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 America’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 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!
