Horseshoe Falls (Canada)

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Horseshoe Falls, viewed from Goat Island, showing a portion of the mist generated by the falls.

Horseshoe Falls, viewed from 16th floor of a hotel on Fallsview Blvd

Horseshoe Falls during late Winter, viewed from 32th floor of Embassy Suite Hotel

The Horseshoe Falls, also known as the Canadian Falls, is a waterfall on the Niagara River, located on the Canadian side of the border with the United States. It is located between Terrapin Point on Goat Island in New York State, and Table Rock House in Ontario.

The name is derived from its curving, horseshoe-shaped crest that is 671 metres (2,200 ft) in width. At the centre of the Horseshoe Falls the water is about 3 metres (10 ft) deep. It passes over the crest at a speed of about 32 km/h (20 mph). The falls is 53 metres (173 ft) high, has an average crest elevation of 152 metres (500 ft) and faces northwards. The depth of the river at the base of the falls is actually higher than the falls itself, estimated at 56 metres (184 ft).

Full view of Horseshoe Falls, with Goat Island on the left.

The Horseshoe Falls is considered to be the most impressive of the three falls that make up Niagara Falls. Approximately 90% of the water of the Niagara River flows over Horseshoe Falls, while the other 10% flows over the American Falls.

The falls continually produces a large amount of mist, which renders viewing them difficult. The amount of natural mist has been reduced since the early 20th century by the diversion of most of the water from the Niagara River for hydroelectricity. It is observable at a direct angle from the Canadian side, and at a steep angle on the U.S. side on Goat Island. The Maid of the Mist boat offers tours which approach the base of the falls.

The Niagara Scow has rested approximately 700 metres from the edge of the falls since it was caught against a rock shoal in 1918, and a plaque today informs tourists of the history of the small shipwreck that has sat perched just above the falls for nearly a century without being dislodged.

External links

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