News from Niagara, Ontario’s Niagara Parks Commission
(A Brief Foreword by Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper – The Journey Behind the Falls is, quite truly, one of the most iconic Niagara Falls attractions since Niagara Falls became a major tourist attraction or ‘honeymoon city’ around the world over the last 150 years. How great it is that the Niagara Parks Commission, an Ontario body, is keeping this attaction, featured in such films as Hollywood’s 1952 film Niagara, starring Marilyn Monroe, alive. So check it out – go do your onw tour there – and keep it alive!)
Niagara Falls, Ontario – The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) is proud to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of its Journey Behind the Falls attraction and will mark the occasion with a month-long celebration highlighting the popular tourism site and its importance to NPC and visitors from throughout the globe.
Courtesy of Niagara Parks Commission
In 1889, NPC undertook the construction of the first tunnels behind the Falls, for the attraction the Sheet of Falling Water, where lantern-carrying guides brought visitors up-close and personal with the massive cataract.
Over time as the brink of the Falls receded, tunnel extensions were required, until 1944 when a new tunnel was constructed, some 18 metres behind the original passageway. These new concrete-lined, lit tunnels are still in use today. In 1951, an observation plaza was added and in 1990, the heavy rubber raincoats and boots previously provided to visitors were discontinued. These were replaced by light, biodegradable yellow rain ponchos which can now be kept as a souvenir.
As part of its celebratory plans for the month, NPC will be engaging its visitors with an enhanced interpretive program that will share more of the Journey’s unique history.
A historic photo, courtesy of NPC, on this awesome experience below one of the world’s most famous Falls.
During the month, Niagara Parks will be sharing 31 stories – one each day – about the attraction at http://www.niagaraparks.com/125, and through its Facebook page and Twitter account (@NiagaraParks), to engage visitors and encourage them to share their stories, thoughts and images about this popular tourism attraction. On Friday, August 22, a free “birthday cake” event will be held at Table Rock for visitors and invited guests. This will be followed that evening by a special illumination of the Falls in yellow, coinciding with Falls Fireworks taking place at 10:00 p.m., to recognize this significant moment in NPC’s history.
NPC is committed to a vision of Ontario’s Niagara Parks as one that Preserves a rich heritage, Conserves natural wonders, and Inspires people world-wide. Founded in 1885, The Niagara Parks Commission is an Operational Enterprise Agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Its mission is to protect the natural and cultural heritage along the Niagara River for the enjoyment of visitors while maintaining financial self-sufficiency.
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