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 North Americas 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 Falls; Pioneering development of Ontarios hydroelectric power; Niagaras wine region; Niagaras Indigenous legacy; The War of 1812; Niagaras 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; Niagaras historic mansions; Lost villages and ghost towns; Niagaras railway legacy, and more!