Derived from the aboriginal word “onguiaahra,” Niagara means “thundering noise.” Indeed, the sheer power of 5,520 cu m (194,940 cu ft or 1,500,000 gallons per second)of water roaring over the edge of a huge gorge is a sight visitors won’t soon forget. Straddled between two nations, Niagara Falls consists of the Canadian crescent shaped Horseshoe Falls (57 m, 188 ft tall) and the straighter (55 m, 180 ft tall) American Falls on the south side of the river. Formed 12,000 years ago when glaciers retreated north, the Falls were originally 11 km (7 mi) downstream from where they are now. Today, hydroelectric plants that divert much of the water slow the rate of erosion. Still, Niagara Falls continues to retreat about 36 cm (1 ft)every ten years. Samuel de Champlain is believed to have visited the falls in 1613. Today, this geographic wonder continues to attract 15 million visitors from around the world each year. Mintage 30,000. HST/GST exempt.
