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Niagara Gorge Facts

Posted on by calvin

The Niagara Gorge and it’s series of trails is a favourite amongst locals in Niagara Falls. Here’s more information on the Niagara Gorge and why it is so revered amongst locals & tourists alike.

Niagara Gorge Facts

How long is the Niagara Gorge?

The sheer force of the waters that rush along the Niagara River have resulted in a landscape a little more dramatic than the average riverbank. Over a 11-kilometre (6.8-mile) stretch running from Niagara Falls northward, is the Niagara Gorge.

How old is the rock in the Niagara Gorge

The gorge rock is a series of sedentary layers, known as strata – hundreds of million years ago, various layers of clay, mud, sand and various organic matter were pressed into pressurised layers. The Niagara River, first coming from melting ice sheets following the Ice Age 18,000 years ago, has effectively dug out several strata from the earth to form its riverbank. Looking across the river to the American side from the area around the Canadian town of Niagara Falls is a great way to see these different coloured layers of rock, clay and fossils.

How many KM of trails are in the Niagara Gorge?

Of course, the best way to see the geology of Niagara Gorge up close is through the 24 kilometres (15 miles) of hiking and walking tracks running along or near the gorge. Because of how interconnected they are, you can take on a single leg or explore a small isolated area (such as north of the whirlpool) or attempt the whole 11 kilometre movement from the falls to the end of the escarpment, a full afternoon of hiking.

Where are the best places to hike in the Niagara Gorge

The Niagara Gorge trail system has several entry points. On the Canadian side, some of the best trails are in Niagara Glen, a pristine strip of wilderness downriver from the whirlpool. On the US side, there’s a connected trail running the whole length of the gorge up to Queenston, with entry and exit points including the Niagara Whirlpool, Devil’s Hole State Park, and the US-based Niagara Gorge Discovery Center.

Where is the best place to view the Niagara Whirlpool

The best place toview the Whirlpool is at the bottom of the gorge! It’s accessible after a short 5-minute hike down a path to the Whirlpool. This pathway, along with parking, is accessible at 4013, 4009 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E

There’s a lot to learn about Niagara Gorge – the way its rock layers have formed, the sights to see, the plants and trees that grow there, the variety of birdlife that call it home. But the best way to take it all in is to see the sights for yourself.

Stay at the #1 rated TripAdvisor Fallsview Hotel, the Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa. For our best rates view our:

Niagara Falls Hotel Packages

Niagara Falls Walking Routes

Posted on by calvin

Niagara might have a range of public transport options, but sometimes going on foot is just as memorable. The short distances allow for walkers to get an intimate portrait of Niagara.

Using the Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa as a starting point, here’s the best route to take to get to some of the common traveller destinations reachable by foot:

Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa Walking Routes to Attractions

  • Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa to Fallsview Casino: the easiest walk imaginable, as it’s not only close but on the same road. Exit the Marriott onto Fallsview Boulevard and head right (north) for about 300 metres and there you are. If you hit Murray Street you’ve gone too far, but the casino’s tricky to miss.

  • Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa to Queen Victoria Park: as the parkland covers some length of the Niagara River’s edge, there are a couple of routes to take, but the most direct will take about 15 minutes. Head down Fallsview Boulevard and turn right at Murray Street. You’ll come into the parkland at Queen Victoria Place.

  • Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa to Clifton Hill: Again, a couple of options, with all the good ones starting with that walk to Murray and turning right. Asking navigator software for a route will lock onto turning left off Murray onto Robinson Street, past Skylon Tower and continuing until you hit the Clifton main road (if you see Ripley’s, you’re there). But a better route might be continuing down Murray until you hit Queen Victoria Park, and taking the parkway northward to the intersection of Clifton Hill and Falls Avenue. It’s only a couple of minutes longer and offers more pleasant scenery. Either way’s about two kilometres long and should be covered in under half an hour.

  • Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa to Niagara Atrium/Casino Niagara: The other main casino in Niagara other than Fallsview sits adjacent to the main Clifton Hill strip. Head to Clifton Hill as above, then continue along Falls Avenue; if you went the Robinson Street route to Clifton then turn right after the Ripley’s to reach the avenue, but if you arrived via the parkland then you’re already there. Continue along Falls Avenue up to Rainbow Bridge and the whole complex is on your left.

As you can see, there is plenty to see & do within short walking distance of our hotel. And this doesn’t even include sites like Niagara Falls, Hornblower Cruises, the Scotiabank Convention Centre and Journey Behind the Falls.

