"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"-- Provided by publisher.