Niagara Falls Blog

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WildPlay Niagara Falls is bringing ziplining and adventure to Niagara Falls with two exciting adventure courses!
The first attraction is a zip line which operates at the Niagara Park Commission’s Grand View Marketplace. The WildPlay’s MistRider Zipline to the Falls is an amazing rush that soars high and fast above the gorge from the Grand View Marketplace toward the Niagara Falls. It’s a guided, human-powered Element that’s suitable to ages seven and older. It includes four high-speed, side-by-side lines that will descend a distance of 670 metres (2200 feet) from the Grand View Marketplace into the Niagara Gorge below.
The second attraction is Wildplay’s Whirlpool Adventure Course which is a fun and thrilling experience of suspended obstacles and ziplines in the midst of nature. Three self-paced courses include dozens of climbing, ziplining, log ladders, monkey bars, jumping, and swinging aerial games for guests aged five and older. It will be located at the north side of the Whirlpool at Thompson Point. As the course moves on, the level of intensity gets more difficult.

“Our goal is to provide both adventure and educational opportunities as guests explore nature within the Parks. It’s a thrilling opportunity to be working with The Niagara Parks Commission and WildPlay Element Parks to bring these new human-powered, eco-adventure attractions to Niagara Falls,” says Lindsay DiCosimo, Marketing Manager for WildPlay Niagara Falls.
COURSE DETAILS
WILDPLAY’S MISTRIDER Zipline to the Falls
Feel the amazing rush of Niagara Falls from WildPlay’s MistRider Zipline to the Falls. You fly high and fast above the gorge toward Canada’s most breath-taking natural phenomenon. The Grand View Marketplace is located within Queen Victoria Park which is where you will start your journey. The zipline will take you from there to the base of the Ontario Power Generation Station.
Element Details:
*Intensity level is appropriate for beginners, intermediate, and advanced thrill-seekers.
*No previous outdoor adventure experience required.
*Minimum age seven, no maximum.
*Consists of four side-by-side zip lines, launching at the top of the Hornblower Niagara Cruises elevator tower and running to the riverside of the Ontario Power Generating Station Building.
*Landing area includes a viewing area for riders to take in the spectacular view.
*Operation schedule: Peak season operation – 12 hours per day.
*Riders zip every two+ minutes.
*Four participants at a time, side-by-side.
*Maximum capacity in a day: approximately 1000 guests.
Pricing:
Single from $49.99
Directions
Check-in for WildPlay’s Mistrider Zipline to the Falls at the base of Clifton Hill, intersecting with the Niagara Parkway (5850 River Road, within The Niagara Parks Commission lands), or choose the WEGO bus system blue, green, red or purple lines.
WILDPLAY’S Whirlpool Adventure Course

WildPlay’s Whirlpool Adventure Course has three self-paced courses which include dozens of climbing, ziplining, jumping, and swinging obstacle games.
Classic Course
Games and ziplines start at six-feet (two metres) above the ground, and begin to rise as you get comfortable with equipment and moving through the obstacles. The fun and challenge increases as you go — testing your bravery and evolving your abilities. Reach up to 45 feet (14 metres) and you’ve completed the whole course.
**Minimum age is 7. Children ages 7-13 must have an adult supervising in the park with them. Minimum reach: 5’11” (180 cm) with feet flat on the ground. 60-90 minutes to complete. Chaperone requirements: ten kids (ages seven to thirteen) per one adult (on the ground or in the trees).
Extreme Course
This is an add-on to the Classic experience where you push your limits with the highest obstacles and ziplines — up to 60 feet (18 metres). The thrilling games and moving obstacles fully challenge your balance and strength.
**Minimum age is 12. Minimum reach is 5’11” (180 cm) with feet flat on the ground. 30-60 minutes to complete.
Kids Course
Suspended up to 10 feet (three metres) high, it features a dozen games and ziplines, created specifically for young guests to move independently and comfortable through the trees.
**Minimum age is 5, maximum age is 12. Minimum reach is 4’7″ (140 cm) with feet flat on the ground. 45-90 minutes to complete. Kids must have an adult supervising in the park with them. Parent/legal guardian signed waiver is required for each child.
Element Details (each course):
*Intensity level appropriate for beginners, intermediate, and advanced thrill-seekers.
*No previous outdoor adventure experience required.
*Guests must successfully demonstrate proper use of Adventure Course and zipline equipment to Park Guides before accessing those elements.
*Maximum kids or youth that a single adult can supervise is 10.
*Wear: sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and close-fitting clothing appropriate for the weather.
*Long hair must be tied back.
WILDPLAY’S What’s the Fear Jump
Clip into a loose line and leap from 40 feet! The heart-pounding plummet to the forest floor will challenge your not-so-common sense. Try the What’s to Fear Jump as a stand-alone activity, or to enhance the Whirlpool Adventure Course experience.
**Minimun age is 7. Children ages 7-13 must have an adult supervising in the park with them. Minimum reach is 5’11” (180 cm) with feet flat on the ground. Chaperone requirements: ten kids (ages seven to fifteen) per one adult (on the ground or in the trees).
Pricing:
Classic from $39.99
Extreme (Classic Course add-on)$9.99
Kids$19.99 (includes two rounds).
Directions
Check-in for WildPlay’s Whirlpool Adventure Course is at Thompson Point, located along the Niagara Parkway (across from The Niagara Parks Commission Whirlpool Golf Course at 3351 Niagara Parkway), or choose the WEGO bus system green line.
Both the WildPlay Niagara Falls and the WildPlay Whirlpool Adventure courses represent new designs that will enhance access to the local, natural beauty of the Niagara Parks for a wide range of guests.
Booking available. Please visit WildPlay.com for more information.

