Each day our captains tour thousands of visitors to the natural world wonder that is Niagara Falls. Aboard our 20-minute Voyage to the Falls boat tour, there is so much to see and think about. Although the Falls is powerful and jaw-dropping there are many geological and historical sites that can only be seen from water level. We’re answering your questions and giving you the insider scoop to the many hidden gems of the Niagara Gorge.
What Is That Old Building?
Built in 1905 this building once was the power generation station for the Ontario Power Company. The company was private and American owned. During the first five years of operations the station sold more than 35,000 w (26 VM) to Lockport, Niagara and the Ontario Power Company that distributed electricity to the region of New York State.
What is the Bridge that Crosses the Niagara River?
Although there are several international border crossings from Ontario to the United States only four international crossings connect the Niagara Region to Niagara Falls and Buffalo, New York. The Rainbow bridge is 73 years old and connects Niagara Falls, Ontario to Niagara Falls, New York. Additional bridges in the area include the Peace Bridge that connects Fort Erie, Ontario to Buffalo, New York, the Whirlpool Bridge connects Niagara Falls, Ontario to Niagara Falls, New York and the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge that connects Queenston, Ontario to Lewiston, New York. The Rainbow bridge sees thousands of travellers journey over it each day.
What Type of Rocks Make Up The Niagara Gorge?
The rock that forms the 12,500-year-old rock wall along the Niagara Gorge is made out of dolomitic limestone (dolostone) which is the surface rock combined with soft layers of rock (shale) beneath the limestone. When Niagara Falls was formed over 4,500 years ago it exposed rock layers of tropical and saltwater seas dating back 400 to 440 million years ago. Layers of clay, sand and shells that eventually merged under pressure forming sedimentary rock.
What is the Land on the Right of the Canadian Horseshoe Crestline?
Table Rock is one of the best ways to see the top of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The land there forms a large shelf of rock that juts out overlooking the depth of the Falls. Between 1818 and 1897, Table Rock saw many collapses. It wasn’t until 1935 that the remaining rock was blasted away. Today, the view hosts the Table Rock Welcome Centre, an observation deck, as well as restaurants and souvenir shops.
