The Niagara Falls

The Niagara Falls are a cataract on the Niagara River in northeastern North America, one of the continent's most famous spectacles. The falls lie on the border between Ontario, Canada and New York state, U.S. The falls are in two principal parts, separated by Goat Island. The larger division, adjoining the left, or Canadian, bank in Horseshoe Falls; its height is 185 feet and the length of its curving crest line is about 2,200 feet. The American Falls, adjoining the right bank, are 190 feet high and 1,060 feet across. Excellent views of the falls are obtained from Queen Victoria Park on the Canadian side; from prospect Point of the U.S. side at the edge of the American Falls; and from Rainbow Bridge, which spans the Niagara gorge about 1,000 feet downstream from Prospect point. Visitors may cross from the U.S. shore to Goat Island by footbridge and may take an elevator to the foot of the falls and visit the Cave of the Winds behind the curtain of falling water.