Niagara Falls in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The Niagara Parks Commission
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Commission Des Parcs Du Niagara
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 19, 2017
1. The Niagara Parks Commission Marker
In 1885, the Province of Ontario established The Niagara Parks Commission as part of an international effort to preserve the natural scenery around Niagara Falls. Originally, the Commission included Colonel Casimir Gzowski, Chairman, John W. Langmuir and J. Grant Macdonald, and was responsible for making the park self-financing while keeping admission free to the public. The Commissioners acquired parkland along the river to create Queen Victoria Niagara Falls Park, which opened on May 24, 1888. Beginning with a 62.2-hectare park, the Commission has grown to administer a world famous, 1720-hectare park along the full length of the Niagara River, nationally and provincially significant historic sites, botanical gardens, a horticultural school, and recreation areas, while remaining financially self-sufficient.
this page online
Erected by Ontario Heritage Trust.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.
Location. 43° 4.692′ N, 79° 4.733′ W. Marker is in Niagara Falls, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It can be reached from the intersection of Niagara Parkway and Table Rock Welcome Centre, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located on the pedestrian walkway overlooking the falls, just east of Parking Lot #1. Touch for map
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 19, 2017
2. The Niagara Parks Commission Marker (wide view; Horseshoe Falls in background)
Regionally, this marker is on Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe and in Niagara Canada. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Rupert’s Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Indigenous Culture / Approaches to Water (a few steps from this marker); Indigenous History along the Niagara River (a few steps from this marker); Geological Formation of Niagara Falls and the Niagara River (within shouting distance of this marker); Niagara Falls Park and River Railway Powerhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); José María Heredia (within shouting distance of this marker); The History of Tourism around Niagara Falls (within shouting distance of this marker); Bird, Mammal, and Fish Species along the Niagara River (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Table Rock House (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Niagara Falls.
More about this marker. Marker is a metal plaque, mounted on the railing overlooking Horseshoe Falls. The marker inscription is bilingual, printed in English on the left side and French on the right side.
Also see . . .
1. Niagara Parks History.
The Niagara Parks Commission was established in 1885 to control the lands and buildings immediately surrounding the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Niagara Parks operates like a city within a city, with
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 19, 2017
3. Horseshoe Falls (view from near marker)
2. Niagara Parks Commission.
The Commission was founded in 1885 and charged with preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of Niagara Falls and the Niagara River corridor as a public greenspace and environmental heritage. The NPC manages numerous trails, historic sites, picnic areas, and attractions. The Commission formerly managed Navy Island National Historic Site under a lease agreement with the Parks Canada. (Submitted on April 10, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 19, 2017
4. Queen Victoria Niagara Falls Park & Downtown Niagara Falls, Ontario (view from near marker)
Photographed by Kevin Westell, July 18, 2025
5. The Niagara Parks Commission / Commission Des Parcs Du Niagara - Marker in context
The marker is in a bay along the wall beside the river. Spray from the falls makes frequent rainbows all along this area, and refreshes this puddle.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 10, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 708 times since then and 57 times this year. Last updated on September 5, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 10, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 5. submitted on July 19, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
