7 Myths About Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a destination that is surrounded with myth and folklore, stories about the waterfalls, battlefields and daredevils. Here are 7 frequently mentioned but ultimately untrue myths about Niagara Falls.

Popular Niagara Falls Myths

  1. Niagara Falls has never stopped flowing

  2. It did happen once in 1848 for a few hours. Due to millions of tons of ice blocking the water flow upstream at the source of the river, the Niagara Falls actually stopped. But the force of nature that it is, the water found its way through and gushed down the falls once again.

  3. Niagara Falls freezes in winter

  4. No, it does not. Even with the really low temperatures and white winters, the Falls don’t freeze over. Some parts of it turn into ice floes and giant icicles but the speed and flow of water is such that it cannot freeze over even in really cold weather.

  5. Origin of the name ‘Bridal Veil Falls’

  6. Contrary to what some people may think, the name Bridal Veil Falls did not come about because people opt to get married near this waterfall. The falls resemble a bride’s veil with it long trail of water, so it has been named the Bridal Veil Falls.

  7. Smuggler’s caves

  8. Apparently, some caves in the Niagara Gorge were used by smugglers in the 19th century to transport stolen goods from the gorge to Epworth Circle. But it has been proved that though there are caves, no such activity existed.

  9. You can only visit Niagara Falls in summer and spring

  10. These two seasons are great fun in Niagara Falls but the beautiful colours of autumn and the striking snow-filled landscape of winter are equally amazing. Plus there are several indoor and outdoor attractions that you can experience all year round including the spectacular falls.

  11. Drummond Hill Cemetery

  12. Drummond Hill on Lundy’s Lane was the site of the bloodiest battle of the War of 1812. Many soldiers died and the cemetery since those days is said to be haunted. Apparitions of soldiers walking in the cemetery have been reported by visitors to the place. It’s most definitely a myth.

  13. All the daredevils of Niagara Falls died during their exploits

  14. Not at all. In fact, a fair percentage of daredevils have survived despite their dangerous stunts over the falls. Annie Edson Taylor, the first person to attempt to go over the falls survived with only a few minor injuries.

    A Niagara Falls Truth

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