Niagara Attractions
Niagara Helicopters, Whirlpool Aero Car, Journey behind the Falls
The Journey behind the Falls, Niagara Helicopters, or the Whirlpool Aero Car are just some of the ways to see the mighty Niagara Falls.
When Blondin the Great visited Niagara in 1859, he several times. In 1901 surviving a fall of over 50 metres into the Maid of the Mist Pool.
Tourists today are still drawn by the promise of adventure. After all, Niagara is just a two hour drive from Toronto. Listen to the thunderous roar and feel the rocks vibrate between your feet. Feel the mist on fingers and face and watch multiple rainbows appear and disappear as if by magic. The power of this place is in the air creating its own romantic adventure. Unlike Blondin and Taylor, today's visitors don't have to risk life and limb in a barrel or on a tightrope to enjoy the awe and splendour of the Falls.
Three Separate Waterfalls
Niagara Falls actually consists of three separate waterfalls: the Bridal Veil Falls, the American Falls and the Horseshoe Falls. The most famous are the American and the Horseshoe Falls. The American Falls, at 56 metres high, is slightly higher than its Canadian cousin. At its crest it is 328 metres wide. The Canadian Horseshoe Falls are approximately 52 metres high and estimated to be 675 metres wide.
What to See and Do
There are so many ways to experience Niagara. Start with the Journey behind the Falls. The elevator descends to the mighty gorge and a network of tunnels takes you to the observation platform and viewing portals where you can view the roaring tumbling torrent from behind. Don't worry about getting wet – waterproof raincoats are included in the cost of the entry ticket!
You might prefer to see the Falls from above. The Konica Minolta Tower Centre rises approximately 525 feet, giving superb views of the Falls and Niagara River. The Tower is an attraction in its own right, offering a selection of entertainments and shopping with a very smart restaurant, the newly renovated Pinnacle Restaurant at the top. Also at the top is the Ramada Plaza Hotel Fallsview.
If viewing from 525 feet is not good enough for you then you could hop on a Niagara Helicopter. This must be the most exciting way to view Niagara. It goes without saying that a camera is essential as you fly through rainbows that materialise from all directions. The flight lasts approximately 10 minutes and a taped commentary is supplied. Provided the weather's fine flights depart from 9 a.m. daily until sunset.
Another way to experience Niagara is the Whirlpool Aero Car. This is located 4.5 kilometres north of the Falls. Designed and built by Spanish engineer Leonardo Torres Quevedo, the Aero Car has been operating since 1916. The cable car travels on six strong cables between two different points on the Canadian shore of the Niagara River passing over the spectacular whirlpool. The trip is approximately 1 kilometre and takes about 10 minutes.
