Niagara Falls

• Formed about 12,000 years ago after the last Ice Age

• Created by water flowing from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario

• Name comes from an Indigenous word meaning “thundering waters”

• Sacred and important to Indigenous peoples

• First described by Europeans in 1678

• Became a major tourist attraction in the 1800s

• Famous for daredevil stunt

• Now used for hydroelectric power on the U.S.–Canada border

In the 1800s, Niagara Falls became a popular tourist destination. Hydroelectric power started being developed in the late 19th century, with pioneers like Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse helping create one of the world’s first hydroelectric plants. Today, Niagara Falls is a major tourist attraction, visited by millions each year. It is also a key source of clean electricity and a symbol of natural beauty and power.

Niagara Falls daredevil stunts were dangerous feats meant to shock crowds and gain fame:

• Tightrope walking: Performers walked on a rope stretched across or near the falls, sometimes carrying people or cooking meals mid-walk.

• Barrel rides: Daredevils went over the falls inside barrels; some survived, many were injured or killed.

• Swimming attempts: A few people tried to swim near the falls—almost always fatal.

• Jet skis & kayaks: In the modern era, some illegally rode watercraft over the falls.

• Stunts for fame or money: Most did it for attention, tourism, or prize offers.

Itinerary

8:15AM: Meet activity coordinator at Sidney Smith for the huddle

8:30AM: Meet groups at Sidney Smith Hall

9:00AM: Leave for Niagara Falls

11:30AM: Arrive at Falls Avenue and Clifton Hill Bus Loop, give the parking ticket money to 

11:30AM-12:15PM: Groups have free time to roam around, one or two yellowshirts can go pick up the tickets at the ticket booth with the group ticket receipt

12:15PM: Meet back at the Bus Loop to head to the boat line

12:30PM: Board the boat

12:30-1PM: Groups are on the Niagara Cruise

1PM-3:45PM: Groups have their lunch and have time to walk around Clifton Hill, yellowshirts will take turn staying at meeting spot in case of an emergency

3:45PM: Groups meet back at the Bus Loop and get on the buses

4PM: Buses leave to go back to Sidney Smith Hall

4PM-6PM: Buses are on their way back to Sidney Smith Hall

6PM: Arrive at Sidney Smith Hall, give the bus driver the tip and dismiss the students

Directions

1. Meet students and group leader at Sidney Smith Hall

2. Wait for the whole group and the bus to arrive

3. Take the bus to Niagara Falls

4. The address to which the bus is taking you is the Niagara Bus Loop