The good, bad and ugly sides to visiting the Niagara Falls

The Good

Iguaçu Falls, in Argentina, may be the largest waterfall system in the world and Angel Falls, in Venezuela, the highest, but, when it comes to attracting crowds, no­where beats Niagara. Each year, 12 million tourists, many of them honey­mooners, peer through the spray as the equivalent of an Olympic size swimming pool of water tumbles over the edge every second.

Historians believe the word “Niagara” derives from the Indian Onguiaahra, meaning “the strait”, although the more evocative Thunder of Waters is used more frequently these days.

There are three sets of falls straddling the frontier between the United States and Canada: Bridal Veil Falls, American Falls and the awe-inspiring Horseshoe Falls, where 90 per cent of the Niagara River roars past.

The best views are from the Canadian side and, if you don’t fancy getting too close to the edge, there are spectacular panora­mas from the Skylon Tower, the Skywheel – Canada’s largest observation wheel – and Goat Island, which splits the river in two. On the American side, Niagara Falls State Park – the oldest in the country – offers hiking trails, picnic tables, a theatre and recreation programmes. Get a feel for both sides of the border by walking across Rain­bow Bridge (don’t forget your passport).