Horseshoe Falls

Horseshoe Falls is the largest and best-known of the three waterfalls that together constitute Niagara Falls, located on the Niagara River along the international border between Canada and the United States. It carries the vast majority of the river’s flow, with around 90 per cent of the water—after hydropower diversions—descending over its distinctive curved crest. The remaining flow is divided between the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Noted for its scale, power and iconic semicircular shape, Horseshoe Falls is a major natural landmark and a defining feature of the Niagara region.
The falls lie between Terrapin Point on Goat Island in the state of New York and Table Rock in the province of Ontario. They are frequently referred to as the Canadian Falls, reflecting both their geography and longstanding popular association with the Canadian side of the Niagara River. Historically, the transboundary nature of the waterfall and the effects of erosion have made territorial demarcation a subject of legal and geographic interest.

International Border and Territorial History

The boundary between the United States and British North America (now Canada) was initially defined by the Treaty of Ghent and subsequent surveys, with the 1819 boundary determination placing the northeastern edge of Horseshoe Falls partially within New York State. At that time, water flowed around a group of rocks known as the Terrapin Rocks, linked to Goat Island by a series of footbridges.
In 1955 the area between Terrapin Rocks and Goat Island was filled in, creating the modern Terrapin Point. Further alterations occurred in the early 1980s when the United States Army Corps of Engineers undertook land reclamation, dam construction and the installation of retaining walls to redirect water flow away from the point. As a result, several metres of the original Horseshoe Falls crest were eliminated.
Ongoing natural erosion continues to modify the shape and position of the falls. In theory, this erosion can influence the boundary, which is defined by agreed geographical coordinates but historically has related to features of the river. Official governmental maps from both Canada and the United States currently show that a small portion of the Horseshoe Falls lies within United States territory, though the vast majority remains within Canada.

Geographical Features

Horseshoe Falls derives its name from its curved, concave crestline, which spans approximately 790 metres on the Canadian side and forms the most powerful waterfall in North America by volume. The water drops roughly 51 metres from the crest into the plunge pool below, creating mist clouds that can be seen from several kilometres away. The configuration of the river and the erosive properties of the underlying rock have contributed to the falls’ distinctive shape.
Erosion has driven the falls’ upstream retreat over thousands of years. Although engineering works on both sides of the border have slowed this process, natural erosion remains an ongoing force, shaping the future evolution of the falls.

Historical Significance

For centuries, the falls have served as a focal point for tourism, exploration and hydroelectric development. Early engineering interventions sought to manage erosion and harness the river’s power, leading to major hydroelectric installations in both Canada and the United States. These energy diversions account for the reduced natural flow over the falls, particularly at night and in winter months.
The combination of scenic grandeur and strategic economic value has made Horseshoe Falls central to regional development, transboundary cooperation and conservation efforts. Debates over water management and preservation emerged as early as the nineteenth century, including concerns raised to the United States Congress regarding the allocation and control of water resources.