Hidden Niagara - Creation of the Niagara Gorge

An extensive tour of the Niagara Gorge & Falls from the viewer's POV, exploring the origin of numerous overlooked wonders all along the length of the river. PLEASE READ NOTES BELOW.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------NEW 2024: Please note that I have NO control over the commercials now airing with this video. I did NOT monetize it. I haven't made one cent from this FREE version.
The commercials are KZbin's ALONE.
Please also note that there are some changes re The Niagara Parks Commission's parking fees (e.g. Parking at Niagara Glen{n} used to be free. I hear it's now $25.00 per car!)
Also: Our Corporate Web Site (with the FREE book list) is now: www.fearwidget.com
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WARNING June 22, 2020: I have been hearing of increasing numbers of people getting into trouble, getting HURT, and even DROWNING all along The Niagara Gorge - but especially in Niagara Glen. PLEASE follow the warnings posted throughout this region. As I mention several times in this video, those signs are honestly there for YOUR protection and NEED to be taken seriously. Also be aware that POLICE are now giving TICKETS to people wandering off the pathways in Niagara Glen. As you can see in this video, you can view ALL the wonderful sights there are to see in The Glen FROM the trails. So, please do YOUR part to protect this vulnerable ecosystem by staying ON THE TRAILS - and have a WONDERFUL time as you explore. My sincere thanks, and Stay Safe...
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This video was approved by The Niagara Parks Commission and sold in their retail outlets all along the Niagara River. But, we are now offering this video - in its entirety - to viewers of KZbin. Please feel free to download to your portable device then use this video to undertake your own self-guided tour and discover wonders rarely seen by those who visit the Niagara area.
If you'd be so kind as to "Like" & "Subscribe" to fearwidge videos.
We sincerely hope you enjoy your tour.
Please let us know if you managed to complete the entire trip described in this film...
2018 Addendum: You'll find a nice video on an abandoned railway station on the U.S. side here: • Abandoned Whirlpool Ra...
Also an update on an ELEVATOR down to river level on the U.S. side at the Schoelkopf ruins here: • Niagara Gorge Elevator...

[@ErnestLloyd716]

I’m a life long Niagara Falls Resident who worked as a local fishing charter captain for 15 years and Niagara Jet Adventures jet boat captain for nearly 10 years. Needless to say being in the industry I’ve participated, read and seen a lot concerning local and geological history. That said, this video is packed with so much information it is simply Incredible. It is definitely the best informational video out there about Niagara Falls human and geological history on the gorge and Niagara region. Well done sir!👏

[@fearwidge]

Oh my heavens! That is so very kind of you I'm always delighted by such positive feedback, but I must say YOUR comment is the most touching I've ever received. Coming from someone who lives & works on The Niagara Gorge, this means so much to me. My sincerest thanks, "Niagara Glenn" P.S.: I've always meant to ride the Niagara Jet Boat, just to see the gorge from what-must-be an extraordinary POV. I'm 75 now... Then again - I still fly antique airplanes... So - maybe??? 🤔😎

[@jimiplayscobo5877]

The Jet boat ruined it for me going down the Glen. You get the people in the boat in a frenzy screaming with the megaphone. I used to go down there to enjoy the peace and quiet. Thanks again for ruining it.

[@glamorouslifemovie1513]

He's like the cool science teacher who's enthusiasm is contagious .

[@fearwidge]

Aw, shucks (turning red and kicking a stone on the ground with my toe.). And this isn't even my MAIN passion. I've been a for-real "Barnstormer," flying people in antique Biplanes for the past 53 years. (Carried 1,200+ passengers - one-at-a-time.) And I've been "introducing people to The Universe" at my free "Star Parties" for SIXTY years - Around 10,000 people as near as I can figure. (I was on the 60's game show "To Tell The Truth" as "Canada's Youngest Astronomer.") Do a search for fearwidge to see some videos on my other Passions. (Note: I make my living writing Screenplays for Television. It pays for all the other stuff.) LOL

[@glamorouslifemovie1513]

@@fearwidge I love airplanes 747 are my favorite.

[@iscovidoveryet7828]

@@fearwidge Well, isn't his serendipitous, a screen writer. right on. My brother Rene just had something he co-produced appear on APTN last week. Being a writer and all, ... just saying, and If you'd like to, or have time to write about an historically significant event in Canadian history, the story keepers in my family can give you some interesting insights. There's a movie to be made about our family's place in Canadian History during "Le Grand Derangement". Apparently, both my Mum and Dad's families were on the only ship to escape deportation by seizing control of the HMS Pembroke. I'll put you in touch with the history keepers in my family if you'd like.

[@fearwidge]

GRRR. Just wrote a LONG response, but when I hit "reply" - KZbin "ate it." And now I'm out of time. Apologies. Will try again tomorrow.. Cheers till then, GN

[@glyph241]

Had To Subscribe❣️

[@fearwidge]

I can't believe this video is STILL getting so much traffic! We're over 460,000 Views now along with more than 1,100 very kind comments. To all who've made this video SO successful., our sincere thanks... NOTE: After you've watched our video, you might like to take a look at "around&about's" Niagara Falls - Parts One & Two, which features some spectacular views from the U.S. side - including river-level trips on The Maid of the Mist and a walk down to The Cave of the Winds. Here are the links: Part One: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJvLZ36grbF5b9Usi=IDAkbS8ti9rxtw60 And Part Two: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKqafqeYmsyeY5Isi=ko4txaB6jMy9G-ln All the best & cheers, "Niagara Glenn"

[@fearwidge]

WOW! This video has jumped from an average of 100 views a day to 520 a day in the past week! Not sure why, but many thanks to all of you who've viewed this and (obviously) told their friends. 'Tis appreciated.

[@chriscraus6530]

It's a good video man! Good job!!

[@fearwidge]

@@chriscraus6530 Thank you.

[@scottlambert2609]

I would love to meet you someday with my love for history, geology, and flying would be fun to meet you! I live about an hour south of Buffalo,NY I would suggest we meet at Letchworth State Park what a great place to visit if you love NIAGRA Falls

[@fearwidge]

@@scottlambert2609 Hey Scott. Thanks so much for your kind words - and your mention of Letchworth State Park. I must admit I haven't heard of it before, But after quickly googling the site, I'm quite intrigued. As for meeting - nothing we can do right now with the Canada/US border closed. Also, it's a 3-hour drive for us just to get to Niagara. BUT, Michelle & I have been talking about a trip back to The Falls once this COVID-nonsense in behind us. We're also looking into the possibility of a "get together" for all the "Niagaraphiles" who've discovered this video. Meanwhile... I've created a "Hidden Niagara" group on Facebook, and you can always send me a "Friend Request" (under my REAL, "stupid-long" name, Glenn Colin de Kavanagh-Norman). Regardless... Thanks so much for your comment - and I WILL look into Letchford. Sounds fascinating. Cheers, GN

[@scottlambert2609]

@@fearwidge yes I that’s quite a drive for you!! Definitely I would be up for a get together at the falls once the boarder opens better work on getting my passport! I live about 20 mins from letchworth is so awesome! I will definitely send you a friend request!!

[@bobh.4580]

I've got a question about St David's buried gorge and the formation of the Niagara gorge. If St David's gorge followed a basically straight line and then Niagara River found the gorge and eroded it why didn't it continue straight down the gorge instead of the dog leg at the whirlpool? Wouldn't have been easier for the Niagara River just to keep following the buried gorge? It would be great if somebody had a time lapse simulation based on what we know, so I can see how that really happened.

