Up-close beneath Niagara Falls, the world's most powerful falls

Niagara Falls is believed to be the most powerful falls in the world, with an incredible flow rate of more than 700,000 gallons (28 million litres) of water going over the rim per second. It is the fastest flowing falls in the world and the river beneath the falls narrows and reaches an unbelievable 40mph (60km/h). Known as the Niagara Gorge, it is a class 6 rapids system and it is considered unpassable, even for experienced white water rafters.

Niagara Falls straddles the border of Canada and The United States of America, with the largest portion, Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian Side. The American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls make up one third of Niagara Falls, and they lie on the U.S. side of the border. These falls attract at least 8 million visitors each year, with some estimates claiming that the number as closer to 30 million.

A number of tourist activities and attractions add to the experience at this landmark. One of the most famous and exciting way to see the falls is from below. Sight seers can take a boat up the river, passing the American Falls and reaching the pool below Horsheshoe Falls. Experiencing Horseshoe Falls from below provides an unparalleled view of the height and the impressive rush of the water coming over the ledge. The loud roar and the mist add to the thrill as sightseers get as close to the falls as possible. The pool beneath the falls is 52m (160 feet) deep and the surface churns and splashes all around.

Visitors are given rain shields to view the falls from this perspective, as the spray drenches everything in the basin, including the people on the boat.

Departing from the American side of the border, visitors take the Maid of the Mist. On the Canadian side, they travel on the Hornblower. Guests can't help but be overwhelmed with the power and majesty of the falls when it is viewed close up.