Falling for Niagara

Niagara Falls is the collective name for three waterfalls that straddle the international border between Canada and the U.S.

Famous for tourism and recreation, the powerful falls are also a magnet for daredevils performing stunts, jumps and dangerous crossings.

It is illegal on either side of the border to go over the falls intentionally. Survivors face stiff fines.

A 63-year-old school teacher named Annie Taylor was probably first to go over on purpose – in a barrel - as a publicity stunt in 1901. Bruised and bloody afterward, she warned: “no one ought ever do that again.” Despite this, at least 14 others have. Some lived, some didn’t.

Several tightrope walkers crossed the falls in the 1800s, but Niagara remained uncrossed for 116 years until both governments gave special permission to acrobat Nik Wallenda in 2012. He succeeded in an 1,800-foot walk, presenting his passport when he reached the Canadian side.

A major source of hydroelectricity, balancing the use of the falls for recreation, tourism and industry is a major challenge.

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