Is Niagara Falls a Wonder of the World?

The roar is the first thing you notice. It’s not just a sound; it’s a feeling that vibrates in your chest before you even see the water. Then, as you take that first step closer, the mist hits your face, a cool, soft spray that carries the fresh, clean smell of the river. And then you see it: millions of gallons of water crashing down with a force that shakes the ground beneath your feet. Standing here, looking at the sheer power and beauty of Niagara Falls, one question inevitably pops into everyone’s mind: Is this really a Wonder of the World? My name is Rebecca, and as your tour guide today, I’m going to help us answer that question together.

The Official List of Wonders

To get to the bottom of this, we have to look at the famous lists. When people talk about the “Seven Wonders of the World,” they are usually talking about one of two lists: the ancient wonders or the new ones.

The original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World was a list of incredible man-made structures from a long time ago. Think of things like the Hanging Gardens of Babylon or the Great Pyramid of Giza. Niagara Falls isn’t on that list because it’s a natural creation, not a building, and the people making that list didn’t even know North America existed.

In the year 2000, a new list was made. It was called the New Seven Wonders of the World. People from all over the globe voted for their favorites. The winners were places like the Great Wall of China, the Colosseum in Rome, and Machu Picchu in Peru. I’m sorry to tell you that Niagara Falls was not chosen for this list, either. It was a popular vote, and other amazing places just got more votes.

The “Eighth Wonder” and Natural Wonders

So, if it’s not on the official lists, why does it feel like a wonder? Well, because it absolutely is one! Even though it didn’t make the New Seven Wonders list, Niagara Falls is often given a special title: the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” This is an unofficial, honorary title we give to places so spectacular that they deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as the official wonders.

More importantly, there’s another list where Niagara Falls is a top star: the Natural Wonders of the World. This is a list of the most amazing places on Earth that were created by nature, without any help from humans. Think of places like Mount Everest, the Grand Canyon, and the Great Barrier Reef. Niagara Falls is proudly on that list. It is a stunning example of the power and beauty of the natural world, formed over thousands of years by glaciers and rushing water.

The Mighty Power of Nature

As a guide, I can tell you that calling Niagara Falls a “natural wonder” makes perfect sense. You can feel the power right here. Did you know that 6 million cubic feet of water goes over this cliff every single minute? That’s enough to fill a million bathtubs every sixty seconds! 

The falls we are looking at are actually three separate waterfalls: the massive Horseshoe Falls, which is mostly on the Canadian side; the American Falls over there; and the smaller Bridal Veil Falls. The water crashes down about 188 feet into the Niagara Gorge below. The mist you feel, the roar you hear, and the rainbows you see on sunny days are all part of a world-class natural experience.

A Wonder Touched by Human Hands

Now, some people argue that because we have changed the falls, they can’t be considered a “pure” natural wonder anymore. And it’s true, we have made some changes. For over a hundred years, we have been using the power of the water to make electricity. There are big power stations and tunnels that take some of the water from the river before it even gets to the falls.

This means the amount of water flowing over the falls is controlled, especially at night when fewer people are visiting. Because of this, some official groups that pick wonders prefer places that are completely untouched by humans. But for most of us who visit, the falls are still incredibly powerful and beautiful. They are a great example of nature and human engineering living side-by-side.

FAQ: Your Niagara Falls Questions Answered

People always have questions about this place, so let me answer a few of the most common ones I get during my tours.

Can we go on a boat?

Yes! That is one of the best ways to experience the falls. The most famous boat tour is the Maid of the Mist. It has been taking visitors right to the base of the falls since 1846! You get a blue raincoat and sail right into the mist. It’s unforgettable.

Can we go behind the waterfall?

You absolutely can. On the Canadian side, we have an attraction called “Journey Behind the Falls.” You take an elevator down and walk through tunnels that lead you right behind the massive curtain of water. You can stand at an opening and watch the water thunder down in front of you.

What about hiking?

For those who love the outdoors, there is the White Water Walk. It’s a boardwalk that takes you right next to the Class 6 rapids downstream from the falls. You can see the water churning and crashing, and it’s an amazing sight. There are also great trails in the Niagara Glen.

What is the best time to visit?

Every season is different! Summer (June to August) is warm and busy, with the most water flow. In the winter, it gets cold, and you can see “ice falls” as the mist freezes on everything. They also have a huge Winter Festival of Lights. My personal favorite is the fall, when the leaves on the trees turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Conclusion: A Wonder of the World in Our Hearts

So, let’s wrap up. Is Niagara Falls a Wonder of the World?

Officially? No, it’s not on the famous “New Seven Wonders” list. But to the millions of us who visit, work here, and are amazed by its power every single day, it is absolutely a wonder.

It’s a UNESCO biosphere reserve site thanks to the Niagara Escarpment, it’s one of the great Natural Wonders of North America, and it will always be the honorary Eighth Wonder of the World. It’s a place of power, beauty, and adventure that you have to see and hear and feel to believe.

Thank you for spending this time with me. Now, who’s ready to get a little wet on the Maid of the Mist?