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Columnist: Robin Esrock
Vancouver-based travel writer Robin Esrock is co-host of the hit OLN series, Word Travels. He has been published in over a dozen major newspapers worldwide, held lectures across the country, and continues to search for offbeat destinations and "gonzo" adventures. For more information visit www.moderngonzo.com.
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World's best waterfall

8 of the World’s Best Waterfalls

by Robin Esrock

Something inside us resonates when we see a large body of water falling through the air. Some appreciate the velocity, volume and sheer power on display. Others marvel at the mystic beauty and striking diversity of nature’s cascades. And what compares to the revitalizing sensation of swimming beneath a natural shower, or being soaked by its mist? One cannot claim to know the world’s best waterfalls, for that is as personal as defining nature itself. These, however, are my personal favourites. Feel free to share yours in the comments field below or upload photos of your favourite waterfalls.

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Angel Falls

With its 979m drop, Venezuela’s Angel Falls holds the title of the world’s highest waterfall. Located in the Canaima National Park, such is its height that the water turns to mist before hitting the ground. Remote and difficult to access, it is still one of Venezuela’s most popular tourist attractions, and a mecca for BASE jumpers who leap off the edge with a parachute. Angel Falls was named after an American aviator named Jimmy Angel who accidentally discovered them in 1933. Four years later, he returned and crash landed his plane on the top, returning to civilization with tales of high adventure. His somewhat appropriate surname was subsequently given to this spectacular natural attraction. (credit: Getty Images)

Catch Robin on the new series of Word Travels, Sunday nights on OLN at 8:30pm ET/PT. More info at www.wordtravels.tv

Vox Pop (Total responses:131)

Give a response.

Share your favourite waterfalls:

Resident says:

This is a picture of Niagara Falls, theCanadian Horseshoe Falls the falls to the left of the Horseshoe is the American falls, They are all Niagara Falls!

Robin Esrock says:

Thanks for all your wonderful comments! Four things are clear: a) we're passionate about large, falling bodies of water! b) I need to visit Guyana's Kaieteur Falls c) I need to visit Iceland's Gulfoss Falls d) I've been to nearly 100 countries, and I still haven't travelled enough! Proclaiming "the world's best" anything is folly, of course, which is why I always put a personal disclaimer that these are merely my opinion, gleamed from personal experience. As I continue to travel (13 countries this summer!) I'll no doubt encounter more incredible waterfalls, beaches, buildings etc...and add them to future lists. In the meantime, thank you for your thoughts, ideas and inspiration. We don't all have the opportunity to visit everywhere on our planet, but through travel forums like this, we do have the opportunity to share our amazing experience.

Anonymous says:

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome pictures!!! LOVE IT!

Anonymous says:

I am actually a resident of the town beside Niagara Falls called Welland and Id have to say of courseee Niagara Falls, the falls that Ive grown up with all my life are breathtaking! And I have to disagree with the comment about about Agua Azul in Mexico being "ordinary". I visited it 3 weeks ago and it is absolutely breathtaking...there are kilometres and kilometres of beautiful waterfalls with the bluest colour Ive ever seen! It doesnt beat my hometown falls, THE Falls but is not ordinary!

Stephen says:

I am surprised that Kaieteur Falls in Guyana South America which is a magnificent, high-volume waterfall on the Potaro River in central region was not included in your lists. It is 226 meters (741 ft) when measured from its plunge over a sandstone cliff to the first break. It then flows over a series of steep cascades that, when included in the measurements, bring the total height to 251 meters (822 ft). While many falls have greater height, few have the combination of height and water volume. This has given Kaieteur Falls the misleading label of "largest single drop" waterfall in the world which is often misinterpreted as "tallest single drop." However, it is likely one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world and certainly rivals the Niagara.

Shalena says:

I'm also very surprised that they missed the magnificent Kaieteur Falls located in Guyana. That should definitely be on the list.

Anonymous says:

The Iguazu river has nothing to do with Paraguay. Please, do not mix Parana river with Iguazu river.

Anonymous says:

Tahiti and other French Polynesian countries have tons of worthy waterfalls that can be in this list. We honeymooned there and it seemed like every day we saw one awe inspiring waterfall after another...

RESPONSE TO: Niagara Falls Resident says:

If you read the whole comment on Niagara Falls it states that this happened in Superman II, nowhere does it say it happened in Superman. As to Lois saving herself I have no idea as I have not seen Superman II but if she did I'm shocked as she never seemed able to save herself at all in Superman. As for the rest of these waterfalls they are amazing and beautiful and there are definitely a couple I have now added onto my list of things/places to see before I die.

Anonymous says:

Well I've visited quite a few waterfalls around the world, but I'd vote for Victoria Falls. I first did the Flight of the Angels over the falls in 1986 - cost only $16. (Zim.) then, and quite a sight, as the pilot of the small plane circled 3x clockwise, then 3x counterclockwise, and we caught the rainbow in the sunlight - pictures are spectacular. But then I did the helicopter over Niagara for my 70th birthday, and again it was a great view.

Anonymous says:

Iquazu Falls, Argentina & Brazil.. www.flickr.com/photos/80651083@N00/115818438/

Anonymous says:

Can't believe that Gulfoss in Iceland didn't make the list. The person who compiled the list obviously isn't very well travelled.

Anonymous says:

How about Virginia Falls on the Nahanni River in the N.W.T.? Not easily accessable but one of the most beautiful and awesome sights I've ever seen.

ashley says:

victoria falls is so amazing! i went there two years ago and i almost died. i love niagara falls and i am a true canadian. but niagara falls r nothing compared to victoria falls. it was amazing to truely witness teh wonders of the world. i would go back in a heart beat

Anonymous says:

What happened to Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls in the world heritage listed national park - Kakadu National Park in Australia???

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