Horseshoe Falls, Canada - Definition

The Horseshoe Falls, also known as the Canadian Falls, is on the border of Canada and the United States. It is located between Terrapin Point on Goat Island in New York State, and Table Rock House in Ontario.

It has a curving, horseshoe-shaped crest that is 671 metres (2,200 ft) in length. At the centre of the Horseshoe Falls the water is about 3 metres (10 ft) deep. It passes over the crest at a speed of about 32 km/h (20 mph). The falls is 53 metres (173 ft) high, has an average crest elevation of 152 metres (500 ft) and faces northwards. The depth of the river at the base of the falls is actually higher than the falls itself, estimated at 56 metres (184 ft).

The Horseshoe Falls is considered to be the most impressive of the three falls that make up Niagara Falls. It receives approximately 90% of the water of the Niagara River that goes over Niagara Falls.

The falls continually produces a large amount of mist which renders viewing the falls difficult. The amount of natural mist has been reduced since the early 20th century by the diversion of most of the water from the Niagara River for hydroelectricity. It is observable at a direct angle from the Canadian side, and at a steep angle on the U.S. side on Goat Island. The Maid of the Mist boat offers tours which approach the base of the falls.