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*Pictured Above: Just one of many photos I took from the Niagara Helicopters on June 4, 2015
Yesterday I did something I never imagined was going to happen as part of my day. I went on the Niagara Helicopters!
As many local residents are now aware, the Niagara Helicopters and Airbus Helicopters have partnered up; unveiling 4 brand new H130 aircrafts. This new fleet of helicopters will be used for sightseeing, aerial surveillance and charter flight.
According to Romain Trapp, President and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Helicopters, they are the quietest helicopter on the market and will reduce noise by 50%. Its Fenestron tail rotor and automatic variable rotor speed control result in a significantly reduced external sound.
**Click here for the whole story on the partnership.
Due to the arrival of these new helicopters, I wanted to go and take some pictures of the aircraft and post them on our Clifton Hill – Niagara Falls Fun Facebook page, to show our viewers these new vessels for any future trip planning activities. Not only was I able to take pictures of the Niagara Helicopters, but they were nice enough to offer me a tour — so I jumped on the chance, and I’m so glad that I did! Having worked within the tourism industry for a number of years, this is one of those Niagara Falls attractions I had yet to try.
My Experience on the Niagara Helicopters

**Click here to follow them on Facebook**
I’m not going to lie, I was a little apprehensive at first as I’ve never been in a helicopter before, and I’ve watched too many action movies with helicopters with no doors. I assure you, it is NOTHING like that! Each helicopter holds six passengers plus the pilot, for a total of seven people…and yes, it is all enclosed!
I was originally scheduled to ride at 10:30 am, but the cloudy conditions said otherwise. The Niagara Helicopters will not ride in cloudy or dark conditions due to visibility. Not only as a safety factor, but to make the most out of your pictures. I was told to periodically keep calling back for the weather condition updates. By 1:00 pm I received word that they were ready the fly, so off I went with my camera for the chance of a lifetime!
The Niagara Helicopters is located at 3731 Victoria Avenue in Niagara Falls (at the Niagara River Parkway). Phone number: 905-357-5672 or 1-800-281-8034
When I arrived and received my ticket, you are welcome to tour their souvenir store that offers merchandise such as “Made in Canada” souvenirs (clothing, books, maple products, jewellery, etc.), convenience items such as stamps, film and batteries, phone cards, and (of course) who would want to leave this experience without some helicopter-themed goodies? They offer die-cast models, postcards, DVD’s of the flight, and much more.

Once you have received your ticket, you may line-up at the boarding dock at any point. There is no set schedule — you simply line-up when you are ready, and one of the four helicopters on flight will pick you up. Each helicopter leaves between every 2-10 minutes (depending on the number of passengers waiting). The flight covers 27 kilometers (17 miles) with a flight duration between 9-12 minutes. Due to the fact that the Niagara Helicopters opened a little later in the day because of the weather, and there was a Korean tour group ahead of me, I had a little bit of a wait at approximately 20 minutes — not a big deal at all. I enjoyed watching the helicopters land and take off.

In no time, it was my turn, and I handed over my boarding pass and was seated up front with the pilot. There is an assistant that helps you in the helicopter, buckles you in, and hands you headphones to not only drown out the noise, but to also play commentary on what you are seeing as you fly; complete with trivia and facts about the Niagara Helicopter ride.
The commentary is available in 12 different languages: English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Dutch, Portuguese, Thai, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean and Russian.
The helicopter gently lifts off from the Victoria Avenue location, with awe-inspiring views of the Niagara Region beginning to appear below.
Beginning with the Sir Adam Beck Generating plant and the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture, the tour follows the Niagara River from the Whirlpool area (look for Whirlpool Aero Car crossing the gorge), over the Whirlpool Rapids and the Rainbow Bridge. Then, you cross over the floral beauty of Queen Victoria Park, and soon the helicopter passes by the American Falls and the Skylon Tower. Then the helicopters followed the curve of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, which was incredible to say the least! Rainbows appeared (which I captured on camera). The helicopter then leveled off and continued along the route back to base.
Features of the Niagara Helicopters Experience include:

The ride of a lifetime
Individual headsets with taped commentary available in 12 languages
Family & Group rates available
Large windows, ideal for the avid photographer
On-site services include cafe, professional Niagara photo services, & gift shop
All major credit cards accepted
Gift certificates available

Flights depart daily from 9:00 am until sunset, weather permitting.
Below is a quick video of the pictures that I took and a couple of moments of video to share during my experience. Enjoy!

When I exited the helicopter you enter into a room that features pictures of you on take off. There are photographers that take your picture before you board the helicopter, and also after you are all buckled in and awaiting flight. These pictures are processed immediately afterwards and they are available for purchase by the time you exit the ride. You may take home one of these picture souvenirs as a memory of your flight. However, if you do not wish to purchase a photo, everyone is given a certificate of flight that is signed and witnessed.
This was without a doubt, one of my favourite things to do in Niagara Falls and I encourage everyone to try it out!
For more information or to book your flight in advance, visit them online at www.niagarahelicopters.com
**Walk-in’s are welcome.**

Pictured Above: Me and my certificate of flight!