Exploring Great Destinations in the Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada
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Exploring Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls

The City of Niagara Falls derived its name from the famous Niagara Falls, but long before that the area surrounding the falls was made up of three communities; Drummondville, Clifton and Elgin.

In 1861 the three communities were combined to form Niagara Falls, which became incorporated as a city in 1904. Even by this time the community was seeing enormous growth in the tourism industry. With the construction of bridges linking the U.S to Canada as well as a burgeoning automobile industry Niagara Falls was becoming the premiere North American tourist destination. Hotels began to spring up catering to this new tourist industry. The first ever museum in Canada was opened in 1827 by Thomas Barnett.

Because of its natural beauty, moderate winters and close proximity to the American border the city of Niagara Falls soon became the Honeymoon Capital, with hundreds of newlyweds flocking to view the falls and take in the many sites and attractions.


niagara falls
The City of the Falls
Around the year 1830 an enterprising group of prominent businessmen put together a plan that would serve two purposes. more....


early tourists
The First Tourists
A canyon, worn 150 to 200 feet deep by the waters of an ancient river and a dividing line between two countries, although majestic... more...


early hotel
Early Accommodations
The new Clifton House was rebuilt in 1906 at a cost of $500,000.00. The hotel was furnished exquisitely and equipped with... more....


early tourists
Bridges of the Past
A canyon, worn 150 to 200 feet deep by the waters of an ancient river and a dividing line between two countries, although majestic... more...


maid of the mist
The Maid of the Mist
A visit to Niagara Falls is not complete without a voyage on the Maid of the Mist. Originally the tiny boats were built to ferry... more...


niagara parks
The History of the Niagara Parks Commission
In 1878 Governor General Lord Dufferin, during a meeting with Governor Robinson of New York... more.....

Places to Visit around Niagara Falls

There is more to see at Niagara Falls than just the Falls. Bird-watching at Dufferin Islands in the winter, a visit to the Niagara Parks Greenhouse in the spring and a summer evening stroll in Queen Victoria Park. These are just a few of the many places to see when you visit Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.


niagara falls
The School of Horticulture
In the summer of 1936 the Niagara School of Horticulture was opened. It was situated along the newly built Niagara Parkway on a 200 acre tract of land ... more...


dufferin islands
Dufferin Islands
Originally called Clark Islands the property was purchased by the Niagara Parks Commission in 1887, and renamed Dufferin Islands in honour of Canadian... more...


floral clock
The Floral Clock
The building of the Floral Clock in Niagara Falls, Ontario was initiated by the chairman of Ontario Hydro, who had seen a similar one on a business trip to... more...


festival of lights
Winter Festival of Lights
From early November until the end of January, Niagara Falls, Ontario is home to the Winter Festival of Lights. From Queen Victoria Park to Dufferin Islands... more...


greenhouse
Niagara Parks Greenhouse
The greenhouse was built in 1894 as a propagation greenhouse to supply the newly developed Queen Victoria Park with annuals for the gardens. more...


clifton hill Clifton Hill District
The Clifton Hill District is a sharp contrast to the majestic Niagara Falls. Lined with souvenir shops, eateries and museums, it would seem that vendors have always had to compete with the falls for attention... more...