[@fearwidge]

It did! But it turned to the LEFT, not the right [higher land] when it "found" the old Gorge.. You have to remember that our current gorge began as one of at least three small waterfalls that tumbled over The Niagara Escarpment as the Glaciers began retreating. The water came from a long, narrow lake (Lake Tonawanda) that paralleled the Escarpment to the east. That lake was fed by an earlier, smaller Lake Erie, but as Erie's level began to drop, those "feeder streams" dried up, Lake Tonawanda evaporated away, and the other Falls were "abandoned. " Lake Erie could then ONLY flow out down an early Niagara River. So, as more water began to flow over the scarp - at the already-established Queenston {Niagara} Falls (NOT at the old St. David's "high & dry" buried gorge) - THAT became the dominant exit into what would later become Lake Ontario. As mentioned in the video - water from the Upper Great Lakes made its way to the Atlantic Ocean by several different routes, and it was only after the glacier retreated far enough to open up the St. Lawrence River that ALL the Upper Great Lakes could POUR out through the Niagara Gorge. (That happened at the south end of Niagara Glen[n], where you can see the gorge abruptly widen.) Then - as the wider gorge eroded it's way back, it eventually ran into the St David's buried gorge, where it broke through the rock wall at "The Whirlpool. It would then have been a MUCH easier task to wash away the buried glacial debris, all the way back to The Whirlpool Rapids entrance (which is as far back as the old Gorge had cut). At this point, water once again ran into solid rock (where the Whirlpool Rapids Bridges stand today). And you can actually SEE the old, narrow St David's Gorge cut into the centre of the wider Whirlpool Rapids, whenever the waterflow is at its lowest. Hope this answers some of your questions. Cheers, GN

[@fearwidge]

Your comments on this video, and stories/memories/emotions of your own from the Niagara area are welcomed (& appreciated). Just a reminder that this video is all about the Natural History of The Niagara Area as revealed by extensive scientific research. It has been said that the birth of the science of Geology started in The Niagara Gorge, following the discoveries of Charles Lyell - "The Father of Geology" - (which, it turn, led to Charles Darwin's theories on Evolution). Those who believe the Earth is ~6,000 years old, according to religious sources, will probably find they'd be a lot happier viewing other KZbin videos, which discuss that possibility. You are - of course - entitled to your own opinions, but please don't insult the comments of those who choose to believe the scientific-based stories on this page. By all means, feel free to disagree, but PLEASE do it in a Civil Manner. ADDENDUM: While I HATE to write this - Continuing attacks have forced me to warn that any future insults on those commenting on this page will be immediately deleted. And any repetitions will be reported to KZbin. With all due respect, Glenn Norman

[@newrenewableenergycontrol5724]

I have a complaint. I was born and raised in Silver Creek, a small village about 40 miles away from here. Why is it that my public school never mentioned these things less then a two hour drive from my home? Because they were the most useless educators on the planet Earth, thats why! We should have been spending at least 30 days of every year understanding why we are as much where we are! ON SITE! It is no wonder these public schools bored me to death!

[@johnwattdotca]

You missed Mohawk Point, what the Mohawks called it. When you were at the top of the stairs to go down to the Whirlpool there is a path to the left that goes toward the gorge and then turns left to walk along the top to Mohawk Point. The Mohawk called it that because it's the only place you can see down into the Whirlpool and look both up-river and down-river. Before what you call the St. Davids' gorge was filled in, it was a river that flowed into the river, making it's own pond while the Niagara River flowed past, not a whirlpool. Mohawk could slide down the clay cliff from Mohawk Point into the rivers' end, a huge thrill. The Mohawk didn't like to get close to Niagara Falls. When the flow was original, more than five times what it is now, the heavy release of negative ions made you feel sleepy, what the Mohawk described as stealing your soul, a very realistic description. Just last week, with a very low water level, I was walking in the river above the Falls by day, seeing those flat levels of rock up close, and a route that could take me fifty feet from the brink in the center of the Falls, so much rock was showing. I'm interested in seeing what your explanation of those are.

[@RoosterMclaren]

How did the surgery go? OBTW I loved the video!

[@fearwidge]

HUH??? I keep on thinking this video MUST have "run its course," but when I checked the numbers yesterday I was AMAZED to see the number of views on Saturday had climbed back up to 1,722 - in ONE DAY! And the total number of views is now just under an ASTOUNDING 440,000! I knew this video had the POTENTIAL for decent numbers - IF it found the right audience. Well, apparently it Did/Does! So my sincere thanks to all of you who've made this happen. All the best & cheers, "Niagara Glenn"

[@2ManyGoats]

Glad you found the audience. I only saw this video popup today but I wish I had found it sooner, and I wish you had been with us when we went on our own Escarpment tour, which was full of "I wonder why these rocks formed like that" type questions. Thank you!

[@fearwidge]

@@2ManyGoats You're very welcome. Thanks for taking time to comment, Cheers, GN

[@palamirtammarimuthu1752]

Ya..l so recall my geography lessons.. weathering,erosion,attrition,silt etc....🕵🏽‍♂️🇸🇬🤷🏽‍♀️

[@abbary1thegame]

this is a wonderful and informative video! I just visited the falls for the first time today and was wondering all about how it came to be- my questions were answered! thank you! 🖤

[@fearwidge]

@@abbary1thegame Many thanks for the kind words- And, SO glad you got to see them in person. Cheers, GN

[@fearwidge]

Congratulations and Thank You. On 8 p.m., Saturday, March 13th, "Hidden Niagara" passed the "magic" 100,000 Views mark (and - as I wrote this, less than 24 hours later - 102,000 views!!!) I deeply appreciate all those who made this happen, and I'm SO glad about the interest being shown in the Natural History of the ENTIRE Niagara area. Perhaps - after the Pandemic is over - we can find some way to gather "in-person" and take the whole tour together (though you may have to CARRY me back up from the bottom of Niagara Glen{n} and The Whirlpool). I'm Old now. LOL Regardless, my sincere thanks again for your interest. It makes those many years of research, shooting, and gaining approval from The Niagara Parks Commission all worthwhile. My best & cheers till next time, "Niagara" Glenn Norman

[@sheismymom]

The reason this is such a good video is because the person who made the video is clearly passionate about it and interested in the subject.

[@guynorth3277]

I love people who are (sanely) passionate about their subjects, they really peak folks enthusiasm.

[@fearwidge]

Aw, thank you so much. And - yup - I've been wandering up & down this gorge, trying to make sense of what I've seen since the early 60's - finding something new on every trip. It's an amazing area to explore...

[@fearwidge]

@@guynorth3277 The key word being "sanely." LOL Thanks so much for the kind words.

[@guynorth3277]

@@fearwidge; You bet, and thank you. You encourage folks to just be who they are.

[@fearwidge]

I just noticed that we've crossed the 30,000 Views mark today. Many thanks to all of you for watching - and commenting. 'Tis appreciated.

[@steveallan2339]

This is excellent and informative work. You are a gifted presenter. Very well done.

[@fearwidge]

@@steveallan2339 Sorry Steve. I just saw this. Wow! I am humbled by your comments (which ain't easy to do). LOL How extremely kind of to to take the time to leave me such a touching note. My SINCERE thanks. It means a lot...

[@steveallan2339]

@@fearwidge You are most welcome. I devour a lot of online content for both work and pleasure, but this leaves me wanting to see more of what makes Ontario so incredible from your perspective. You definitely have something there, and I thought that even before I found out about your contributions to Night Heat!

[@fearwidge]

@@steveallan2339 Wow! Again, my sincere thanks. Night Heat, eh? Wow, that's going back a few years/decades. I wrote a bunch of TV shows back in the 80's, 90's & "Noughties" - but that ep of Night Heat is one I'm proud of. They wanted me to write an ep about "a hooker with a heart of gold." NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! On the way home, I noticed a sudden influx of Sikhs and wondered what their story was. When I found out, I FOUGHT to tell that story. It took a lot of convincing, but I eventually "wore down the Producers" - even talked them into a "dark" climax. The only SHOCK was the ending. In my screenplay, "our cops" are forced to shoot The Sikh Hero after HE shoots "the bad guy" after discovering everyone inside the 2nd container was dead. So when that scene played on TV, I jumped up and yelled, "NO! THEY'RE DEAD!" But the Producer told me - the network wouldn't go for any ep where our hero cops didn't win. Sheesh! Television. Not QUITE like reality. LOL

[@kelvinstrickland7442]

You did a great job on this video, I live here and learned much, Thank You For All Your Hard Work.

[@redfishgreyfish4842]

The narrator/host is incredible. I was going to move on but "it's not a river...it's a strait" was the hook. Tremendous work. Thank you!

[@fearwidge]

Thank you so much for your very kind comment. Adding a touch of humour was a gamble, but when The Niagara Parks Commission approved "COP" I thought ... "Why not?" LOL Glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers, GN

[@Phazos]

But... Why? I watched this whole video because I wanted to know why the river is supposedly a strait! The video ended at a waterfall which should not be found in a strait.

[@fearwidge]

@@Phazos I've been through this several times before, but... As it's unfair to expect you to read 462 comments to find the answer, I'll be happy to do it again. From Wikipedia, Re "The Niagara River." "The river, which is occasionally described as a strait, is about 58 kilometres (36 mi) long and includes Niagara Falls in its course. And re Strait vs. River: "A strait is a naturally formed, narrow, typically navigable waterway that connects two larger bodies of water. Most commonly it is a channel of water that lies between two land masses. Some straits are not navigable," I expected to be caught over the "navigable" part (even though some Straits are NOT navigable). But as I pointed out earlier, The Niagara "River" IS navigable - IF you have the right kind of barrel. LOL (And the "river" doesn't stop at The Falls, it stops at Lake Erie.) The main reason most "Niagaraphiles" refer to the River as a Strait is because it's REALLY only a connection between Lake Ontario. & Lake Erie (through which all the waters of the Upper Great Lakes flow). And here's the "official" explanation by The Niagara Falls main site: "The Niagara River is not a river at all, but a strait. It meanders 36 miles north from the eastern tip of Lake Erie to the west end of Lake Ontario, draining the overflow from four Great Lakes." And... "A river is a natural flowing watercourse, usually freshwater, flowing towards an ocean, sea, lake or another river. A strait is a naturally formed, narrow, typically navigable waterway that connects two larger bodies of water. Most commonly it is a channel of water that lies between two land masses." (As in: The United States & Canada {in THIS area}.) And finally... I said "It's not a river - it's a Strait" because a) that's accurate and b) I thought it was funny. (In truth, it was more the "funny part" that made me include it.) I trust that answers your question... Thanks for the comment. Cheers, GN

[@Phazos]

​@@fearwidge Thanks! I stumbled across a website saying a strait has no tributaries, but I see the Welland River on the map. The next time I find water flowing between two lakes, I'll use your definition.

