Niagara

Niagara commonly refers to Niagara Falls, a group of three waterfalls on the Niagara River, which forms part of the border between Ontario, Canada and New York, United States. The falls consist of Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, and the river flows from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. The site has long been a natural landmark and a focal point of tourism and industry in the Great Lakes region.

Geography and features: Horseshoe Falls is the largest and is centered on the Canadian side, while American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls lie on the American side. Heights range from roughly 20 to 60 meters (with Horseshoe Falls being the highest) and widths vary among the three falls. The Niagara River carries a substantial volume of water year-round, making the falls among the most powerful natural waterfalls in North America. The surrounding area includes parks, promenades, and observation points on both sides of the border.

History and significance: The falls have been a major site for hydroelectric power development since the late 19th century. The Niagara Falls Power Project and subsequent facilities helped demonstrate and popularize long-distance alternating current transmission, influencing electric power infrastructure worldwide. Today, generating stations on both the Canadian and American sides supply electricity to regional grids. Niagara is also a major tourist destination, with boat tours, vantage points, and parks such as Niagara Falls State Park in the United States and Niagara Parks in Canada, along with related regional attractions and cultural references. The name Niagara is used more broadly for surrounding regions and institutions, including the Niagara Peninsula wine country and educational institutions in the area.