Canadians fought for six hours. At the end, 1,000 soldiers lay dead or wounded.
source:http://www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca
