This book takes readers beyond the lights and the sounds of the City of the Falls to venture to lesser-known but equally fascinating sites that abound across the region.
The first-known European to gaze upon Niagara Falls was a Jesuit priest and explorer named Louis Hennepin in 1688. He took his somewhat exaggerated description of its size and power back to amazed Europeans. From then on, the Falls became a must-see destination for people from around the world and one of Canada's leading tourist attractions.
But there is more to the Niagara region than a mighty cataract. There are the world-class hotels and casinos, the Shaw Festival, the wineries, the hydroelectric generators, the natural wonders, the historic sites, and the Welland Canal — an engineering marvel and vital transportation link.
This book is the story of the falls and beyond, covering:
The geological evolution of the Falls
Pioneering development of Ontario's hydroelectric power
Niagara's wine region
Niagara's Indigenous legacy
The War of 1812
Niagara's Black history and heritage
Modern hotels and historic hostelries
The Niagara Parkway
Bridges across the Niagara River
The gardens of Niagara
Hiking trails and conservation areas
Casinos, hotels and midway rides
The Shaw Festival
Historic downtown streetscapes
Niagara's historic mansions
Lost villages and ghost towns
Niagara's railway legacy, and more!