Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Families with small children will want to spend a half-day at Marineland. Be prepared
to walk. The various attractions are spread out on a campus that is nearly two square miles,
with no trolley or bus transportation system. The park is in need of cosmetic updates.
The hours of operation vary throughout the year, with the park opening at either 9:30am
or 10am. Closing hours fluctuate as well, with admission booths closing at 5pm or 6pm.
The park attractions remain open until dusk.
International Control Dam Overlook
The
International Control Dam Overlook
(Niagara Pkwy., 1.5 miles south of Niagara
Falls) is an important vista for understanding the natural and developed forces at work
in Niagara. The control dam is a concrete structure extending 1,500 feet into the Niagara
River, upstream of the falls. The dam uses a series of gates that raise and lower to control
the flow and dispersion of the water over the falls.
At all times, 50 percent of the water heading down the Niagara River is diverted for hy-
droelectric power generation before reaching the falls. This dam helps regulate that diver-
sion, but it also serves another important purpose: It spreads the water in an even pattern
over the brink of Horseshoe Falls.
As you stand on the grassy area between the river and the parkway, note the gates in the
dam—some will be up, others will be down. Look for the semisubmerged concrete weirs
running parallel to the shore. The gates and weirs work in concert so that Horseshoe Falls
appears to have a uniform wall of water crashing over its brink. Facing south (upstream),
you'll see two tall, narrow buildings. These house the gates that also assist in regulating
water diverted from the river. Those gates are built over the intake tunnels that feed the Sir
Adam Beck Generating Station downstream.
DrivingnorthfromChippawa,you'llseeaserviceroadoppositetheentrancetotheRap-
idsview parking complex (7369 Niagara Pkwy.). Park in the Rapidsview complex and walk
a few hundred yards to the service road for the best view of the dam. If you park directly at
the curb of the service road, the Parks police may ask you to move, as there is no parking
allowed in this area.
Dufferin Islands
The
Dufferin Islands
(Niagara Pkwy., one mile south of the falls, 877/642-7275,
www.niagaraparksnature.com
,
24 hours daily, free) are a wonderful area, perfect for a pic-
nic or walk. This quiet oasis was built in response to concerns that the area surrounding the