Stay at the #1 rated TripAdvisor Fallsview Hotel, the Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa. For our best rates view our:

Niagara Falls Hotel Packages

Best Spas in Niagara Falls

Posted on by calvin

Feeling tired and stressed out is a common complaint that we have in our busy lives but a session at the spa is the perfect antidote to feel relaxed and calm once again. If you are on a vacation to Niagara Falls, there are plenty of spas providing a range of services. The Serenity Spa by the Falls and Christienne Fallsview Spa are the Best Spas in Niagara Falls.

Best Spas in Niagara Falls

Serenity Spa by the Falls

One of the top spas in North America, Serenity Spa by the Falls is located at the Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa in Ontario. Head there for a relaxing range of treatments that include:

  • Massages
  • Facials
  • Manicures and Pedicures
  • Body Treatments
  • Youth Treatments
  • Beauty Services
  • Deluxe Packages

Most of the sessions last for 30 to 60 minutes. Depending on the service there are 90 minute sessions as well.

The massages are great for mind and body relaxation. Relaxation Massage, Aromatherapy Massage, Original Couples Massage are some of the wonderful services available here. You can also try out the Reflexology therapy.

Your skin will feel fresh, clean and soft after you try the facials at the spa. The skin care professionals have a range of treatments including Waterfalls Bliss Signature Facial, Get Up and Go Facial and Skin Escape for Men.
You can also sit back and relax at the spa while enjoying one of the several manicure and pedicure services. Try the deluxe packages such as the Serenity Now Package, Romance for Two, and Spa Wellness Package that combine two or more services. A range of beauty services are also available including make-up, waxing and hairstyling.

The Serenity Spa by the Falls is TripAdvisor’s #1 rated Niagara Falls Fallsview District Spa. For more information on treatments, specials and appointments visit:

Serenity Spa by the Falls

Christienne Fallsview Spa

Christienne Fallsview Spa has an amazing range of services and a great location overlooking the Canadian and American Falls. Located at the Sheraton Fallsview hotel, the spa is rated as #1 Niagara Falls Clifton Hill Area Spa on TripAdvisor recently. The spa also has an infinity hydrotherapy tub where you can soak in the water and relax while admiring the view of the waterfalls.

Spa services include:

  • Facials
  • Massages
  • Body Experiences
  • Manicures
  • Pedicures
  • Tinting & Waxing

The facial services cleanse your face through various treatments. These include Eye Logic for the eyes and others such as Aromatic Facials, Men’s Executive Facial and Hydradermie Double Ionization for hydration and oxygenation.

Rejuvenate your mind and body with a range of massages. Try a traditional Relaxation Massage, Stress Relief Massage or Deep Tissue Massage. Thai Hot Stem Massage, Thai Foot Massage and even a Mother-to-Be massage are also available. Reiki and Reflexology are some other services that are great for wellness.

You can try one of the Body Experiences for detoxifying and exfoliating such as Marine Holistic Indulgence and Aromatic Body Contouring Treatment. Enjoy a range of manicures and pedicures including the Christienne Signature ones. You can get an amazing spa experience with one of the Signature, Essential or Couples packages. Beauty treatments such as waxing and tinting are also available at the spa.

The Christienne Fallsview Spa is TripAdvisor’s #1 rated Niagara Falls Clifton Hill District Spa and is the perfect place to visit if you are in the Clifton Hill area of Niagara Falls. For more information visit:

Christienne Fallsview Spa

Both of these Spa’s are the best of the best in Niagara Falls, and one or both are worth a visit during your next Niagara Falls Vacation.

Stay at the #1 rated TripAdvisor Fallsview Hotel, the Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa. For our best rates view our:

Niagara Falls Hotel Packages

Niagara Falls USA Day Trip Itinerary

Posted on by calvin

While Niagara Falls, New York, USA is considered to be far behind the Canadian side for attractions and things to do, it is still worth visiting for a quick day trip while visiting the area. Here are some of the best locations to visit during a day trip to Niagara Falls, New York, USA, when visiting from our hotel, the Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa, located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

Niagara Falls USA Attraction Itinerary

Niagara Falls State Park

Built in 1885, the Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the USA. It is home to the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls and a part of the Horseshoe Falls. Try out attractions such as the Maid of the Mist boat ride which takes you past the American and Bridal Veil Falls and goes right up to the basin of the mighty Horseshoe Falls.

