Niagara

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!