Niagara Falls Tourism Series – The Niagara Falls
Canadian City Offers Numerous Ways to Experience Famous Attraction
Sep 8, 2009
Niagara Falls, Ontario, located in the southern part of the province, is one of Canada’s top tourist destinations. Niagara Falls Tourism and the City of Niagara Falls estimate that between 12 to 14 million tourists come to see the falls each year – a figure that has caused Forbes Traveler to name the Niagara Falls as Canada’s most visited tourist attraction.
But the city of Niagara Falls has much more to offer tourists than just the falls: the colourful and eclectic tourist promenade Clifton Hill, amusement parks and kid-friendly attractions such as Marineland and water parks, and numerous other attractions, such as casinos. This article focuses specifically on the attractions based around the Niagara Falls, the Niagara Gorge, and the Niagara River.
Journey Behind NiagaraFalls
In this unguided tour, tourists descend over 120 feet to the base of the Niagara Falls and then make their way through over 40 feet of underground tunnels to various observation platforms. From these observation areas, the sight of the falls and the thunderous crashing of the waters is awe-inspiring. This attraction is open year-round.
The Maid of the Mist
The world-famous Maid of the Mist first began in 1846 as a ferry service but quickly became one of the region’s top tourist attractions. This boat tour takes tourists past the American Falls and Bridal Veil and stops at the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Prepare to get wet as tourists will be sprayed with light mist and at times, fiercely pelted with water. It’s all very safe and exciting, however, and cannot be beaten when it comes to experiencing the power and the beauty of the falls. Famous passengers on the Maid of the Mist have included President Theodore Roosevelt, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Marilyn Monroe, and Princess Diana.
Niagara’s Fury
Niagara’s Fury is a short 4D presentation that chronicles the formation of the Niagara Falls 10,000 years ago. Thanks to the power of special effects such as rain, mist, lightning, and quakes, visitors will feel as if they are actually present during the time of the falls’ creation. A short animated film is played prior to the feature presentation to offer a fun and kid-friendly version of the events.
Niagara Helicopters
Tourists can see the majestic falls from the air in this helicopter tour that has been in operation since 1961. Niagara Helicopters has won Attraction of the Year six times and is open year-round. It’s also conveniently located minutes from the falls and offers free parking, which is a rarity in the city’s prime tourist area.
Sir Adam Beck 2 Generating Station
The Sir Adam Beck 2 Generating Station is one of Ontario’s largest hydroelectric facilities. It has been in operation for over 40 years. Tourists get a fully-guided forty minute tour of the plant, which includes three observation areas, a short minute video, and an interactive area.
Skylon Tower
The Skylon Tower is a 160-metre tall tower that offers a spectacular view of both the Canadian and American Niagara Falls from its observation deck. It was officially opened in 1965.
Whirlpool Aerocar
The Whirlpool Aerocar is an antique cable car that transports tourists through the air and across the Niagara River. Tourists get a mesmerizing view of the swirling torrent of water known as the Niagara Whirlpool. From the aerocar, tourists can also get an unparalleled look at the Niagara Gorge and its 400-million year-old rock layers which serve as a testament to the glacial activity that created this unique region. This attraction is only open from April to November.
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
The Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour is an hour long high-speed ride on the Niagara River which goes to the Niagara Gorge, through class five rapids known as the Devil’s Hole, to the edge of the Niagara Whirlpool, and then back. Tourists will see the Sir Adam Beck power plant and the Whirlpool Aerocar above as they tour the river. The tour also has a historical element as these same waters were traveled during the War of 1812.
White Water Walk
The White Water Walk is a boardwalk along the edge of the fast-moving Niagara River, which the Niagara Parks Commission calls “one of the world’s wildest stretches of white-water.” Tourists will take an elevator down 70 metres and then walk through a 70 metre-long underground tunnel in order to reach the river’s edge. The boardwalk itself runs across 305 metres (or 1000 feet) of the Niagara River. This attraction is only open from April to November.
To continue about reading about the many attractions in Niagara Falls, Ontario, click here.
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