Experience the Cave of the Winds tour that gives you the closest encounter with the falls. You can view the front of the Bridal Veil Falls by taking an elevator to the Niagara Gorge. Walk through wooden walkways to the Hurricane Deck situated just 20 feet from the cascading waters. It’s so close that you can feel the strong winds and the water spraying down on you.

Other attractions in the state park include the Niagara Falls Observation Tower which stands at a height of over 200 feet. The deck extends out over the gorge dramatically with views of stunning landscapes. From here, you can see all three falls – American, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls–together. Besides this, head to the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center to explore natural and local history as well as rock climbing, hiking and biking trails. The Aquarium of Niagara is another attraction with over 1500 aquatic animals including sea lions, penguins, seals, sharks, sturgeons, seahorses and more.

These types of attractions can be replicated on the Canadian Side of the border, with Hornblower Niagara Cruises, Journey Behind the Falls and the Skylon Tower Observation Deck. For more inforamtion on these attractions visit Magnificent Tours of Niagara’s Scenic Tour

Goat Island

This wonderful island attraction is accessible from the Niagara Falls State Park. Goat Island is an uninhabited island located between the Horseshoe and the Bridal Veil Falls. Filled with natural beauty and greenery, Goat Island can be accessed only from the American side of the falls. Terrapin Point is a major attraction here as the observation area is situated very close to the Horseshoe Falls. You can head for the Cave of the Winds tour from Goat Island. Access to Three Sisters Islands and Luna Island that separates the Bridal Veil Falls from the American Falls is also available through Goat Island.

Seneca Niagara Casino

The award-winning 147,000 square foot casino is a gamer’s delight with slots, table games, poker, keno and much more. A 26-storey luxury hotel is also a part of this establishment. The casino is managed by the Seneca Niagara Falls Gaming Corporation owned by the Seneca Nation of Indians. More than 3,000 reel and video slots ranging from penny spin machines to the $5 to $100 limit machines in the High-Limit Slot area await the gamer. Play about 100 table games including classic favourites like Blackjack, Roulette, Three Card Poker, and more. Poker and keno lovers can head to the superb Poker Room with 16 tables or go to the Keno lounge. You can also catch the action at The Mezz which is an 18+ gaming area.

The Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa, located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, is TripAdvisor’s #1 Rated Fallsview Hotel, with a breath taking view of the Horseshoe Falls. The hotel is located within a one minute incline railway trip to The Brink of Niagara Falls, as well as a five minute drive from the US/Canadian Border. For more information about our hotel, as well as our preferred guest hotel packages, visit: Niagara Falls Hotel Packages

4 Reasons Why You Should Propose in Niagara Falls

Posted on by Jeff Johnson

SOTFblog7Niagara Falls is well known as the honeymoon capital of the world, and couples have been celebrating their nuptials here for well over a century. Many have dreamt of a Niagara Falls wedding, but before you do that you have to pop the question. The falls always make for the perfect romantic backdrop and the city itself has almost created itself around the honeymoon industry.

Aside from that, Niagara Falls is also the perfect place to propose to your significant other, for many reasons. If you’re ready to pop the question and want your proposal to be a special surprise, Niagara is the perfect destination and these are just a few of the reasons why.

1. Niagara Epitomizes Romance

We already mentioned that Niagara is the honeymoon capital, and that means that the entire region is geared toward celebrating couples. Hotels, restaurants, wineries, and other sites or attractions are always prepared to implement a romantic theme at a moment’s notice.

Any concierge, restaurant manager, or public relations manager at any of Niagara’s businesses will happily help you plan the intimate or extravagant proposal that you have in mind, and they also have the contacts to help them help you. In short, hospitality specialists in Niagara know romance, and they have the tools to get things done.

2. Niagara Is Unexpected

Your partner might expect a honeymoon in Niagara, because that just makes sense, but he or she probably won’t expect a proposal in Niagara, especially if you’re just planning a weekend getaway. This makes it the perfect way to sneak in a surprise marriage proposal without having to sneak around too much.

Just be sure to keep things low key and don’t divulge too much about your plans. Keep things simple, make special reservations and keep them a secret, and be sure to clear your browser history, just in case.

SOTFblog83. Niagara Is Convenient

You shouldn’t label something as important as a marriage proposal as convenient, but the truth is that Niagara is very convenient and is easily reached by car or a short flight from most of the eastern United States and Canada. This means that if you don’t have quite enough time for a longer vacation, Niagara is the perfect destination for a spur of the moment long weekend, which means your partner is less likely to suspect that they have a big surprise waiting for them.

