Niagara Falls is famed for its beauty and is a valuable source of hydroelectric power. Balancing recreational, commercial, and industrial uses has been a challenge for the stewards of the falls since the 19th century.

Niagara is globally renowned for the spectacular Niagara Falls, a group of three massive waterfalls—the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls—straddling the border between Ontario, Canada, and New York, USA. Beyond its sheer natural beauty and the 3,160 tons of water that flow over the crest every second, Niagara is a historic symbol of hydroelectric power. It was here in 1896 that Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse built the first large-scale alternating current (AC) power plant, proving that electricity could be transmitted over long distances. Historically, it also served as a vital terminus for the Underground Railroad, where enslaved people crossed the Niagara River into freedom in Canada. Today, it remains the "Honeymoon Capital of the World," a tradition sparked in the early 19th century by high-profile visitors like Jerome Bonaparte, Napoleon’s brother. Visitors flock to the region not just for the falls, but for the world-class ice wine produced in the nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake vineyards and the charming, historic Old Fort Niagara.