Niagara Falls in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Geological Formation of Niagara Falls and the Niagara River
la formation géologique des Chutes Niagara et de la Rivière Niagara
| — | Niagara Parks | — |
Photographed by Sandra Hughes Tidwell, June 25, 2024
1. Geological Formation Marker
The Niagara Gorge provides a glimpse of over 400 million years of natural history. The layers of limestone, sandstones, and shale were created over millions of years when these lands were covered by a tropical sea. The Niagara River and the Great Lakes Basin is a legacy of the last Ice Age which which took place approximately 23,000 years ago. During that time, a sheet of ice over two kilometres thick, known as the Wisconsin Glacier, covered these lands. As the glacier melted, depressions which it had carved out in the earth were filled with melting water, creating the Great Lakes. The Niagara River gradually formed and became the remaining water outlet for the glacial meltwaters running down and over the Niagara Escarpment. It was this relentless flow of water which created the iconic Niagara Falls. Over the last 12,500 years, the erosive forces of the Niagara River have continued to carve its path to where the Falls are today.
La gorge du Niagara offre un aperçu de plus de 400 millions d'années d'historire naturelle. Les couches de calcaire, de grès et de
this page online
Erected by Niagara Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 9999 BCE.
Location. 43° 4.679′ N, 79° 4.744′ W. Marker is in Niagara Falls, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It can be reached from Niagara River Pkwy, on the right when
Photographed by Kevin Westell, July 3, 2025
2. Geological Formation - Marker in context
Photo faces west and north-west from the Trans Canada walking/biking trail. The marker is very close to both bus loops. In the background, the wall of recent tall hotels has changed the wind patterns, increasing the swirling mist and winter ice accumulation around the falls viewing area.
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: The Niagara Parks Commission / Commission Des Parcs Du Niagara (within shouting distance of this marker); The History of Tourism around Niagara Falls (within shouting distance of this marker); Niagara Falls Park and River Railway Powerhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Indigenous Culture / Approaches to Water (within shouting distance of this marker); Indigenous History along the Niagara River (within shouting distance of this marker); José María Heredia (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Bird, Mammal, and Fish Species along the Niagara River (about 90 meters away); Table Rock House (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Niagara Falls.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 11, 2024, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 242 times since then and 43 times this year. Last updated on September 6, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. Photos: 1. submitted on July 11, 2024, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 2. submitted on September 6, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
