12 Fun Facts About Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara is one of the most popular day trips from Burlington, but how much do you really know about it? From the sheer volume of water that tumbles over the falls to a cable car that has been running for more than a century, here are 12 fun facts about Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake that might surprise you before your next visit.

Fun Facts About Niagara Falls

1. More Than 168,000 Cubic Metres of Water Go Over the Falls Every Minute

During peak daytime tourist hours, more than 168,000 cubic metres of water, about 6 million cubic feet, flow over the crestline of the falls every minute. It is the combination of height and volume that makes Niagara Falls so breathtaking.

2. The Horseshoe Falls Drops About 57 Metres

The Canadian Horseshoe Falls drops an average of 57 metres (188 feet) into the lower Niagara River. The American Falls is a little shorter, ranging from 21 to 34 metres (70 to 110 feet) in height.

3. The Water Flow Is Cut in Half at Night

During the high season, the "tourist flow" over the falls is 100,000 cubic feet per second, or about 2,832 cubic metres per second. The "non-tourist flow" is half that, at about 1,416 cubic metres per second. A treaty requires the daytime flow to stay at the higher level during the tourist season, from April 1 to September 15 between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m., and from September 16 to October 31 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

4. You Can Walk 125 Feet Down and Behind the Falls

Journey Behind the Falls at Table Rock Centre takes you down 125 feet through bedrock and into 130-year-old tunnels that lead behind the Horseshoe Falls. It is open year-round, so you can do it in any season.

5. The Only Niagara Falls Boat Tour Departs From the Canadian Side

Niagara City Cruises is the official supplier to Niagara Parks and runs Canada's only Niagara Falls boat tour, sailing past the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls and into the mist of the Horseshoe Falls.

6. A Cable Car Has Soared Over the Whirlpool for More Than 100 Years

The historic Whirlpool Aero Car has carried riders high over the Niagara River in an antique cable car for more than a century, offering spectacular views of the swirling Niagara Whirlpool and the teal-coloured river below.

7. The River Below Has Class 6 Rapids

At the White Water Walk on River Road, you can safely witness the raw power of the Niagara River's Class 6 rapids, some of the wildest found in North America, from a boardwalk right at the water's edge.

Fun Facts About Niagara's Gardens and Heritage

8. More Than 2,000 Butterflies Fly Free Inside One Greenhouse

The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory is one of the largest glass-enclosed butterfly conservatories in North America, home to more than 2,000 free-flying butterflies among ponds, waterfalls, and pathways. It sits inside the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, which were established in 1936 and span 99 acres.

9. A Hydropower Plant From 1905 Is Now an Attraction

The Niagara Parks Power Station was built in 1905 as a hydropower plant. Today you can descend in a glass-walled lift to explore its depths, then head to the viewing platform for striking views of the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the lower Niagara River.

10. You Can Zipline Over the Gorge for 670 Metres

Zipline to the Falls sends riders gliding 670 metres from the edge of the Niagara Gorge into the mist of the Horseshoe Falls, with views of both the American and Canadian falls. For a calmer view, relax at the shaded lily ponds of Oakes Garden Theatre, which we covered in our post on Oakes Garden Theatre, a Niagara Falls gem.

Fun Facts About Niagara-on-the-Lake

11. Niagara-on-the-Lake Is Wine Country, Just 25 Minutes Away

Niagara-on-the-Lake is about a 25-minute drive north of Niagara Falls and is best known as Canada's Niagara wine region. Every January, the Niagara Icewine Festival transforms the town into a winter wonderland for two weeks, and from May to October, the WEGO shuttle connects Niagara-on-the-Lake with Niagara Falls, so you can leave the car behind. Find more in our guide to taste the season in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

12. Fort George Tells 250 Years of History

Fort George National Historic Site, a Parks Canada attraction, offers insight into more than 250 years of Canadian history, including the War of 1812. A short walk away in downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake, Queen's Royal Park is known for its iconic gazebo, where you can look out over the Niagara River, Fort Niagara, and New York State.

Niagara Facts FAQ

How Tall Is Niagara Falls?

The Canadian Horseshoe Falls drops an average of 57 metres (188 feet), while the American Falls ranges from 21 to 34 metres (70 to 110 feet), according to Niagara Parks.

How Much Water Goes Over Niagara Falls?

During peak daytime tourist hours, more than 168,000 cubic metres of water flow over the falls every minute.

Does the Water Flow Change at Night?

Yes. In the high season, the daytime "tourist flow" is about 2,832 cubic metres per second, and the "non-tourist flow" is half of that.

Is Journey Behind the Falls Open Year-Round?

Yes, it is open year-round at Table Rock Centre.

Is Niagara a Good Day Trip From Burlington?

Yes. Niagara is a popular outing from Burlington, and our guide to the best day trips from Burlington has more ideas for planning one.

Explore More of Niagara

There is always more to discover in Niagara. Browse more Niagara stories on Burlington 365, and follow along for local events, history, and things to do across Burlington and its neighbours.