The Niagara Escarpment

The Niagara Escarpment, in Ontario, is 725 km long, with a maximum height of 335 m. The formation of the Niagara Escarpment began 430 to 450 million years ago, when the entire area was submersed by an ancient shallow sea.

The Niagara Escarpment carves out a notable landscape throughout the Niagara Region. Beginning in Rochester NY to the east the Niagara Escarpment generally follows the parameter of Lake Ontario.

This geological feature, coupled with the warming effects of Lake Ontario, has made the region one of Canada's top producers of tender fruit, but perhaps its most notable feature is Niagara Falls, where the Niagara River cascades over the Niagara Escarpment.

The Bruce Trail, Canada's longest footpath winds through the Niagara Escarpment. The area is so unique that it has been designated as a World Biosphere Reserve. The Niagara Escarpment is one of only fifteen such areas in Canada to be given biosphere designation.