[@RandomRetallingsofRiggins]

@@fearwidge then is the McKenzie a straight and not a river since it connects the ocean to great slave lake

[@fearwidge]

WOW! We just hit 380,00+ Views AND 1,000 Comments! My sincere thanks to all who have contributed.

[@fearwidge]

Incredible! Yesterday, "Hidden Niagara" went over 350,000 views, with over 4,300 Likes,1,600 Subscribers and 900+ wonderful comments. I'm SO glad these numbers of people have enjoyed their "Journey of Discovery" along the length of The Niagara Gorge. And special kudos to those of you who have actually made the trip in person. I know how difficult COVID restrictions have made this, but - HOPEFULLY - with the pandemic finally beginning to show signs of slowing, more viewers will be able to see these "spectacular" views for themselves. 😆 My sincere thanks for watching, "Niagara Glenn" Norman

[@bobh.4580]

You deserve the recognition. This is a well put together video very detailed and humorous!

[@bblegacy]

I grew up right there on the American side on one of the dead end streets that were dead ended when NY state put the parkway along the top of the gorge about 1960. Gorge climbing at Devils Hole or a little upstream at the Whirlpool was how we spent our childhood and I lived about halfway in-between the two. I try to get back to visit every year but it's not in the winter any more because I swear Queen Victoria Park at the falls is by far the most bone chilling cold I think exists anywhere, even though it's so beautiful with all the trees frozen solid from the spray from the falls laminating them in solid ice. I'm really amazed how much the water flow over the Horseshoe Falls is reduced now though. The water intakes above the falls on both sides of the river must be really diverting HUGE amounts of water to the reservoirs in quantities now that were unthinkable back in the 60s and 70s, for the flow over the brink of the falls to be reduced so much now. I was also really surprised by your comments about how much the gorge water levels change and how quickly it can happen which can only be the result of changing how much water is being diverted out of the river above the falls for the power plants. I was really surprised by how peaceful the Whirlpool looked because when I was a teenager it didn't matter what time of year you went down there that it was ALWAYS so dangerous right at the water's edge. You could sit there and watch 10-15 foot high waves crashing by out in the middle of the river all the time. Thanks for posting I really enjoyed this!

[@fearwidge]

Just realized we've now had over 370,000 views, along with more than 4,500 likes, 1.64K Subscribers and almost 1,000 kind comments & EXCELLENT questions. Thanks to all who've contributed in making this one of the most viewed videos on the creation of Niagara's wonderful Falls. I have NOT monetized this video, so this is honestly just my gift to all of you who share my passion with the extraordinary Niagara Gorge, Falls & River. 'Tis deeply appreciated. GN ❤

[@bobh.4580]

It's a great video and I have a couple questions for you about the formation of the Niagara gorge.

[@sheismymom]

I'm glad more and more people are watching

[@fearwidge]

Just a quick note to let everyone know that I've just posted a new story on the "Hidden Niagara" Facebook page telling how a 12-year-old girl on a bicycle saved this old geezer's life while I was attempting to climb a cliff-face on my way out of Smeaton Ravine. I started slipping off the sheer wall and would have undoubtedly tumbled all the way down to the river if it wasn't for this passing girl's quick thinking. Please feel free to visit this new page. It's FREE, I don't want nothin', and my only hope is that it becomes a place where "Niagaraphiles" get the opportunity to meet, read stories - and tell some of their own. Just search FaceBook for "Hidden Niagara," and you'll be taken to the group. Hope to see you there. "Niagara Glen(n)" Norman

[@jamesrea2573]

I have been visiting historic sites and homes along the Parkway. I was drawn to the area for the War of 1812 history, the collection of heritage buildings and of course the falls. I was amazed by the scenery. My first trip was April 2023 ( I had visited the falls many times but never taken the scenic route) and every time we stopped to see a plaque or house we could not help ourselves from taking in the views. The colour of the water rushing through the gorge is so unique. I stopped at most of the locations featured in your video, but had little to no knowledge about the geology and evolution of the natural (and unnatural) beauty. I was back in December 2023 but part of the Parkway was closed south of Chippewa. I just returned from another trip and I can't wait to go back. I want to hike Niagara Glenn* and I think autumn would be ideal. What do you think is the best time to explore and observe the gorge. Best season?

[@fearwidge]

Thanks for your comment, James. So glad you're exploring ALL of Niagara's sights. Re best season... I shot most of the footage for this vid (over 3-years) in early spring - before the leaves are on the trees. Otherwise that thick, green foliage hides a lot of the details. Late fall/early winter (AFTER the leaves are off the trees) also works. And there's less danger of rocks falling on your head during the spring thaw. 😆😎

[@jammchambers3398]

Thank you for the informative video. We live on River Rd and didn't know half of what you covered. Also, quite shocked to find useful information on KZbin.

[@gremlin6190]

i love this video, and always come back to it. this is the best video about the history of Niagra Falls out there! thank you so much

[@fearwidge]

And THANK YOU for your kind & generous comment. So glad you enjoyed it. (And feel free to come back any time.) 🤫

[@geraldsmith8878]

You telling the truth about the "current" ice-age got you a Like and Subscribe.

[@fearwidge]

WOW! THANK YOU. I can't tell you how much that means. as I'm CONSTANTLY saying, "We're STILL in an Ice Age," and the VAST majority of people don't get it. So, Thank You Again Sincerely. One of the best comments I've ever received. Cheers, Glenn Norman

[@geraldsmith8878]

@@fearwidge Plus the video was great too. Enjoy

[@DebbieMurray-t1i]

Great video of the area thank you!

[@fearwidge]

Thank you for taking the time to comment. Cheers, GN

[@Alcatrazack]

One of my favourite videos

[@fearwidge]

So glad you enjoy it. Cheers, GN

[@fearwidge]

WOW! We just passed the 150,000 View mark, are rapidly heading towards 1,000 Subscribers, and have over 560 very kind comments & thoughtful questions (which I've tried to answer whenever I can). It's such a relief to know the Three Years it took to get this film made was not in vain. My goal has ALWAYS been to make people more aware of ALL the incredible places there are to explore, right along the length of The Niagara River (which is really a Strait). LOL Thank you ALL so much for helping this video reach SO many people. 'Tis deeply appreciated. (Niagara) Glen{n} Norman

[@user-pp4nd7vw8m]

Congrats! This was fantastic! Thanks to all involved!

[@fearwidge]

@@user-pp4nd7vw8m Thank you kindly. Appreciate it (and glad you enjoyed the journey).

[@annotten7413]

You have a great way of explaining geology- have you ever watched Nick Zentner on KZbin? He explains geology of the Pacific Northwest in a plain and simple matter.

[@fearwidge]

@@annotten7413 No. Thank you. I'll definitely check him out. Cheers, GN

[@fearwidge]

@67psych3 So sorry for your loss. I was very close to my maternal grandfather (whom I last saw when I was 8) and know how deep that loss can go. So glad you all had the chance to experience Niagara together... Re "my own TV show..." LOL We're professional Screenwriters & "Hidden Niagara" was originally planned as "Seeing Niagara," the pilot for a new TV series to be called "Seeing The Earth." We'd planned to shoot episodes at natural wonders all over the globe - but not with ME - we had a couple planned as hosts; a geography teacher and his TV-Presenter-wife. BUT before we could make that happen, the geography teacher decided to enter politics (like his father). His name? Justin Trudeau. His wife's name? Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau (Who are now our Prime Minister & "First Lady" {if Canada had one}.) So I ended up hosting Hidden Niagara myself (with my Actress-Partner producing) as we - at least - wanted the story of Niagara "out there." But - well spotted. This WAS to have been the pilot for a TV series. Thanks & cheers, GN

[@tommerphy1286]

@ if you are ever in the Falls in the fall when the gorge is thick to the top with fog! On the American side go to Devil's hole and walk down to the river; if you do about half way you will be expecting to see a dinosaur at any time. Good luck

[@fearwidge]

Done it. GREAT Experience. As was exploring the 3 Sisters Islands off Goat Island. LOTS to see on the U.S. side of the gorge as well. Thanks & cheers, GN

[@andrewemery4272]

Superb video. Excellent narration. Puts the 'professionals' to shame.