If you and your partner regularly take short trips together, this trip to Niagara will just appear to be another adventure to add to your list, but the reality will take their breath away.

4. Niagara Is Beautiful

Let’s face it; Niagara Falls is simply beautiful. The entire region is gorgeous no matter what time of year you visit, and everything from the falls to the parks to the hiking trails reflect the natural beauty of this part of the world.

You want your proposal to take place in a beautiful setting. So whether it’s at Massimo’s Italian Fallsview Restaurant overlooking the falls or on a secluded trail near the river, your proposal deserves to be surrounded by as much beauty and romance as possible and Niagara will give you that, and more.

Niagara Falls Sunset

Posted on by calvin

As the day comes to a close in Niagara Falls and the sun begins its descent into the horizon, the sky is bathed in beautiful colours. Sunsets in Niagara Falls are spectacular because of the gorgeous landscape in all seasons that makes the entire process very interesting. And when the view includes the magnificent Niagara Falls, the experience is a memorable one.

What time of day do Niagara Falls Sunsets take place?

Sunset times in Niagara Falls vary vastly according to the season. So during the spring and summer months between April and September, sunsets usually occur between 7.45 p.m. and 9 p.m. In the autumn months, October sunset times are between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. while November witnesses earlier sunsets between 4.30 p.m. and 6 p.m. When winter arrives, the sun sets between 4.30 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. in December and January, while February and March sunsets take place between 5.30 p.m. and 7.40 p.m. These are approximate times, give or take a few minutes here and there.

Best Niagara Falls Sunset Viewing Locations

While you can catch the magnificent sunsets from various points in the city, a couple of places offer mesmerising views. One such place is the Skylon Tower that is 775 feet high with spectacular views.

Head to the top of the tower in one of the Yellow Bug elevators and make your way to the outdoor observation deck. As the sun retires for the night, it bathes the sky in several lovely hues and the effect is amazing when clubbed with the wonderful landscape that includes the Niagara Falls and the river. Don’t forget your camera as you can some get divine pictures of the scene. Another great place to watch the sunset is from the brink of the falls at the Table Rock Welcome Centre.

You are really close to the falls here and when the sun sets, the surroundings look like a beautiful painting with the gushing waters, the patterns in the clouds and the lovely colours in the sky. A unique place to watch the sunset is from the Niagara SkyWheel. As it goes around taking you 175 feet above the ground, you can catch the sunset against the backdrop of the falls. Sometimes indoor viewpoints are also good places to watch the sunset, hotels such as the Marriott Fallsview Hotel and Spa have rooms with magical sunset views.

Regram @chalo.duran | #wine and comfort from a #fallsviewroom overlooking #NiagaraFalls @marriott_fallsview

A photo posted by Marriott Fallsview Niagara (@marriott_fallsview) on

If you are in Niagara Falls, you have to experience its exquisite sunsets. As evening arrives, head to a good vantage point and watch the sun spread its lovely hues all over the city.

Experience a sunset from one of our Fallsview Rooms. We’re the #1 rated TripAdvisor Fallsview Hotel. For our best rates view our:

Niagara Falls Hotel Packages

Must-Have Souvenirs From Niagara Falls

Posted on by Jeff Johnson

sotfblog8One of the best parts of any vacation is picking up souvenirs as a memory of your trip or as gifts for friends and family who weren’t able to join you. These mementos can live on forever as a fond reminder of time spent visiting incredible destinations around the world.

Niagara Falls offers a number of souvenir stands and shops including the Great Canadian Gifts Shop inside the Sheraton Fallsview hotel, but what is the perfect souvenir for your trip? T-shirts and other branded mementos always come to mind, but when it comes to Niagara Falls you want something equally as spectacular as the mighty falls themselves.

While everyone has their own taste, these are just a few souvenir ideas you can keep in mind when visiting Niagara Falls.

Niagara Wine

Niagara Falls is known around the world for the superb quality of its wines, so a bottle or even a case of your favorite local wine is a wonderful souvenir that you can keep for yourself or share with family and friends. How do you choose which wines to bring home? You can visit Niagara’s Wine Rack shop, or even embark on a winery tour.

