Niagara Falls is located in the United States and Canada. The three waterfalls straddle the international boundary between New York State and Ontario, connected by the Niagara River.
The group consists of Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Horseshoe Falls is the largest and lies on the border, while American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are on the United States side. The Canadian city of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and the U.S. city of Niagara Falls, New York, sit opposite each other across the river.
The falls formed after glaciers reshaped the Great Lakes region during the last ice age. Water flows from Lake Erie through the Niagara River toward Lake Ontario, dropping dramatically at the falls. A common mistake is to call Niagara Falls exclusively Canadian because the broadest panoramic views are often photographed from Ontario. In reality, the landmark is shared by both countries, and visitors can experience it from either side.