Niagara Gorge: A Geologic Masterpiece Carved by the Niagara River

The Niagara Gorge stretches 11 km (7 mi) from Niagara Falls to Queenston Heights, straddling New York (USA) and Ontario (Canada). It is 50–100 m (160–330 ft) deep and 1–3 km (0.6–1.9 mi) wide.

Formation

Formed after the Wisconsin glaciation (~10,000 years ago). Glacial sediment dammed the river, creating a lake that eventually overflowed, eroding the gorge.

Tourism & Dynamics

Popular for overlooks, hiking trails, and boat tours. The gorge continues to widen and deepen due to ongoing erosion; the falls themselves slowly retreat upstream.

A testament to the power of water over geologic time.