There are a number of wineries in the area to choose from and all have expert sommeliers to guide your through tastings and the purchase of your souvenir wine. In most cases you can even mix and match various vintages and types to suit your taste. Just be sure to check with your home country’s customs rules regarding alcohol to ensure that your purchase doesn’t exceed the import limit.

Branded Souvenirs

T-shirts, ashtrays, snow globes, and more have usually been the Niagara Falls souvenir of choice for decades. While these items may seem dated that couldn’t be further from the truth. Competition is fierce in the souvenir market so the designers and suppliers have really upped their games.

You’ll find these types of souvenirs all over town, but pay close attention, especially if you’re shopping with other people in mind. If your pet sitter collects shot glasses you’ll have hundreds to choose from. If your nephew likes colorful T-shirts you’ll be overwhelmed with choices. However, no matter what you choose you can be sure that your souvenir gift will always be a reminder of Niagara Falls.

sotfblog9Commemorative Photo Albums

Millions of photos of the falls are taken every year by visitors just like you. While many of these make it to Facebook and Instagram, why not take your photos one step further and create a one of a kind photo album?

If you have time, there are several photo printing shops in Niagara Falls, but you can always wait until you get home. Then you can gather your favorite shots that have been retouched or filtered through Instagram or other apps and send the digital files off to be printed and bound. Not only is this a great way for you to remember your trip, but if your visit was for a special occasion this can also serve as a fantastic gift for others to enjoy as well.

Souvenirs never go out of style, and with the wide array of choices in Niagara Falls you’ll be sure to pick up something memorable. Who knows? You souvenir may even inspire to plan another trip to Niagara in the future.

Niagara Falls Sunrise

Posted on by calvin

Getting up early has its own advantages especially in a beautiful place. In Niagara Falls, you can catch the glorious sunrise as it lights up the sky and start your day on a wonderful note. There’s something about watching a sunrise that fills you with optimism and hope, and when the landscape is as beautiful as the Niagara Falls, it’s even better.

Niagara Falls Sunrise Time

Sunrise in Niagara Falls takes place at different times depending on the season. So, during spring and summer from April to September, the sun rises between 5.30 a.m. and 7.15 a.m. It rises later in April and September while the months in between witness early sunrises. Timings of the sunrise in the autumn and winter months (October to March) are usually between 6.45 a.m. and 8.00 a.m. So you can afford to wake up late during certain months and still catch the sun rise. What’s even better is that each season has its own charm. A sunrise in spring and summer offers green landscapes, bright skies and colourful blossoms against the flowing waters of the Niagara Falls, and fall foliage and snow white landscapes add a different dimension during autumn and winter.

Niagara Falls Sunrise Viewing Locations

Catch fabulous views of the sunrise from the Skylon Tower. It opens at 8 a.m. so you can still catch late sunrises along with the spectacular landscape from 775 feet. The views include the Niagara River and the falls, the gorge and the landscape on the Canadian as well as American side. When the sun’s rays emerge through the clouds lighting up everything in beautiful colours, time stands still.
At the Table Rock Welcome Centre, as you stand by the railing on the brink of the mighty Horseshoe Falls watching the sun rise, it is an unforgettable sight. As dawn arrives, the sun’s rays stream through the clouds in the sky and the waters below gush down in all their glory. It is a hypnotic sight and makes for great photography as well. The centre is open all 24 hours so you can head there early or late to catch the sun rise.

## Fallsview Sunrises

However, the **ultimate sunrise View of Niagara Falls takes place right from your room**! Fallsview rooms at the **Marriott Fallsview** overlook Niagara Falls, allowing you to slowly take in the sunrise from the climate controlled comfort of your own room. Sip from a warm cup coffee, perhaps order a room service breakfast, then sit back & relax as you check out the gorgeous views.
It is really worth your while to wake up a wee bit early to watch the sun rise in Niagara Falls.

Don’t take our word for it, look again at the **guest submitted Niagara Falls sunrise**photos taken from our Fallsview Rooms!

Stay at the #1 rated TripAdvisor Fallsview Hotel, the Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa. For our best rates view our:

Niagara Falls Hotel Packages

Some of the Birds You Might Get to See in Niagara

Posted on by Jeff Johnson

sotfblog7There is much to look forward to when planning a Niagara vacation, and getting away from your stressful routine to enjoy some much-need rest and relaxation is just the beginning. From the region’s stunning waterfalls and wine country to our world-class restaurants and nightlife, you can literally spend every minute of every day in wonder and gratitude.

