Facts About Niagara Falls

Fascinating Niagara Falls Facts You Didn’t Know

Niagara Falls isn’t just a breathtaking natural wonder—it’s a powerhouse of incredible history, jaw-dropping stats, and daredevil stories. Whether you're planning a visit or just love fun trivia, these Niagara Falls facts will surprise you! Find the most interesting educational facts and historical information about Niagara Falls below:

Early Settlement & Cultural Significance

Who were the first people to witness Niagara Falls?
Indigenous peoples, including the Neutral, Seneca, and Mohawk nations, were the first to experience the majesty of Niagara Falls. Their ancestors arrived in the region approximately 13,000 years ago, following the retreat of glaciers that formed the Great Lakes and the Niagara River.

When did Europeans first document Niagara Falls?
French priest Father Louis Hennepin was the first European to document Niagara Falls during his 1678 expedition. He was captivated by the falls' immense power and beauty.

Was Niagara Falls ever considered a symbol of America?
Yes. Prior to the erection of the Statue of Liberty in 1886, Niagara Falls was widely regarded as a symbol of the New World and American natural grandeur, attracting visitors from around the globe.

Landmark Developments

What is Louis Tussaud's Waxworks, and when did it open?
Louis Tussaud's Waxworks is a wax museum in Niagara Falls featuring over 200 lifelike figures of celebrities, historical figures, and fictional characters. It opened in 1959 and continues to be a popular attraction.

When did the Butterfly Conservatory open, and what makes it special?
Opened in 1996, the Butterfly Conservatory is North America's largest glass-enclosed butterfly conservatory, housing over 2,000 butterflies in a tropical rainforest setting.

Daredevils & Death-Defying Feats

Who was the first person to survive going over Niagara Falls in a barrel?
Annie Edson Taylor, a 63-year-old schoolteacher, became the first person to survive a trip over Niagara Falls in a barrel on October 24, 1901.

Has anyone else survived going over the falls without a barrel?
Yes. On July 9, 1960, 7-year-old Roger Woodward survived a plunge over the Horseshoe Falls after a boating accident. He was rescued with only minor injuries.

Who was Charles Blondin, and what were his feats at Niagara Falls?
Charles Blondin was a French tightrope walker who, in the mid-1800s, performed numerous crossings over the Niagara Gorge. His stunts included crossing blindfolded, on stilts, and even carrying his manager on his back.

Have there been recent daredevil attempts at Niagara Falls?
Yes. In 2012, Nik Wallenda became the first person in over a century to walk directly over the Horseshoe Falls on a tightrope, continuing the legacy of high-wire performances at Niagara.

Natural Phenomena

What is an ice bridge, and how does it form at Niagara Falls?
An ice bridge forms when ice floes from Lake Erie travel over the falls and accumulate at the base, creating a natural bridge. These formations were once common in winter, allowing people to walk across the river, but are now rare due to climate change and ice management practices.

Did Niagara Falls ever stop flowing?
Yes. On March 29, 1848, strong southwest winds pushed ice into the mouth of the Niagara River, creating an ice jam that halted the flow over the falls for about 30 hours.

Historical Events

What was the Battle of Lundy's Lane?
Fought on July 25, 1814, during the War of 1812, the Battle of Lundy's Lane was one of the bloodiest battles in Canadian history, with approximately 1,720 casualties. The battle ended inconclusively but halted the American advance into Upper Canada.

How is Niagara Falls connected to 'Uncle Tom's Cabin'?
Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' was partly inspired by the life of Josiah Henson, a former slave who escaped to Canada via the Underground Railroad, crossing near Niagara Falls.

Maritime History

What is the 'Old Scow' near Niagara Falls?
The 'Old Scow' is a barge that became lodged in the rocks above the Horseshoe Falls in 1918 after breaking free from a tugboat. It remained stationary for over a century until a storm in 2019 shifted its position.

Film & Television

Which movies and TV shows have featured Niagara Falls?

Niagara (1953)

A classic film noir starring Marilyn Monroe and Joseph Cotten.
One of the earliest major motion pictures shot in Technicolor at Niagara Falls.
Helped cement Niagara’s image as a honeymoon and murder mystery destination.
🔗 Watch scenes

Superman II (1980)

A pivotal scene was filmed at the Falls, where Clark Kent saves a boy who falls into the river.
The Falls served as a romantic setting for Superman and Lois Lane.
🔗 Scene on YouTube

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)

Although Niagara Falls wasn’t the actual filming location, the concept of massive waterfalls that fall off the edge of the world was inspired by the visual magnitude of the falls.
The look was digitally influenced by Niagara’s grandeur.
🔗 Film info

Bruce Almighty (2003)

Starring Jim Carrey as a Buffalo news reporter, with multiple scenes set at Niagara Falls.
Includes a memorable scene where Carrey’s character parts the waters of the Maid of the Mist.
🔗 Maid of the Mist scene

The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)

Action scenes filmed around the Niagara Falls area, especially in Ontario.
Geena Davis stars as an amnesiac schoolteacher who discovers her past as a spy.

