With the capture of spectator's attention also came the pressure of their expectations for miraculous feats of bravery to be performed. Men such as Arthur Midleigh and Alonzo Gardner fell privy to such pressures in 1886.

Midleigh and Gardner attempted to cross the Niagara River in a small row boat, but just as they left shore they were almost immediately swept up in the strength of the water and stranded on a rock before the brink of the Horshoe Falls. Hundreds of spectators gathered at pavillions such as this one attempting to catch a glimpse of the men, either being rescued, or falling to their fate's over the Horseshoe Falls.

The next brave individual along this journey is Captain Joel Robinson, who was once the Captain of the Maid of the Mist boating attraction in the 1860s. Captain Robinson was tasked with maneuvering the Maid of the Mist through the Whirlpool rapids which needless to say put his boating skills to the test.

Rambler's Rest pavilion is open year-round and can be rented as a wedding venue from the Niagara Parks Commission.

Located directly across the street is Queen Victoria Park. The park was named in honour of Queen Victoria who purchased the land surrounding Niagara Falls in the mid 1800s to preserve the area from industrial development. Victoria Parks is a lovely place to take a walk or view the carefully manicured flowers.

Located beside the pavilion are the Hornblower Cruises. The Hornblower is the Canadian versions of the Maid of the Mist, a family-friendly boating attraction that takes visitors into the Niagara Gorge and underneath the mist of the Horseshoe Falls.

Beside the Pavilion and the Hornblower Cruise is the Wild play Zip line attraction.

This Location is Owned and Operated by the Niagara Parks Commission

This location is wheelchair accessible.

The next destination on the Bravery Along the Niagara River tour will be the Horseshoe Falls where you will learn about the foolish and daring attempts of those who tried to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

To continue to this site, briefly walk along the sidewalk towards Niagara Falls and Table Rock welcome Centre.

Please note, this information is subject to change and is seasonally and weather dependant.

Additional Reading:

Articles on the History of Niagara Falls by Niagara historian Sherman Zavitz can be found by clicking here.

Niagara by Pierre Berton is a book that extensively details the entire history of Niagara Falls. It can be found at:

A timeline of Niagara Falls daredevil stunts can be found here.

Drummond Hill Cemetery in Niagara Falls Ontario is where several of those who performed acts of bravery along the Niagara River were buried. To see a list of grave locations click here.

Photograph Source:

Rambler's Rest Pavillion- 1910. 1910. Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, Niagara Falls Library, Niagara Falls Ontario.

Information Updated as of November 2018