Niagara is a veritable feast of fun for people from all walks of life. It doesn’t matter whether your idea of a good time includes slot machines or hiking, a Niagara vacation is almost certainly the vacation for you.

That being said, some of Niagara’s attractions still manage to fly beneath the radar. One of the region’s finest lesser-known offerings is bird watching. Whether you’re a trained ornithologist or you just love putting a pair of binoculars to your eyes to find the source of a particularly thrilling bird call, a trip to Niagara is perfect for bird lovers. Here are just some of the birds you might get to see if you plan a bird watching trip to the area.

Bald Eagle

Known as the national symbol of the United States, the bald eagle has been enjoying a resurgence in numbers over the last couple of decades. Still, getting to see one of these creatures in its natural habitat on the Niagara Peninsula is a tremendous treat. A large bird, the bald eagle’s wingspan ranges from six feet to seven and a half feet, and watching one snag a fish from the Niagara River with its impressively large talons is a sight you will never forget.

Black Tern

A smaller, freshwater marsh-loving bird, the black tern is a species of some concern due to the increasing loss of its habitat throughout Canada and the United States. A very social bird, it summers throughout Canada, and the Niagara region — especially around Niagara Falls — is a hot spot for sighting it, especially since flocks of black terns can sometimes number in the thousands.

Hooded Warbler

A lovely bird with golden plumage and a distinct black hood, the hooded warbler is a vulnerable species due to widespread habitat loss. When you visit Niagara, you can find them skulking about the undergrowth of many of the area’s Carolinian forests. Keep your eyes on the lower branches of trees where these striking little birds like to snag flies, moths, caterpillars, spiders, and flies.

sotfblog8Red-Shouldered Hawk

An impressive bird of prey, the red-shouldered hawk has also suffered from declining numbers in the past few decades, but it’s still relatively numerous in the Southern and Eastern United States. Its call is noteworthy: clear and conspicuous and often imitated by Blue Jays. It sometimes makes its way to Niagara to breed, and when it does, it sticks to the forests. Like most hunters, this hawk enjoys a wide-ranging diet that includes reptiles, other birds, small mammals, and amphibians.

The next time you come to Niagara, be sure to bring your birding glasses and your identification book with you. From the bald eagle to the hooded warbler, there are many species of bird about. Many of them are beautiful. Some of them are rare. To the fervent birdwatcher, all are worth seeing up close.

Nikola Tesla’s Niagara Contributions

Posted on by calvin

Scientist and inventor Nikola Tesla (1856–1943) has come into vogue in recent years as one of the most underappreciated talents of the modern age, despite the popularity he garnered in his lifetime. As the main designer behind the alternating current (AC) electrical system, he is rightly celebrated these days for this achievement.

But Tesla did more than tinker with electronics in an isolated lab. He was also an ambitious engineer, always seeking investors and backers for various installations to advance communication technology and electricity supply. And Niagara Falls was arguably the site of his biggest achievements in this field.

Harnessing Niagara’s Power

Finding a practical use for the massive power displayed in Niagara Falls has been a fantasy of the new American nations since colonial settlement, but the available technology was never fit to achieve that ambitious task.

That began to change from the 1880s. AC systems were making huge leaps in progress, mostly thanks to the patronage of Tesla’s work by entrepreneur George Westinghouse. The Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company produced a leading AC motor based on Tesla’s design, and it was with Tesla’s consultation that Westinghouse won the bid to construct a two-phase AC generation and distribution system at Niagara Falls.

Tesla Powerwall of Transformers in Niagara Falls

Adams Power Plant

All other proposals, including several using Edison’s direct current (DC), were found to be inferior in managing the massive power output from a Niagara hydroelectric system. At the time, hydroelectric plants of this scale were unprecedented, and AC had the regulatory capabilities of making this output both efficient and manageable.

When Adams Power Plant was completed in 1895, it was a historic moment, both as the first hydroelectric plant of the modern age and the first major AC generating facility.

And yet, neither Westinghouse nor Tesla reaped many rewards from this achievement. Westinghouse’s assets were ravaged in corporate warfare with General Electric, which led to him successfully convincing Tesla to relinquish his claim on royalties for the AC patents, in order to secure the company’s survival.

Tesla would go on to further experimentation with electricity and transmission methods, but arguably his greatest achievement lies in what he helped make possible at Adams Power Plant.

Stay at the #1 rated TripAdvisor Fallsview Hotel, the Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa. For our best rates view our:

Niagara Falls Hotel Packages