Canadian Bacon (1995)

Directed by Michael Moore, this satire features scenes in Niagara Falls and pokes fun at U.S.–Canada relations.
Stars John Candy in one of his last film roles.

Camille (2008)

A dark romantic comedy starring James Franco and Sienna Miller.
Features a quirky honeymoon road trip to Niagara Falls with some scenes shot at the location.

Niagara Motel (2005)

A Canadian dark comedy-drama revolving around the lives of people connected to a seedy Niagara motel.
Highlights the grittier, lesser-seen side of Niagara’s tourism industry.

The Big Short (2015) (indirect reference)

A character jokes about moving to Niagara Falls after a financial windfall, referencing it as a quirky life goal.

TV Shows

Wonderfalls (2004)

A cult TV series set in a Niagara Falls souvenir shop.
The main character receives cryptic messages from talking objects.
Filmed in both Niagara Falls, Ontario, and nearby areas.
🔗 Show info

The Office (US) – Season 6, Episode 4-5 (“Niagara”)

Jim and Pam’s wedding takes place at Niagara Falls.
Features scenes of the Maid of the Mist and local hotels.
Boosted real-life wedding bookings in Niagara.
🔗 Niagara wedding episode

The Bachelorette (Season 6, 2010)

One of the episodes featured a date on the Maid of the Mist, showcasing the romance and misty atmosphere of the Falls.

Travel Man: 48 Hours in Niagara Falls (2020)

Richard Ayoade explores Niagara Falls with comedian Alice Levine.
The show highlights kitschy attractions and the natural wonders alike.

Ripley's Believe It or Not (Various Episodes)

Features segments on daredevils who went over Niagara Falls and lived, and bizarre stunts performed nearby.

Amazing Race (U.S. and Canada)

Multiple seasons have included challenges at or near Niagara Falls, featuring ziplining, the whirlpool, and boat rides.

Documentary & Educational Appearances

IMAX Film: "Niagara: Miracles, Myths & Magic"

Shown at the Niagara IMAX Theatre in Ontario.
Dramatic retelling of real-life stunts, legends, and the Falls' formation.

PBS & CBC Historical Documentaries

Focus on Niagara’s role in the War of 1812, Indigenous history, and its influence on Canadian-American relations.

Educational Niagara Falls Facts

Geological Formation

How old is Niagara Falls, and how was it formed?
Niagara Falls is approximately 12,000 years old, formed at the end of the last Ice Age when melting glaciers created the Great Lakes. Water from Lake Erie carved a path through the Niagara Escarpment, leading to the formation of the falls.

Is Niagara Falls eroding?
Yes. The falls erode at an average rate of about 1 foot (30 centimeters) per year due to the constant flow of water and natural geological processes.

Water Flow & Features

How fast does the Niagara River flow?
The Niagara River flows at approximately 35 miles per hour (56 kilometers per hour).

How much water flows over Niagara Falls?
During peak daytime hours, about 6 million cubic feet (168,000 cubic meters) of water go over the falls every minute, equivalent to approximately 1 million bathtubs full of water.

What are the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls consists of the Horseshoe Falls (Canadian side), the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls (both on the U.S. side).

Structures & Energy

How tall are the observation towers at Niagara Falls?

Skylon Tower: Rises 775 feet (236 meters) above the falls, offering panoramic views.
Konica Minolta Tower: Stands at 325 feet (99 meters) above the Horseshoe Falls.

How is hydroelectric power generated at Niagara Falls?
Water from the Niagara River is diverted through tunnels to hydroelectric power stations, such as the Sir Adam Beck stations in Ontario and the Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant in New York, generating electricity for both countries.

Etymology & Attractions

What does the name 'Niagara' mean?
'Niagara' is derived from the Indigenous word 'onguiaahra,' meaning 'a thundering noise,' reflecting the powerful sound of the falls.

What is the Whirlpool Aero Car?
The Whirlpool Aero Car is a cable car that transports visitors over the Niagara Whirlpool, offering spectacular views of the swirling rapids below.

Water's Journey

Where does the water from Niagara Falls go?
Water from the falls flows into the Niagara River, then into Lake Ontario, and eventually travels through the St. Lawrence River to the Atlantic Ocean.