[@fearwidge]

Thank you so much, Andrew. I'm glad you enjoyed the tour. Cheers, GN

[@4486xxdawson]

Good job on the video , i watched the entire thing , lived here since i was 8 and have walked every part of the lower river from falls to the glenn and still learned some new stuff , thank you .

[@fearwidge]

Wow! Just realized we've gone over 1/4 Million Views. So glad so many people are enjoying "The Tour." Thanks to all for watching - for your subscriptions - and for your extremely kind comments. 'Tis greatly appreciated.(and I can't wait to get back down to Niagara myself now we're "double-vaxed" and these COVID restrictions are FINALLY starting to lift).

[@kodisheppard]

Keep it up thanks for the info 👍 👌 😎

[@mynamedoesntmatter8652]

Thank you for the very informative trip, I absolutely loved it! I have a chunk of coral my nephew gave me when he was researching up in Tennessee. I wonder how far out this land used to be. You’d love this area - and I mean the areas in a few southern states. Thanks again for a really fun trip. I wish you’d shown several of the fossils you zipped over, but, oh well. Maybe next time.

[@fearwidge]

@@mynamedoesntmatter8652 Thanks for your kind words. Know what you meant about the fossils. I'm a "fossil-hunter" myself and wish I'd had more time, but the original DVD HAD to come in under an hour (due to Niagara Parks Commission requirements). BTW: We rescued hundreds of pounds of Trilobite fossils from a building site that was going to destroy them all. JUST got them out before they would have been gone forever... Heart-breaking.

[@mynamedoesntmatter8652]

@@fearwidge You’re very welcome! I understand about the time. I didn’t think about that. Wow, great save on the Trilobites! I try to not think about all the fossils we’ve lost to building. It’s sickening to wonder just how many there have been that - okay, I’m not going to think about that. Thanks again for a great trip through parts of Niagara, it really is a blast. You’re a great teacher, very knowledgeable - and fun! Canada and NA aren’t that far apart after all. Just some guy’s line drawn on a map ~~~~~ later!

[@sararc84k42]

I finally went to the falls for the first time. Watching this video explained so many geological questions!! I’m such a fan having grown up in the south and seeing all the ancient sea fossils in the Kentucky water beds and inside the Appalachian mountains. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@THORMYN1]

Move here from Toronto in 2021 and we are really enjoying the nature trails and we are permanent visitors to the whirlpool gorge and Niagara glen. Thanks for all the info , I will look for some of the points of interest and I have a wider knowledge about the history of the landscape! I’m 75 and have no problem coming up at Niagara Glen thank god!

[@fearwidge]

How wonderful that you LIVE there! I live 3 hours north, so don't get down there as often as I'd like. BTW: I'm also 75 - and just the thought of climbing back up all those stairs at Niagara Glen{n}/The Whirlpool, EXHAUSTS me. So - Good on ya for still pulling that off. 💖

[@THORMYN1]

@@fearwidge I started out late only a few years ago exercising like biking and walking! I also work out in virtual reality which I started due to Covid. Today I went 22 km on the Welland canal trail. What I’m trying to say is it’s never too late to start exercising and train your heart plus cutting out all the sh. T from my food intake also helped a lot! ❤️

[@fearwidge]

Wrote a long response. YT "ATE IT." Will try again soon. GRRRRR. 😡

[@robertspencer4009]

Nice video. I have been going to the falls for sixty years and you definitely helped me understand the evolution. Thank you.

[@fearwidge]

Thank YOU. Sounds like we've both been going to The Falls for about the same amount of time. The "draw" of The Niagara region is very powerful indeed, and I'll be going back again just as soon as this COVID-nonsense is under control.

[@robertspencer4009]

I have some crazy super 8 video from 1960 with me as a seven year old walking on the railing at the brink of the falls. I suppose my parents had a difficult time watching all eight of us kids.

[@fearwidge]

@@robertspencer4009 Wow, Sounds like that would be worth getting digitized. BTW: For some REALLY great stories (& a link to a pix), scroll down to the comment (& replies) from Donald Rodgers, who used to clean up on THE OTHER SIDE of that railing!!! INCREDIBLE tales - especially the day he went "wading"... LOL

[@WideWorldofTrains]

Excellent tour guide. you did a great job. I live 50 miles down lake Erie in Dunkirk NY and havent been to the falls in 15 years or so

[@bowman8316]

What a well made video ! "Cop !" Cracked me up 👍🏻🎣

[@fearwidge]

Thank you very much. And, re "Cop!": In truth, I put that in because we made many "Cop" friends (while researching a TV series on Undercover Police) and knew they'd get a laugh out of it. I wasn't sure The Niagara Parks Commission would let me leave the joke in... But they did, so I did. LOL

[@RobertaOurso]

Absolutely incredible scenery and highly educational.

[@fearwidge]

Thank you for your kind comment. Sincerely glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers, "Niagara Glenn."

[@LS-rw9yp]

Wow, this guy is AWESOME! Kids would only be so lucky to have this gentleman as their teacher! Well done, you could make watching paint dry interesting I’m betting!

[@fearwidge]

STOPPIT! You're making me blush (as if...) LOL Your comment is very (overly?) kind and I appreciate it. All the best & cheers, GN

[@Less1leg2]

Interesting but what I'm think about the Niagara river and its subsequent cutting process is. What if it was cut suddenly and in large cuts. The assumption of river erosion by many academics is slow drip by drip erosion. But what if it wasn't? Randall Carlson has done great graphics of the washed out lands of the Pacific North West. During the Ice Age there were numerous mega floods that streamed off the Ice Sheet. What if, the Niagara River system and Lake Erie were equally, Ice Age cuts. What if the Niagara River water falls were eroded back way faster than that we presently have. You see, I'm skeptical of the Slow Process river erosion idea after seeing the Scabland devastation when Ice Water Melt from a continental wide Glacial Ice sheet decides to shed water.

[@fearwidge]

It's a question of the scientific proof re the differing widths all the way along The Niagara Gorge. Dating the narrowing & widening epochs and comparing them with the way the upper Great Lakes made their way to the Atlantic prior to the opening of the St. Lawrence "River" matches up perfectly with The Niagara Gorge's width. I'm aware of the Scablands sudden creation, but the only part of the Gorge similar to that is the stretch from The Whirlpool to the Upper Rapids bridge. That's where the new Gorge ran into the buried remains of the older St David's buried gorge, "hung a left," then "quickly" washed away the glacial debris until the water ran into another solid wall of rock at "swift drift," right near the Whirlpool Rapid Bridges. It then continued eroding "slowly" back from there. NOTE: When water in the gorge is at its lowest, you can actually see the old "Narrow Gorge" with the new river bottoms on both sides of The Whirlpool Rapids.

[@MickPsyphon]

I could listen to lectures from this guy anyday! He has a way of presenting things with just the right emphasis to draw your interest at the right moment. His enthusiasm is contagious, too. Mainly because it's authentic; and not contrived. Nor is anything _"over the top."_ Great video presentation!

[@fearwidge]

Wow! Thank you so very much - for the kind words, and for taking the time to comment. 'Tis deeply appreciated. All the best & cheers, GN

[@MickPsyphon]

@@fearwidge You're welcome, mate! I've been to the Falls and throughout the Niagara region more times than I can recall; and yet the video presentation held my interest securely. It left me wanting more. 😋👍

[@ronclinton766]

A+

[@fearwidge]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it. Cheers, GN

[@ironsyde8315]

It's Bob Ross brother

[@fearwidge]

LOL I get that a lot...

[@RichardPage-uc2xt]

Live niagara falls

[@fearwidge]

Great! I'll plug you if you plug me. 🤭😎 (Let me know next time you're live...)

[@billygiamou7435]

Outstanding documentary! There is so much more to The Niagara Region than folks who actually live here are unaware off. The fact that an ocean of ice existed at this very spot centuries ago is astonishing. I will now regale my guests with my new found knowledge during the next drive through the prettiest part (in my opinion) of Canada period.....thank-you for this video.

[@fearwidge]

And thank you for your comment. Enjoy your next drive,.

[@jeanfrye1429]

Thank you for your tour I absolutely enjoyed it in 2024 you're a wonderful guide and have a Happy New Year🎉

[@fearwidge]

Thank you so much for the kind words. And a Happy New Year to you too, Cheers, GN

[@CONCERTMANchicago]

*Now that's exactly what I was looking for when searching for a POV tour of geological remnants for Niagara.* _Plus I got to see a great collection of Canadian sides old growth trees. Many being Oaks that love growing atop glacial ridges._

[@fearwidge]

Thanks for the comment. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@CONCERTMANchicago]

​@@fearwidge, if ever in Chicago. You can see where prehistoric Great lakes had once escaped, flowing down south to Golf of mexico. Via deepened Des plaines river valley, wider Illinois river, then feeding into great mississippi.

