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Niagara Falls
The Niagara River, as
is the entire Great Lakes Basin of which the river is an integral part,
is a legacy of the last Ice Age. 18,000 years ago southern Ontario was
covered by ice sheets 2-3 kilometers thick. As they advanced southward
the ice sheets gouged out the basins of the Great Lakes. Then as they melted
northward for the last time they released vast quantities of meltwater
into these basins. Our water is "fossil water"; less than one percent of
it is renewable on an annual basis, the rest leftover from the ice sheets.
During the busier months of
July and August, two
popular attractions- Cave of the Winds and Journey behind the Falls can
have long waiting lines. Best time to visit is in the early morning or
late afternoon.
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The Honeymoon Capital of
the World, this city of nearly 81,000 people is defined by the stunning
and world famous waterfalls. Its two bridges are the busiest border crossings
between Canada and the United States. Tourism remains the leading economic
sector in the city, with annual visitors estimated at 14 million. The city's
economy is also driven by manufacturing in automotive, food & beverage,
chemical, abrasive and steel fabrication. Environmental, engineering, warehousing
and distribution centres are also emerging sectors in the economy. The
mighty river plunges over a cliff of dolostone and shale. Niagara Falls
is the second largest
falls on the globe next
to Victoria Falls in southern Africa.
One fifth of all the
fresh water in the world lies in the four Upper Great Lakes-Michigan, Huron,
Superior and Erie.
All the outflow empties into the Niagara river and eventually cascades
over
the falls.
Attractions are linked
to numerous activities around the Falls and many are administered by the
Niagara Parks Commission, a self-funded provincial agency. They include
seasonal boat tours on the legendary Maid of the Mist fleet, Whirlpool
Aerial Car, Journey Behind the Falls, the Great Gorge Adventure, which
takes visitors along the banks of the churning Niagara River rapids, world
class golf courses and an $11.5 million Butterfly Conservatory that was
opened in 1996. This beautiful 11,000 sq. ft. facility boasts 2,000 butterflies
of many exotic varieties.
Niagara chefs focus on
fresh, regional produce picked at their peak of perfection. With international
influences and regional flair, Niagara cuisine is really fusion food with
a unique twist – its wine country influence.
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Choose from sophisticated
and elegant venues or relax in a casual bistro. There are eclectic wine
bars and winery restaurants which pair fine Niagara wines with fabulous
food; themed restaurants for your fun-loving nature; family fare at fun
cafés and bistros; and fine dining with panoramic views overlooking
the Falls. Or indulge in upscale glamour in several top-of-the-line places
sure to tempt your palate.
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Ethnic and international
fare, served with a regional flavour, abounds in Niagara. From Asian delights
to North American favourites, the restaurants of Niagara Falls offer the
best.
Other notable privately owned
attractions in Niagara Falls include; Marineland, Niagara Helicopters,
Great Wolf Lodge and Waterpark, Bird Kingdom, Skylon Tower, Clifton Hill
Entertainment District and numerous other family fun attractions. The famous
Winter Festival of Lights in Queen Victoria Park is a premier Christmas
season light festival, running from mid-November to mid-January, with fireworks
and live concerts offered at no charge. A Festival of Lights is held simultaneously
in the City of Niagara Falls, New York. The Falls are made up of three
distinct waterfalls, the American, the Horseshoe and Bridal Veil Falls.
Nightly illumination by coloured spotlights creates an incredible spectacle.
Perched on a cliff Niagara
Fallsview Casino Resort overlooks the world famous Niagara Falls, is one
of the most remarkable resorts in the entire world! With over 3,000 slot
machines and 150 gaming tables spread over 200,000 square feet, this is
among the largest and most impressive casinos in North America. Fallsview
also offers an endless selection of food, shops and blockbuster entertainment. |