Dufferin Islands in Niagara Falls are located 5 miles from the banks of Niagara River. This island is a combination of four small islands that are connected by bridges and footpaths.
Dufferin Islands is a tourist attraction since 1794. A natural gas well was discovered along the shores and it was used to attract tourists to this place. A barrel with the pipe covered by a cork is placed over the surface from which gas was raising. After gathering a group of audience, the cork is removed to ignite the upcoming gas. This remained as an attraction until 1888.
This privately owned island was then purchased by the Ontario province during the time at which Queen Victoria Park was created. Then this island is maintained as a natural preserve and you can find beautiful parks all over the place. The Dufferin Islands are open all the year round and during summer, swimming area will be organized to let the tourists enjoy the hot summer. Since the fast moving waters in the islands are reduced by the hydroelectric water diversion upstream, it is not much difficult to form a swimming area.
Now, Niagara parks commission is taking care of Dufferin Islands. As the number of tourists increase every year, the island is maintained beautifully to maintain its natural look and feel. The cost to visit Dufferin Islands is absolutely free and you can append any number of hours in the islands. Winter festival of lights is conducted from November to January annually where you can view several animated lighting shows.