[@CONCERTMANchicago]

If interested in old trees and native ecology, as our regions Treestorian I assembled an informative blog documenting present day Emerald Ash Borer event. scottieashseed.wordpress.com/ It contains Scientific details along with photos of our regions oldest ash trees I conserved by voluntarally inoculating them with cure that both fully protects them and kills off EAB like a big bug zapper. Enjoy.

[@hunterjohnson3001]

The people have spoken and are ready for you to release the White fang tapes (unreleased tapes) to KZbin ! Just doing what you told me to remind you a few months ago hahaha keep up the good work on your channel !!

[@fearwidge]

THERE YOU ARE! I've been trying to find your contact info, so GREAT Timing. I've FINALLY located all our White Fang scripts - Season 2 Outlines - etc. And I HAVE found 5 of the 6 VHS Tapes. Turns out, there were supposed to be another 25 Episodes in Season 2, but we only managed to get SIX produced before the show was shut down. BUT... We wrote a WHOLE bunch more scripts in advance (15 or 16? ). However, they're all on old 1 1/4" Floppy Discs - so I'm trying to rig up a convertor. Now.. Once that's done, HOW do I get all this info to YOU? Any ideas? Let me know here. Cheers, GN

[@devikasangwan3289]

Amazing tour video...loved your narration. I'd look at the Falls with an altogether new perspective now. Brilliant information and thanks for doing it !! :-)

[@fearwidge]

Thank you so much for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@nemoneminis9359]

Exceptional, simply exceptional. I could never imagine there was so much history hidden beneath this unique natural beauty. Many, many thanks for this extraordinary trip that makes the spectacle of Niagara Falls way more interesting and even more enticing.

[@fearwidge]

Thank you so much for your kind comment. Glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers, GN

[@dennisschwartzentruber3204]

Nice work !

[@fearwidge]

Thank you kindly. Glad you enjoyed it. Cheers, GN

[@josephoneil6016]

I spent a few years in Lewiston, NY and remember "shooting" the rapids in tire tubes tied together. We would enter after the whirlpool and watch for the police helicopters to pass then jump in and hold on for a wild ride. I want to stress I am in no way recommending this for anyone. We were young and adventurous and probably stupid - but it was fun.

[@melrosemiss]

I had the opportunity to scale the almost-straight rock side of the gorge in the 60s (in a skirt and penny loafers). We walked the dry gorge for hours. It was amazing, like being in a different world. The rapids were astounding. Oh to be 18 again and fearless.

[@Adventurekm]

Awesome video and great information. I have been there many times.

[@fearwidge]

Thanks for the comment, GN

[@allancrow134]

That was spectacular and I really enjoyed the natural history. I lived in Burlington Ontario until I was 11 years old before moving to Vancouver Island in 1973. My childhood included frequent family visits to Niagara Falls. The Burlington Bridge was a nice touch. Thanks for posting, an excellent commentary. :)

[@fearwidge]

Thank you so much. (And I'm glad I ended on the Burlington Bay Bridge.) LOL

[@lauramurphy3463]

Amazing! Thank you!

[@fearwidge]

Thank YOU for taking the time to comment. Cheers, GN

[@loveistheanswer8137]

Great job on the video. Your narration is both interesting and humorous. 👍

[@fearwidge]

Thank you very much. 'Tis appreciated. Cheers, GN

[@alessandrapirelli7040]

Great show! I visited the Falls so many times as a kid but never knew all this cool history!

[@fearwidge]

So glad you enjoyed it. Like you, I first visited as a kid, was hooked and have been going back ever since. Discover something new every time! (I turn 74 next month!!!) 😳

[@alessandrapirelli7040]

@@fearwidge One comment did intrigue me. I remember when the Corps "shut off" the U.S. falls to explore options to remove the accumulated talus/scree and make it more plunging like Horseshoe, but you mentioned that they determined it was that very scree slope that was acting as an erosion buffer against accelerated collapse. You mentioned that without the protective scree, accelerated back erosion would occur creating an elongated steep rapids (after presumably 1000's of years). My question: why would the falls do that now as opposed to millions of years before? The cliff face and its scree are always in equibrium; remove the scree now and the cliff face would simply retreat faster until a new equilibrium is established. And yet there are no rapids now ... its still largely a waterfall. Just curious.

[@StuartWoodwardJP]

Sit down, crack open a bottle of your favourite spirits and knock back a shot whenever you hear the word “breathtaking”.

[@fearwidge]

ROFLMAO I KNEW someone would catch me out for the repetition of certain adjectives, but I thought it would be for "SPECTACULAR." Every time I hear myself use that word, I WINCE. Now I gotta go back and check for the number of "breathtakings." Well spotted. Sadly, I don't drink anymore {I'm VERY thirsty}. LOL But you're right. That WOULD make a good Drinking Game. Back when I did drink {spirits}, one of my favourite games was to watch The West Wing, then toss back a shot every time someone said "Okay." I swear that was Aaron Sorkin's favourite word. LOL

[@StuartWoodwardJP]

@@fearwidge haha. It was a great video though. I had a rushed trip there about 15 years ago so it was good to see all the details of the geology.

[@glennchristie2316]

I have to say: You are one Incredible Tour Guide and Documentary Presenter. I lived in the Rochester area from 1968 to 2014. My wife and I have personally seen most of the places you showed and I want to thank you for showing me the remainder of what I didn’t see. I was fortunate to be on the top of the Ferris wheel when it stopped to let people off at the bottom. What an incredible view. You can see forever up the Niagara River.. The cave under the falls is LOUD… I’m now in S. Central Florida and today is Sept. 13, 2024.. No more cold and snow..

[@patricialutz2092]

Thank you so very much for this great video! I learned so much about not only Niagara Falls;but the whole surrounding area and it's absolutely amazing as well as breathtaking; thank you so much be well😉👍

[@fearwidge]

Thank you, Patricia. Glad you enjoyed the tour.

[@MsLinda165]

Loved coming to the gorge hiking on a hot humid day; the cool puffs of air from the caves cooled us off. Beware not to stick a phalange in the water...it'll suck you down!

[@fearwidge]

I agree. Don't put ANYTHING in the water! Just not worth the chance. Cheers, GN

[@chilihead10]

This brought back good memories, thank you!

[@fearwidge]

So glad you enjoyed it. Appreciate the comment.

[@yeah4me1]

Raised there…so many fossils and arrowheads

[@fearwidge]

Arrowheads! Now those I haven't seen (though I'm SURE you found some). Sincere kudos, GN

[@fearwidge]

Apologies for the slow responses, all. I'm busy preparing to go into hospital for surgery on Nov. 17, 2020. Should be able to respond to questions again in about two weeks. Thanks for your understanding, GN

[@johorn3328]

God bless you, its now. Pass your date and we know your recovery is on time! Mz Jo Cleveland Ohio

[@fearwidge]

@@johorn3328 Aw, Thank You, Jo. The operation was successful. I'm still in hospital recovering, but should be on my way home in the next two days. Most kind of you to think of me. All the best & cheers, GN

[@Skyprince27]

Did you make it?

[@fearwidge]

@@Skyprince27 Sorry. Just saw your question. Yup. Had the operation done at Shouldice, the world's leader in Hernia Repair. Had one side done in 2000. This one went just as smoothly. HIGHLY recommended should you ever need help with a hernia. (And thanks for asking.)

[@bruce0paterson]

Excellent! Bruce Paterson New Zealand. I visited these falls around 1998. I wish I could have watched this the night before my visit.

[@fearwidge]

Aw, Thank you, Bruce. And I wish I knew more about NZ before we were rushed down there to write a TV series (White Fang) shooting in Queenstown.- back in '93. It was an INSANELY busy 3 months, but we did manage a few quick trips to Glenorchy, Wanaka,, Invercargill, The Franz Joseph & Fox Glaciers - and we fell in love with the Otago Peninsula. Even managed a VERY quick look at Mt. Cook on our flight home.. Tried cramming on the geology of NZ while we were down there, but so little time to really take it in. However, we went through a 6.2 Quake the 2nd day we were there. You'll have a really nice country ONCE THEY FINISH MAKING IT. LOL Thanks again & cheers, GN

[@bruce0paterson]

Ahha! Otago Peninsula, Tainui, was where I was born, brought up, and went to school. Didn't recognise any significant interest to anyone between Dunedin and Queenstown when I was younger. Thanks

[@kentpaynter1350]

Enjoyed this very much, now I want to go back and trace all your steps. Thank You.

