I became enamored with the Falls as a child in the 1960s and have visited periodically over the years. I agree with escalation746. The area has changed, but I would never discourage anyone from experiencing the incredible wonder of Niagara--- it’s still an awe-inspiring spectacle.
Yes, the downtown/commercial area of the US side is a dilapidated former industrial city and the commercial city centre of the Canadian side has become a collection of tacky casinos and “circus sideshow” museums and tourist traps.
The key to fully appreciating the natural beauty of the falls & gorge is to simply avoid these areas. Just because the other tourists are hanging out there, doesn’t make it the best place to be. The Niagara Parks Commission (Canadian side) has done an outstanding job of developing & maintaining numerous pastoral parks and gardens, which are scattered along the entire Niagara River-- from the upper rapids south of the Falls all the way up north to Lake Ontario. The gorge walk, whirlpool/aero car, the floral clock, the view from Queenston Heights Park, and the vineyards surrounding the postcard perfect village of Niagara-on-the-Lake are just some of the not-so-hidden treasures of the area.
On the US side, Goat Island Park is also well-maintained and pleasant, as is the drive north along the River through the quaint historic villages of Lewiston and Youngstown NY on the way to Fort Niagara.
Looking at it today, it seems hard to believe that this is not the nadir of Niagara’s neglect and exploitation. However, many people aren’t aware that Niagara was the site of the invention of electricity (AC). As such, it became the worldwide epicenter of innovation & industrial development at the turn of the century (the “Silicon Valley” of its day). Nearly 100 years ago, the Falls and lower gorge on both sides of the river were almost completely inaccessible to the public, as they were lined with noisy pollution-spewing factories.
As mentioned, the Falls we see today is only 25% of the flow that was seen during the time when Niagara was filmed. 75% of the water is diverted for hydroelectric power and, perhaps more significantly, in a deliberate effort to preserve the falls as an attraction. Because it’s comprised of soft limestone, the precipice is eroding at an alarmingly fast pace. Even with the reduction in flow, the Falls in retreating about a foot per year. If the full flow returned, many geologists estimate it would disintegrate into a fast-flowing rapids between the two lakes within 1,000 years.
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Sylvie17
13 years ago
What about the Bell tower? Is that still there?
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nostradumbass03
13 years ago
The 165 foot high bell tower, which was apparently only 5 years old during the filming of Niagara (it was finished in 1947) is absolutely still there, and is a landmark when you are entering Canada via the rainbow bridge. I don't see it ever being torn down, except like 500 years from now in a Planet of the apes, or Hunger Games type scenario. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_Tower
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