Understand
The main geographical feature of the region is the Niagara Escarpment, running in an east-west direction. The best known portion of the escarpment is where it meets the Niagara River, creating the beautiful Niagara Falls. Elsewhere in the region in the vicinity of the escarpent, there are many parks and conservation areas to be explored, many smaller waterfalls to be seen, and many great views to be found.
The Niagara Region is home to some of the best farmland in Canada although the area's proximity to Toronto also attracts human settlement, and farmland has been devoured by urban sprawl in certain areas over the past few decades. The climate makes grape-growing possible, and there are over 60 wineries in the area, most of which are in the towns of Lincoln and Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The area is quite historic, having been the first area in Southern Ontario to be settled as well as a main battleground during the War of 1812. This heritage is especially celebrated in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Tourism is a large part of the economy, and the region attracts over 12 million visitors per year from all over the world.
