The Canadian Horseshoe Falls is a magnificent waterfall that is part of the Niagara river. The Horseshoe Falls are found mostly on the Canadian side of the Canada- United States border. The Horseshoe Falls are one of the most impressive falls that constitute Niagara Falls. The Horseshoe Falls lie specifically between Terrapin Point on Goat Island in New York State and Table Rock in Ontario.
The Falls
The Canadian Horseshoe Falls are commonly known as wither the Horseshoe or the Canadian Falls. The Falls originally began flowing over 12 000 years ago and they were first described as horseshoe in shape in 1721. The horseshoe shape name was inspired by the curving horseshoe shape crest.
The facts about the Canadian Horseshoe Falls are impressive as the Falls are 671 meters wide and 53 meters high. The depth of the water over the Falls is about 3 meters high in the center. A tremendous amount of water runs over the Horseshoe Falls as almost 90% of the water from the Niagara River runs over the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and the water travels at about 32km per hour.
Every year the Canadian Horseshoe Falls are retreating as the water erodes the Falls about 1 foot backwards per year. The Canadian Horseshoe Falls produce a large amount of mist and because of this on a sunny day you are almost guaranteed to see a rainbow. The Horseshoe Falls are also illuminated every day of the year once it becomes dark.
Economic Revenue
The Canadian Horseshoe Falls are astoundingly beautiful and in fact are often mistakenly thought of as one of the Seven Wonders of the World; however, the Falls also contribute economic activity to the area. The Canadian Horseshoe Falls are a popular tourist destination, and in fact Niagara Falls the city, has become known as a honeymoon retreat.
Tourists who come to the Canadian Horseshoe Falls can visit the Falls up close through a boat tour on the Maid of the Mist. It is also possible to visit behind the Canadian Horseshoe Falls year round through the Journey behind the Falls tour.
The Canadian Horseshoe Falls can also easily be viewed from land on both Canadian and American soil. The Canadian Horseshoe Falls also generate hydro electric power as about half of the water is diverted at night and in the off season.
Over the Falls
Every year millions of people visit the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and in the history of the Falls a few of these visitors have intentionally ventured over the Falls. Up until 2004 14 people have ventured over the Falls in either a barrel, boat, or ball and sadly 5 of them have lost their lives in the attempt.
In 1960, a small boy accidently was pushed over the Canadian Horseshoe Falls when his small boat capsized. The small boy was wearing only a life jacket and yet he amazingly survived and was unharmed and was rescued by the Maid of the Mist.
