What are the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls consists of Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

The three falls lie on the Niagara River between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Horseshoe Falls is primarily on the Canadian side, while American Falls and the much smaller Bridal Veil Falls are on the U.S. side. Goat Island separates the two U.S. falls.

The falls formed as glacial meltwater and changing drainage routes established the Niagara River after the last ice age. Erosion continues today, although engineering works and water diversion for hydroelectric power have reduced the natural rate of retreat.

The name Niagara Falls is therefore a collective name, not the name of one single waterfall. Horseshoe Falls is the largest of the three by height and volume, but all three are part of the same landmark system.