By Chen Guanxin, MOOK Travel Life Network, compiled and reported | Source: Moleskine Editorial Department
Straddling the U.S.-Canada border, Niagara Falls is divided into the "Horseshoe Falls" and the "American Falls" by Goat Island. Seven hundred years ago, these two waterfalls were originally connected, but they later split due to geographical changes. The Horseshoe Falls, which is larger, belongs to Canada, while the smaller American Falls and Goat Island are on the U.S. side. Water from Lake Erie—one of the Great Lakes—flows into Lake Ontario at a powerful rate of 750,000 gallons per second. The intense erosion has made Niagara Falls the fastest-moving waterfall in the world. Every year, more than ten million tourists from around the globe visit to witness the grandeur of the falls, and the various entertainment facilities developed around it have made this area a true tourist destination.
The majestic Horseshoe Falls is the main attraction for global travelers visiting Niagara Falls. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
1. Horseshoe Falls
Belonging to Canada, the Horseshoe Falls spans 792 meters in width and accounts for about 90% of the total flow of Niagara Falls, making it the first image that comes to mind when most people think of the falls. The mighty waters from the upper reaches of the Niagara River rush down here from a height of 53 meters, creating a misty curtain that nearly obscures the waterfall.
The best viewing angle for the Horseshoe Falls is the Table Rock platform on the Canadian side. In fact, "Table Rock" has become a historical term because the waterfall’s constant retreat has caused the actual rock to shrink over time. For safety reasons, it was removed in 1935. Today, the former site of Table Rock has been developed into an observation walkway, with a visitor center nearby. Both day and night, tourists from all over the world come here to take photos with the falls as their backdrop.
Viewing the cascading waters at the same height as the falls is one of the most classic ways to experience Niagara. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
2. Maid of the Mist
Since its maiden voyage in 1846, the Maid of the Mist has been the most iconic way to enjoy Niagara Falls. Put on a thin blue raincoat and board the white double-decker boat to begin the most thrilling journey to the falls. Though it looks historic, the sturdy Maid of the Mist bravely sails from the riverbank toward the falls and enters the loop of the Horseshoe Falls. The surging waters come crashing down like a stampede, drenching everyone on board. In the midst of the misty spray, strangers onboard seem to become fellow adventurers sharing an unforgettable journey.
The Maid of the Mist looks small and delicate compared to the massive waterfall. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Looking up at the Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls from the boat, the deafening roar of the cascading waters and the thick mist are memories that last a lifetime. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
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