[@fearwidge]

Thank you so much, Kent. That was my intention in making this video. Sincerely hope you get the opportunity in the not-too-distant future (CVID permitting). All the best & cheers, GN

[@fearwidge]

I just stumbled onto a SUPERB video on The Niagara Escarpment by Beth Gilhespy of The Hamilton Naturalists' Club.. Ms Gilhesby goes into GREAT scientific detail on the creation of the entire Niagara Escarpment and - quite frankly - her science is even more accurate than mine! (I kept on thinking ONE of you would catch me out on "Dolomite" {the chemical} vs. "Dolostone" {the correct name for the rock created by Dolomite Crystals & Calcite Crystals}. I guess Eddie Murphy helped me "dodge that bullet" thanks to his movie, "Dolomite Is My Name.") 😄 Regardless, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND "Niagara Escarpment Geology with Beth Gilhespy." Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5mnmIh6j7xqhM0

[@carterjohn57]

Awesome👁

[@fearwidge]

Thank you.

[@Liesel925]

Wow! I've lived in WNY all my life, and this video taught me so much! Thank you for posting.

[@fearwidge]

And Thank YOU for your comment. Glad you enjoyed the video. All the best & cheers, GN

[@0623kaboom]

that was interesting ... ok the geologists holdiay style video ... but it was still very interesting .... the thing i hate about Niagra falls is how commercial it is ... things like the sky tram sure that at least is providing a new view of the gorge ... but the 30 million horror shops and ripleys and other carnival style shops ... thats just being commercial ...

[@fearwidge]

You'll get no argument from me on that. Its one of the main reasons I made this video. I wanted visitors to know there is SO much more to see & explore at Niagara than just those gorgeous Falls. Thanks for your comment, GN

[@EASYTIGER10]

You can tell the gorge is very "new" geologically speaking. The steep expose rocks look like things happened yesterday.

[@fearwidge]

"Geologically speaking" - Yup. 12,500 years is just the blink of an eye in geology. Besides... Every year some of the gorge STILL slides down into the river, usually with VERY dramatic effects...

[@lassepeterson2740]

"This ice age is not over until the glaciers of Greenland and Antarctica has melted ".

[@fearwidge]

That's right...

[@bk6010]

Yeah very interesting comment, doesn't match the other narrative we hear

[@lifeintornadoalley]

From Lockport NY. Absolutely love this

[@fearwidge]

Thank you so much. Appreciate it, GN

[@smplyizzy]

Dude you know your stuff!

[@fearwidge]

Thanks Rick. Appreciate it. GN

[@wm3293]

Great video one of these days you should add all the stuff they did to Terrapin Point in the 1950s the really changed the Horseshoe Falls on the US Side reading up they eliminated 400 feet ofcthe Horseshoe Falls completely destroyed the Terrapin Rocks and filled it in with Land fill to create Terrapin Point there is Noticeable Erosion on thar side as well

[@fearwidge]

Thanks for taking the time to comment. Apologies for the delay in responding... I can understand why Americans might be upset over the "remediation work" done to the Horseshoe Falls back in 1954. At first glance, it would appear that all that work was solely to benefit the Canadian side. But the truth is a lot more complicated. The main purpose of all those changes was to divert more water from above the Falls and send it to the massive power plants downstream on both sides of the gorge near Lewiston. Canada has the two "Sir Adam Beck" Power Plants. The U.S. has the GIANT "Robert Moses" Power Plant. However, the U.S. needed MORE water diverted, so the TWO countries searched for a way to get what BOTH sides needed. A big part of the problem in diverting 75% of the water for power was that both the Canadian AND American sides now had a lot of bare rock near the brink where there used to be water. So, both the U.S. & Canada worked together to deepen the riverbed in the centre of the "pool" above the Falls (to create a greater source for diverted water). Then BOTH sides had fill added near the brink to create observation sites - at "Terrapin Point" in the States - and at "Table Rock" in Canada. Our two countries also took the opportunity to stop a "notch" eroding back at the centre of the Falls, and restore that true "Horseshoe" shape all the way around the brink. I'll stress here that the entire Terrapin Point Observation Area was designed by the U.S. And while I was also initially disappointed that The Terrapin Rocks had been lost, the first time I crossed into the States to explore the wonderful NATURAL sights all around Goat Island (the 3 Sisters Islands - The Green Cascade - etc.), I was shocked and DELIGHTED to discover - THE TERRAPIN ROCKS ARE STILL THERE!!! When visiting Terrapin Point, your attention is naturally drawn to the spectacular view of the brink & the sensual sweep of the curved Horseshoe Falls. BUT... Next time you're there, turn RIGHT, follow along the fence-line, look down towards the edge of the cliff and you'll see - looking VERY much like the backs of turtles - THE TERRAPIN ROCKS lying on the abandoned brink in all their historic glory. And while it's true that the Horseshoe Falls now lie almost entirely inside Canada - as the Falls continue eroding back, it won't be long (geologically speaking) before almost a THIRD of those Falls will lie inside the States again. (Meanwhile - due to an error by the USGS in mapping exactly where the US/Canadian border truly lies - most people are unaware that all those massive boulders down below Terrapin Point actually lie in CANADA!!! Then again - downstream - where The Spanish Aero-Car has been traveling over the Whirlpool for the past 108 years, the centre part of its "journey" is actually in AMERICAN Air Space. But as our two countries are friends, both have decided to ignore these small "border transgressions" in the spirit of "live & let live." Sincerely hope this (overly-long) reply gives you some of the answers you were looking for. All the best & cheers, "Niagara Glenn."

[@Johnslastname]

Sounds like George carlin teaching science and geography

[@fearwidge]

Gee. I was sure I didn't use any of George's "seven words" (on THIS video). However one or two may have slipped into my unlisted "Bloopers Reel." kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4CXgqF7a5xln9k

[@0truckmafk]

@@fearwidge LMAO!!!! lol A good old George Carlin ending would have been shocking: "F you, F me, and F everyone now that I think about it!"

[@fearwidge]

@@0truckmafk LOL. Agreed. I miss him. We really NEED his voice...

[@Robert-vm8cn]

What about the guys going over in the barrels , what was the speeds they obtained

[@hunterjohnson3001]

Hey there ! You messaged me about a week or so ago and let me know u had found the missing white fang 1993) tapes and you would be uploading them to KZbin and wanted me to jog ur memory this week so here I am 🤣 anyways take care and keep up the channel ! And good work cheers from CA

[@d.g.2896]

Once I started watching, I couldn't stop

[@fearwidge]

Thank you. Cheers, GN

[@johnferguson4089]

What a fascinating documentary and such an interesting narration. I'm in Australia and it's rather unlikely that I'll ever actually see the Niagara falls but your commentary and video is excellent and about the next best thing to actually being there. Wonderful to see and thank you for your research and for putting this video together.

[@fearwidge]

And thank YOU for those kind words. So glad you enjoyed your "Virtual Journey." You now have MORE idea of what The Falls are all about than 90% of the visitors who actually go there! Far too many take in the view - then quickly turn to the "attractions" on Clifton Hill - or head for the nearest casino. They don't realize they've missed the REAL "adrenaline rush" you get - right next to the "river" in Niagara Glen{n} - or at the bottom of the Whirlpool. Most aren't even aware those sights are THERE!!! But, YOU do. LOL BTW: I spent ~4 months working as Head Writer on a TV series (White Fang) in New Zealand back in the early 90's. Never did make it to Australia (but I have several cousins living in Melbourne). It certainly was an experience., though - as I'm also an Amateur Astronomer - both day & nighttime skies seemed WRONG! The Sun went "the wrong way" (from R to L, as opposed to L to R {when facing it}.) The Moon was "upside-down" (from what I'm used to), and the only way I could make out familiar constellations in the north was by leaning over backwards! Just my "Northern Hemisphere Chauvinism," I'm afraid. Besides - I've never bought into the idea that of you good folk being "Down Under." Most of the continents are in the north, our solar system is "falling" towards a spot in the Northern sky so - as far as I'M concerned, WE're "Down Under" and you guys are "On Top Of The World." LOL Thanks again for your comment. All the best & cheers, GN

[@robteleeiii8567]

Incredible. Your knowledge is just as impressive as the falls themselves. Your voice is great for this work.

[@fearwidge]

STOPPIT! You're making me blush (as if...) LOL You like my voice? Really? I DON'T like my voice. Let's blame it on my mother. I was born in England, and she was an "Elocution Teacher." I've been trying to lose that accent ever since arriving in Canada in 1956. But if the remnants ain't gone by now, I guess I'm stuck with it. Seriously... Thank you very much for your overly-generous comment. 'Tis indeed appreciated, and I'm sincerely glad you enjoyed the video. All the best & cheers, Glenn Colin Philip de Kavanagh-Norman (My REAL, stupid-long name. Again - blame my mother.) vbg

[@ExploreNiagaraUSA]

We love to see such enthusiasm for our hometown of Niagara Falls! We hope that you enjoyed exploring this beautiful natural wonder!

