History

The first people arrived in Niagara almost 12,000 years ago, just in time to witness the birth of the falls. Successions of early cultures left their mark, as settlements developed along the Niagara River corridor.

As early as 1789, early European settlers recognized the potential opportunities the power generated from the Niagara River could provide at the site of what is now Queen Victoria Park. Tourism travel to the Falls began in the 1820’s and within 50 years, had increased to become the area’s dominant industry. By 1840, the first railroad in Upper Canada had opened and horse-drawn carriages were routinely shuttling visitors throughout the parkland overlooking Niagara Falls.

At the turn of the 20th century, the power of the water had also attracted a unique combination of brilliant engineers and powerful investors to develop hydro-electric power generation within Queen Victoria Park. At the end of the first 100 years, Niagara Parks had become one of the world’s most popular destinations.

Today

Bounded by iconic environmental features such as the steep Fallsview moraine, the Great Gorge and the Niagara River, Queen Victoria Park contains a high concentration of attractions, culinary offerings, heritage features and parkland. The area stretches from Oakes Garden Theatre to Kingsbridge Park, all along the Niagara Parkway and Niagara River Recreation Trail.