Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada

Niagara Falls is one of the most visited tourist attractions in North America, and it continues to grow in popularity. The falls are a natural wonder and offer stunning views that attract people from all over the world. If you're planning a vacation, be sure to include Niagara Falls on your list of places to see.

Niagara Falls is located in the province of Ontario, Canada. It is about 20 miles from the United States border. Niagara Falls is situated on the Niagara River, which forms the international border between Canada and the United States. The falls are 17 miles north of Buffalo, New York and 75 miles south of Toronto, Ontario.

Niagara Falls consists of three separate waterfalls: the American Falls, the Horseshoe Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. The American Falls is the smallest of the three waterfalls while the Horseshoe Falls is the largest. The Horseshoe Falls lies mostly on the Canadian side of the border while about a third of it falls in New York.

Niagara Falls is approximately 148 meters tall. The height of Niagara Falls varies depending on which part of the falls you measure. The Horseshoe Falls are generally considered to be the tallest while the American Falls are shorter. Regardless of the measurements, Niagara Falls is an impressive sight that should be seen by everyone at least once in their lifetime.

For the first time in 12,000 years, Niagara Falls was drained in 1969. And it was intentional! The joint American-Canadian commission decided to drain the falls for five days in order to study its geological composition. Over the three days in June 1969, nearly 28,000 tons of rocky fill was dropped into a cofferdam upstream of the falls until the flow of Niagara River diverted into much larger Horseshoe Falls, and the land was left completely dry.

Can Niagara Falls freeze completely during winter? Well, not quite. Although the coat of the stream may freeze due to extremely low temperatures, water continues to flow beneath the ice. Nevertheless, the sight of Niagara Falls in winter is an impressive thing to see since it actually looks like the falls have stopped.

Every night, beginning with dusk, Niagara Falls transforms into beautiful lights and sound installations. The pouring water of the falls is lit in multiple colors from the Illumination Tower. These colors, contrasting with the nights' sky, create an incredible view. The lights on the falls are also used to celebrate different occasions, such as national holidays, or support charitable causes.

There are plenty of great hotels to stay near Niagara Falls. Here are some of them:

• Holiday Inn Niagara Falls - A freshly renovated hotel offers an excellent location, only steps away from the falls. It's a perfect place for a stroll down to the falls.
  
  
• Hilton Niagara Falls - This hotel is connected to the Fallsview Casino's Entertainment Centre and includes an indoor pool and 3 restaurants. It's a perfect choice for those who appreciate the quality of the well-known chain.
  
  
• The Oakes Hotel - This 4-star hotel features a lounge overlooking the incredible Horseshoe Falls. Located next door to Fallsview Casino, it provides comfort and entertainment to its guests.
  
  
• Days by Wyndham Niagara Falls Centre St. By the Falls - This hotel is located in Niagara Falls, only 500 m away from Casino Niagara. The 3-star hotel features an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk.

Niagara Falls is not only a natural treasure but also an entertainment center with plenty of opportunities to eat around. Here are some of the best places, recommended by locals and travelers:

• Buchanans Steak & Seafood - Located in the DoubleTree Fallsview Resort & Spa by Hilton Niagara Falls, this restaurant is a perfect blend of a modern steakhouse and chic lounge. The most popular meals on the menu include calamari, shrimp cocktail, lobster, and special Buchanans' French onion soup.
  
  
• The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Enjoying a steak and a drink while overlooking the falls? That's exactly what this restaurant, located on the 9th floor of the Embassy Suites, offers! Built especially for a great view of the falls, the only competition for this incredible view is their great steaks.
  
  
• Rainforest Cafe - Located on Falls Avenue Resort directly across from the Falls, this restaurant offers a menu to suit every family members' needs. It has the most popular dishes, including hamburgers, pasta, salads, and their signature sandwiches.