Niagara falls, often cited as the ‘honeymoon capital of the world’, is a magnificent and breathtaking wonder. More than 12 million visitors gravitate to its sheer grandness and incredible views every year. Here are some fun tidbits about the Falls, considered the world’s eighth wonder, Niagara falls.
World’s Highest Flow Rate
While not the tallest waterfall, Niagara falls has the highest flow rate in comparison. The 75,750 gallons of water flowing per second over the American and Bridal Veil Falls and 681,750 gallons per second over the Horseshoe Falls accounts for nearly 3,160 tons of water flow over Niagara Falls every second. The water flow is diverted in the summer to ensure the safety of tourists coming to enjoy the waterfall.
Fish Migration
Contrary to popular belief, there are many fish in Niagara Falls. Most fish that travel down the waterfall survive as the white foam cushions their fall. The foam is also packed with multi-nutrients and oxygen to help the fish thrive. They have evolved to withstand the pressure created by falling water.
Your Water May Come From Niagara Falls
Nearly 20 percent of the drinking water in the United States comes from Niagara Falls. The surrounding Great Lakes feed the Niagara River which in turn flows through the waterfall and the hydro-electric power plants. These plants are generating nearly one-fourth of the electricity used by New York City in the U.S. and Ontario in Canada.
Three Waterfalls
Unless you’ve been there, you probably did not know Niagara falls is actually a collection of three waterfalls. These span the border between Canada and the United States and consist of American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. These waterfalls originate from the Niagara River which receives its water from four lakes – Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Superior, and Lake Michigan.
World’s Fastest Moving Waterfall
It may come as a surprise to many but the waterfalls are actually not static. Born as a result of glacial activity more than 1200 years ago, Niagara Falls stands at 188 feet tall and 170 feet deep today. During peak daytime hours, nearly six million cubic feet of water flows over the waterfall every minute. As a result of erosion, Niagara Falls has receded over seven miles since it was formed.
Tightrope Walks Over Niagara Falls
To date, there have been five attempts at tightrope walks over Niagara Falls. The first was in 1859, when Charles Blondin walked over a rope barely an inch wide over Niagara Falls. He would go on to traverse the waterfall several more times throughout his life including once while he was blindfolded.
Nik Wallenda completed his tightrope walk over Niagara Falls in 2012 in front of thousands of spectators. His daring attempt was also broadcasted on live TV – allowing many more people around the world to watch his heroics.
Ion-Generator
Niagara Falls is one of the largest natural ion-generators in the world. Negative ions are created when large amounts of water splashes from the waterfall as a result of Lenard effect. These ions have many positive effects on human’s health and immune system as they take bacteria and viruses away from the air. Did you ever feel really refreshed and calm when walking down a beach with waves crashing at the shore, or near a waterfall? It is likely because of the presence of negative ions in the air.
Niagara Falls is an exquisite tourist destination that attracts people from all over the world. If you are planning on a family vacation or a romantic getaway with your partner to Niagara Falls, we at Campark can help you plan the trip. We offer RV and tent camp sites, cabins, and many amenities to enjoy for your next trip.