Niagara Falls Hydro
Niagara Falls Hydro diverts enough water to power 24 million 100 watt bulbs. The water is diverted at night and to a greater extent in the winter. They don't want to spoil the show for the millions of visitors each year.
The Niagara River is also one of the world's great sources of hydro electric power. The river runs 56 kilometers, dropping 99 meters over that distance. Most of that drop in a 13 Km stretch of rapids and includes the Horseshoe and American Falls. In 1893, water was first diverted to power a small 2,200 kilowatt plant built above the Horseshoe Falls, on the Canadian side. The power was used to power an electric railway running between Queenston and Chippawa.
Today there are 3 large power plants; Sir Adam Beck Niagara Generating Stations #1 and #2 and the nearby pumping generating station produce approx. 2 million kilowatts of electricity. Sir Adam Beck Generating Station #2 has been Ontario Power Generation's largest and most reliable facility since 1958.
On the American side, Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant and Lewiston Pump Generating Plant together generate more than 2.4 million kilowatts of electricity, enough to power 24 million 100 watt bulbs.
Guided tours of Niagara Hydro offer a history of the regions power development and it's symmetry with the natural splendour of Niagara.
Parking is available on site in front of the building. Purses, bag and backpacks are not permitted on the tour of Niagara Hydro.
Admission: Adults $9.00, Children (6 to 12 years) $5.85 (Canadian $ before taxes).
Children 5 years and under admitted for Free at all Niagara Parks attractions!
Hours of Operation: Subject to change:
May to Labour Day: Daily 12 noon to 5 p.m.
NOW CLOSED FOR THE SEASON.
Return home from Niagara Falls Hydro
