From the very beginning of civilization in the lands of Niagara, the river has played a key role in settling and ennobling the area. The word Niagara itself comes from the language of the Iroquois tribe and probably means “The Straight”.
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Today, Niagara River and waterfalls attract tens of millions of tourists and become a major driver of the economy. The view of the falling water from 52 meters of Horseshoe Falls or the crashing into the rocks of American Falls is amazing.
The river is 56 kilometers long and covers an area of 684,000 sq kilometers. Power plants have been built along its shores, with water capacity reaching 5 million horsepower or 4.4 million kilowatts. Niagara Rive’s water temperature normally ranges from 22° to 25° degrees Celsius (73° to 77° degrees Fahrenheit).
In part of its length, the river also plays a role on the border between New York in the United States and Ontario in Canada. Several small islands (Goat Island, Unity Island, and Luna Island) and two large ones (Grand Island and Navy Island) have formed around the river.
Walking or playing sports around the river has always been a favorite of tourists and even locals. That’s why The Niagara River Recreation Trail was created – a cobbled alley by the river for 53 kilometers from the waterfalls to Niagara on the Lake. It is accessible to cyclists, pedestrians and even wheelchairs.
Apart from being a great place for a walk and the main attraction in the area of the waterfalls, the Niagara River provides a number of entertainments such as fishing, boating, and swimming, but also satisfies industrial needs, electricity generation, and others.
NIAGARA RIVER FISHING SPOTS
The Niagara River is also one of Canada’s leading fishing spots for steelhead, lake trout, walleye, etc. Considering the best fishing spots for the Niagara River, there are two distinct fisheries-the Lower and Upper Niagara Rivers.
The lower part of Niagara River extends from the Devil’s Hole to the Niagara Bar is a perfect spot for salmon, sturgeon, and steelhead fishing.
Some of the best places for lower Niagara fishing are:
- Artpark in Lewiston
- Lewiston Landing Waterfront Park
- Joseph Davis State Park
- Fort Niagara State Park
- Bird Island Pier
Popular Upper Niagara River fishing spots:
- The Riverwalk
- Fishermen’s Park
- Gratwick Riverside Park
- Griffon Park Shore
- Niagara Reservation State Park
The water of the river is used for drinking, recreational purposes like boating, swimming and fishing, hydro-power generation, and for industrial needs.