The first-known European to gaze upon Niagara Falls was a Jesuit priest and explorer named Louis Hennepin in 1688. He took his somewhat exaggerated description of its size and power back to amazed Europeans. From then on, the Falls became a must-see destination for people from around the world and one of Canada's leading tourist attractions.

But there is more to the Niagara region than a mighty cataract. There are the world-class hotels and casinos, the Shaw Festival, the wineries, the hydroelectric generators, the natural wonders, the historic sites, and the Welland Canal -- an engineering marvel and vital transportation link.

This book is the story of the falls and beyond, covering:

• The geological evolution of the Falls
• Pioneering development of Ontario's hydroelectric power
• Niagara's wine region
• Niagara's Indigenous legacy
• The War of 1812
• Niagara's Black history and heritage
• Modern hotels and historic hostelries
• The Niagara Parkway
• Bridges across the Niagara River
• The gardens of Niagara
• Hiking trails and conservation areas
• Casinos, hotels and midway rides
• The Shaw Festival
• Historic downtown streetscapes
• Niagara's historic mansions
• Lost villages and ghost towns
• Niagara's railway legacy, and more!