[@fearwidge]

Thank you for the kind words.. Wish I could have had time to shoot the U.S. side as well. There are so many GREAT sights to see. I particularly enjoy Goat Island & touring all of the Three Sisters. Also "Cave of the Winds" and "Devil's hole." Hopefully someone on the U.S. side will decide to do just that. All the best & cheers, GN

[@taylercarnwith6872]

This is awesome!!!🤘

[@fearwidge]

Thank you, Tayler. Appreciate it.

[@davidkruger6379]

I was born (in 1932) in NFNY and knew the American side well. My sister lived in Lewiston and, at the age of 12 or so, I'd hike the old river trolley track from the Whirlpool State park bottom to the quarry at the end of the old Lewiston-Queenston bridge and thence to my sister's home. She'd feed me and send me back on my 7 mile trek home. At the upper end of the trolley run at Cedar Avenue was a flat area where the terminal had been. During the war the army had a searchlight and anti-aircraft gun placed there. We boys would go talk to the soldiers on a Saturday afternoon and really had a ball. Then one Day they were gone - bag, baggage, searchlight and gun. We searched the area for lost stuff and I wound up finding a long bayonet which I still possess. This program makes me wish I had explored the Canadian side as well. But I left for the Navy at 18 and never spent but a few days visiting family after that. But a great program that stirred fond memories.

[@mrdovie47]

I went into The Cave of the Winds as a youth, heavy rubber rain coats with hoods, it was scary, but cool as well.

[@fearwidge]

I didn't do "The Cave of the Winds", but I DID go "Under The Falls" on the Canadian side. And I remember the old way of prepping you, which involved lining up - and being fitted with a big pair of "Rubber Welly Boots" and heavy, black waterproof "rain gear." (They kept your SHOES as collateral until you returned all their stuff after visiting the various portals behind the Falls.) These days, they just give you a bright yellow "Rain Coat," (which isn't much more than a glorified garbage bag) - then warn you: "You're gonna get SOAKED," which you DO. Same on The Maid of The Mist boat tours - AND "The Cave of the Winds" (which isn't a cave any more)...

[@sherryridlen9357]

Hello iam american I had your vid suggested thought I would give it a look. I watched the whole thing and I was in dum struck wonderful education felt like I was really there thank you for showing me the fall and more

[@fearwidge]

Thank you so much, Sherry. Most kind. GN

[@janeodee1677]

Very Interesting, I feel like I have seen this film before! though it could also be that I have explored some of the sites you mention. It is still today a marvel to behold and for anyone willing to go off the beaten path a bit, there is a lot of nice spots for quiet contemplation.

[@fearwidge]

Glad you enjoyed the video. FYI: Other than the DVD that was sold at Niagara about 6 - 8 years ago, this is the only other place "Hidden Niagara" is available for viewing. And - yes - you're right about there being SO many places for quiet contemplation. This area is, indeed, a marvel...

[@aroundandabout2240]

Awesome video! We visited US side of Niagara Falls few months ago. There is a video on our channel in case you are interested.

[@fearwidge]

Thanks so much. I thoroughly enjoyed Parts One & Two of your "Highlights from the American side." You have some REALLY nice footage which gives a "You Are There" feel for viewers. Well done, and I hope you get a chance to take a Tour of the Gorge from The Canadian side some day. I'll post links to your videos in a "pinned comment" up above. All the best & Cheers, Niagara Glenn 😎

[@aroundandabout2240]

@@fearwidge Thank you so much for sharing our video! It makes me happy to see that other people enjoy our adventures with us. Yes Canadian side is definitely on our bucket list. I heard there is so much to explore there. Thank you again and stay warm!

[@TheWinterShadow]

Thank you for this awesome video!

[@stormyswearengen9102]

Just watched your video. Well done indeed. You should be a tour guide....lol Thank you so very much, for this huge...and well done edevour. Stormy

[@fearwidge]

Most kind. As for being a tour guide... I am. Here. LOL Doing it in person would be a tad tricky as I turn 74 in 3 weeks. I suspect just one of those "climb -back-ups" would kill me. Thanks again for the comment, Cheers, GN

[@SunSun108]

Narration is fantastic! Great images and informative! Keep up the good work!

[@fearwidge]

Thank you so much. If you're on FaceBook, be sure to check out my new FB page for Niagaraphiles. Title? Same as this. "Hidden Niagara."

[@newrenewableenergycontrol5724]

How is it that spending most of my 66 year life living 40 miles from this, I was totally unaware of this? Ask my 'educators' at the Silver Creek Central system! Now this year I will be returning to home and will bring my beautiful Philippine wife to see what both of us missed over the last 55 years! Thank you for this! Care to go back 60 years and be my history teacher?😎😎😎

[@fearwidge]

ROFL Well, 60 years ago I would have been 12- WAIT A MINUTE. Actually, I WAS teaching 60 years ago! But - Astronomy & Flying, not History/Geology. (Been doing Public Education {now called "outreach"} on Astronomy, through talks & nighttime "Star Parties," since I was 12, And Flying Antique Aeroplanes since I was 19. {I bore easily}.) LOL Been giving family & friends my "Tour of The Niagara Gorge" since I was in my late teens. Got tired of making the 6-hour round-trip drive to Niagara, so decided to make this video instead. Now I can give out the same info as my "in-person" tours, but have more time for my other Passions: Flying/Restoring old Aeroplanes, then Barnstorming in them - Star Parties & Deep Space Video Astronomy - Genealogy {got my partner's family back 132 generations!} - Who Shot Down The Red Baron {Australian Ground Gunner, Snowy Evans} - Who shot down WW2 LEGLESS Ace, Douglas Bader {his wingman - accidentally) - "Paul Revere & the Raiders" (the greatest rock band EVER) - Videography {when necessary}, and - oh yeah - making a living as a Writer/TV Screenwriter/Exec Story Editor (though I consider "making a living" as a Hobby to subsidize my PASSIONS). But I digress. LOL Re school: The ONLY thing my useless "educators" gave me was one {1} field trip (in 14 years of "private-school hell"). That trip was to The Niagara Region, and it piqued my curiousity. The rest is {my} history. Hope you & your wife have lots of fun during your OWN exploration of The Niagara Gorge. Thanks for the great comments, GN

[@ericassuvtravels]

Thank you for this wonderful experience

[@fearwidge]

You're very welcome. Cheers, GN

[@sofjanmustopoh7232]

It is a great lecture in geology . I first saw this video after a trip to Niagara Falls. This felt like a guided geology tour by an awesome Docent. I kept this on my watch latter and watch it every now and then every year or so 👍👍

[@fearwidge]

Aw, Deeply appreciated (especially now I am an old man). ❤

[@V8MAN]

fascinating video. thank you so much

[@fearwidge]

You're most welcome. Glad you enjoyed it. Cheers, GN

[@davidhuber9418]

great documentary, thank you!

[@fearwidge]

You're very welcome. Glad you enjoyed it. Cheers, GN

[@deplorablecanadian2336]

When it's warmer can I pay you to be a tour guide for a day? I have a few areas I want to investigate but I also don't know what I don't know, so I'd like to know what I don't know to know if I'm interested in what I don't know.

[@fearwidge]

ROFL Great comment. Re the Tour Guide bit... Unfortunately, I'm not for rent. LOL I'm often approached re this idea, but - the sad truth is that I'm 10 years older now than I was when I shot this - and you saw how exhausted I was climbing back out of Niagara Glen{n} & The Whirlpool back then. But... I know several Niagara Tour Guides have studied this video and added content from here to their tours, so - maybe - when this COVID "DamnPanic" is over, we might be able to arrange some sort of "group outing" for our fellow "Niagaraphiles." I've created a FaceBook Group "Hidden Niagara" so let's see if interest builds and I'll take it from there. (Note: You may have to CARRY me back up though.) ROFL Thanks & cheers, GN

[@josiahpaul6199]

I live there lol

[@deplorablecanadian2336]

@@fearwidge You're probably 20 year older than me or more but I bet you still make it to the top before I do. My health is dog shit and I'm working off a broken ankle and shoulder. I do plan to head down and investigate a few areas. I would really like to find a way into some of the caves and tunnels that have been barred off to keep people out Also would love to get into the bottom of that electrical plant, there is video of someone doing it before the security was so heavy. Our real history has been hidden from us and I am on a quest to uncover any missing puzzle pieces I can find. Your video did I great job at showing me the old paths of the niagara. I wonder if you could find gold in any of those old falls or rivers? I always recommend a channel to people when the topic of history comes up. If you have ever felt that the history we were taught didn't quite match what you were seeing with your own eyes or felt it wasn't exactly how we were told it was then you should definitely check out Flat Earth British - Martin Liedtke We recently lost Alan Watt and it is a massive loss for humanity, when we lose Martin it will be equally devastating and a horrible loss for humanity in the truth community. Hope you can get over the name of the channel and have a chance to check him out. He did a 12 hour broadcast a few days ago if you have time to kill. Anyway thanks for making this awesome video, I learned a few things.

