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The Niagara Escarpment, in its Ontario portion, is 725 km long, covering 1923 km2, with a maximum height of 335 m. An escarpment may be defined as a steep rock face of great length formed by an abrupt termination of strata.
The Niagara Escarpment adds a unique visual quality to Ontario's landscape as it crosses the province from QUEENSTON, on the NIAGARA RIVER, through HAMILTON, Milton, ORANGEVILLE, COLLINGWOOD, OWEN SOUND and Tobermory to MANITOULIN ISLAND and ST JOSEPH ISLAND. The escarpment marks part of the shore of an ancient sea centered in Michigan, which extended west from Rochester, NY, across Ontario to Michigan, then down the west side of Lake Michigan into Wisconsin. Water erosion and glaciation molded its striking features. Water continues to shape the landscape through the rivers which flow through it and from its more than 60 waterfalls.
 Niagara Rockway GorgeRockway Gorge: there are five falls the same height as Niagara in the region; this is one of them (photo by Linda Bramble).
History
Historically, the escarpment's waterfalls, forests and rocks provided power and building materials for a young province. In time, however, its archaeological sites, rich fauna and flora, and outstanding potential for recreation - such as hiking on the BRUCE TRAIL, skiing and nature study - created a demand for measures to preserve its scenic splendour.
Preservation
To resolve the complicated jurisdiction of municipalities, regions, counties and conservation authorities, the Niagara Escarpment Commission produced a plan to preserve the escarpment's ecological integrity and a Niagara park system of more than 116 units. In 1990 the escarpment was recongnized as an internationally significant ecosystem when the United Nations designated it as a BIOSPHERE RESERVE.
Author
RAYMOND N. LOWES
Suggested Reading
William Gillard and Thomas Tooke, The Niagara Escarpment (1975).
Links to Other Sites
Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club
A nicely illustrated website devoted to Ontario's scenic Bruce Trail.
Ontario's Niagara Escarpment
Explore the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO world biosphere reserve. Also features learning resources and links to related sites. From the Escarpment Centre Ontario.
Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association
CBRA/ACRB is a non-profit association dedicated to developing and maintaining biosphere reserves throughout Canada. Check out the detailed guides to Canadian biosphere reserves and news about current projects.
Niagara Parks
Check out the seasonal attractions and events offered throughout the Niagara River corridor from Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake. From the Niagara Parks Commission.
A Century of Sail and Steam on the Niagara River
Explore 400 years of sailing history in the Niagara River and Lake Ontario region. Peruse original illustrations and rare photographs and the full text of this 1913 publication. From the “Maritime History of the Great Lakes” website.
Geoscape Canada
An extensive information source about the geological history, human settlement patterns, earth and water resources, and natural hazards found in locations across the country. Click on the red symbols on the interactive map of Canada to explore aerial landscapes, maps, photos, colourful online posters, and more. A Geoscape Canada website from Natural Resources Canada.
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