[@deplorablecanadian2336]

@@josiahpaul6199 I am considering a move to Welland

[@josiahpaul6199]

@@deplorablecanadian2336 do it! niagara is beautiful. plus welland is close to crystal beach! super clear water.

[@fearwidge]

WOW! I just stumbled onto a SENSATIONAL Short Film titled "Relics of Niagara." The videos creators have "unearthed" historic "Relics" of Niagara's past and displayed them - in a superbly professional manner - in "Relics of Niagara, Part One." It's BEAUTIFULLY shot and presents places I hadn't even HEARD of! HIGHLY recommended. You can see it HERE: kzbin.info/www/bejne/npuWgmqkZdtnrrc AND... As of July 31/23, you can now also see Part Two, with even MORE great discoveries and one great "Secret" I'd never even heard about. Great stuff, well worth your time investigating... kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIWpn3xspMRjj5Y

[@brusselduglary8130]

the algorithm is blessing you! i subbed

[@fearwidge]

Apparently! Though I have NO idea why??? LOL

[@brusselduglary8130]

@@fearwidge it just happens sometimes you get a lucky break! keep uploading and I will keep watching

[@fearwidge]

@@brusselduglary8130 Amazing! Though I'm afraid most of my uploads are Aviation-oriented. My partner, Michelle & I both fly antique airplanes, so most of our new videos will be on that. But I'll be posting more Niagara info on our new FB page "Hidden Niagara," so you can always check in there. Also, as you were nice enough to inform me about the algorithm, I'll give you this UNLISTED link to my "Bloopers Reel." Friends tell me it's funny. Perhaps I'll see it that way (some day). Thanks & cheers, GN kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4CXgqF7a5xln9k

[@brusselduglary8130]

@@fearwidge Thank you very much. Best of luck to you!

[@richardblais5232]

@@fearwidge I'm pretty sure that in my case, the algorithm that took me here is my interest in the Younger-Dryas Cataclysms of 12,800ya to 11,600 ya. You may have heard of Randall Carson who's lifelong interest in the ice sheets covering Canada and his estimation that it all ended rather quickly with extra-terrestrial comet or asteroids strikes on the North American ice sheets, and the subsequent mega-floods over the scab lands and across the old ice ridge. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4iZfZmqnNZro8k

[@junkbox_]

These locations are excellent and inexpensive places to go hiking. This video was very useful.

[@fearwidge]

Glad you found it useful. Just - BE WARNED - since we shot this video, Niagara Parks has been adding Parking Fees to just about all the places that used to be free. So check costs ahead of time so you're not disappointed. Here are the latest Pay-By-Day or Pay-By-Year prices I could find. (Better than paying at EACH location...): www.niagaraparks.com/media-room/media/niagara-parks-introduces-changes-to-pay-and-display-parking-program/

[@Nynexx]

ive found some gold near these old rocks and falls.

[@fearwidge]

Wow! Very cool. If you don't mind me asking (& protecting your info...) Did you find the gold near the Falls, or somewhere along the gorge? Just curious geologically (HONEST). 🤫

[@jafo766]

Me too , lots of it , hopefully no one tell'$ the newcomer'$ eh ?

[@fearwidge]

@@jafo766 Excellent. But, to clarify, I have ZERO interest in grabbing gold. (I don't have much use for money - as posting this video for FREE might indicate.) I am just interested from a geological point of view as to whether you found it SOMEWHERE {along the 7-mile gorge) or SOMEWHERE around the Falls - Nothing more.

[@gm2023MJ]

A very interesting and excellent video. The drive through view and commentary was very educational and made one feel as though one was traveling through this journey. Keep up the good work.

[@fearwidge]

Thank you so much for your kind comment. 'Tis deeply appreciated. GN

[@siddokis2945]

So this explains Devil's hole in Stoney Creek also, interesting.

[@fearwidge]

Yup. The "Devil's Punch Bowl" is one of many places where Lake Erie's precursor, Lake Tonawanda, tried to find a way over the escarpment. There's another nice series of Falls & Rapids at Beamer Falls, above Grimsby., and several more on the U'S' side. But eventually, the outlet at Queenston/Lewiston won out and our "modern" Niagara Gorge" ate its way back from there. Thanks for your comment, GN

[@danieldangelo7937]

I live in Stoney Creek

[@iscovidoveryet7828]

@@fearwidge There's a whole other series of videos on their own, that you could make about all the Falls along the ridge of the escarpment. There's a book about them. Might I suggest getting an HD 4K drone? You'll need one to access some aerial shots.

[@rodpaget9796]

I love your passion and long term observations as I have wondered so many similiar ways it all came about. Thanks. me ? I wonder if the gorge was formed under the ice shield? The steep vertical walls are a sign that its a very fast errosion like out west on the Columbia River. Or the box Canyons on Lake Superior? Water drilling down from mile thick ice, then out sidways out into the lake. Later after the ice leaves the falls stretches from Niagara to Hamilton at various falls. That would explain St Davids and the whirlpool...Whirlpool being the bottom of a meltwater shaft from a mile up. Just been wondering about why a box Canyon would be formed instead of flowing out of StDavids.

[@fearwidge]

Thanks for taking the time to comment. Re the "alternate" possible creation of the Gorge in a MUCH shorter time... I understand your points. Could this be more like the "Lake Missoula" floods that created "The Scablands"? The thing to bear in mind is that The Niagara Gorge was one of the first regions to be studied INTENSIVELY for an estimate of "time to create," and just about every aspect of The Falls 7-mile journey has been studied and proven after NUMEROUS investigations into its past. Other than a 5-thousand year "pause" around Niagara Glen, the Gorge has actually cut back VERY fast. As the ice retreated EARLY in Niagara's history, there were at least FIVE Falls tumbling over the Escarpment. (all originating in a MUCH smaller Lake Erie). But eventually, it was the Falls at Queenston that "won out." Re the Whirlpool & St. David's Buried Gorge: The OLD gorge was buried by glacial debris, and the NEW current gorge "ate" its way back at 90 degrees to the older one. When the Falls reached Thompson Point, it broke through the rock wall - and HERE - YOU'RE RIGHT. The Falls VERY quickly "ate" back about a mile to the current two bridges (just before the "modern Gorge" widens). As the waters only had to remove loose detritus, this DID happen in a relatively short time. "Normal erosion" only resumed once The Falls reached the cliff-face at the OLD Gorge's (underwater) terminus. When water levels are low, you can still see the old NARROW "St. David's gorge" in the centre of the "Whirlpool Rapids." And while a "funnel of meltwater" {such as we're seeing now in Greenland) might appear to be an explanation for the Whirlpool - the entire length of the buried gorge has been explored in SO much detail, that we now understand exactly HOW it formed, HOW it was buried, and HOW/WHY it was re-excavated. HOWEVER... If you want to explore a REAL mystery... Go to Google Earth and take a look at the so-called "Short Hills" area running parallel, west of The Welland Canal. From Port Maitland (on the North shore of Lake Erie), to the South shore of Lake Ontario (N of Decew Falls), the land is VERY disturbed and drillings have shown this is apparently glacial debris from an even EARLIER gorge that pre-dates St David's. There's LOTS to explore there and many mysteries STILL to be answered... Thanks again for your interest, Cheers, "Niagara Glen{n}"

[@shawnhyland2999]

This guy is very animated.

[@fearwidge]

True. I've been accused of being on "speed." But I don't "do drugs," and the truth is - I suffer from Severe ADHD {the "H" standing for HYPER). And if you want to see proof of that, watch my "Hidden Niagara Blooper Reel" here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4CXgqF7a5xln9k All the commentary for this video was done without any script - EXCEPT for the 1 minute & 14 seconds my Producer, Michelle Goodeve, INSISTED I had to do "On Camera." It took me HOURS to get those very few shots, and I'm afraid my ADHD frustration tended to turn the air BLUE as a result. However, even though I've "censored" my outbursts, it isn't hard to figure out what I'm saying, so I wouldn't suggest that video for kids. ADHD is a TRULY weird mental condition, as I did ALL of the rest of the commentary in One Take! Go figure. (I can't.) LOL

[@shawnhyland2999]

@@fearwidge I enjoyed watching the video. Very interesting facts about how the falls were formed.

[@fearwidge]

@@shawnhyland2999 Thanks, Shawn. Glad you enjoyed it. Cheers, GN

[@rontronnesjr]

Incredible video - THANK YOU for sharing with us!!!

[@fearwidge]

Glad you enjoyed it. And thanks for taking the time to comment.