Tag Archives: Niagara Helicopters

List, Travel

10 Best Places For Scenic Views In Niagara Falls

Leave a comment
Reading Time:  3 minutes -

Do you wish to take home some stunning photos from your trip here? Here are 10 of the best places for incredible seasonal scenic views in Niagara Falls.

#1 Skylon Tower

Cost: $18/Adult and $9/Child

You will be 775 feet high when you do the “Ride-to-the-Top” at the Skylon Tower. You will get an incredible 360° view of the Niagara Falls and the surrounding landscape via the Indoor/Outdoor Observation Decks. The elevators are also glass-enclosed. See the Falls, the Great Gorge, and even the city skylines of Buffalo, New York and Toronto!

#2 Oakes Garden Theatre

Cost: FREE

The Oakes Garden Theatre offers a few differing spots to get great photos of the Niagara Falls. The park is located at the bottom of Clifton Hill and the Niagara Parkway/River Road, and provides scenic views from the benches (as shown). It is also built in a shape in which at any point within a pergola built at the top of the park, you will be presented with a panoramic view of the Falls. It connects two open pavillions where one delivers a picturesque view of the Horseshoe Falls, and the other of the American Falls.

#3 Niagara Helicopters

Cost: from $185/Adult and $113/Child 

For a one-of-a-kind adventure, the Niagara Helicopters is the way to go! Every photo you take will be awe-inspiring, with views of the Niagara Falls, the Sir Adam Beck Generating plant, the Botanical Gardens, the Niagara River from the Whirlpool area, the Rainbow Bridge and beyond!

#4 Niagara SkyWheel

Cost: $15/Adult and $7/Child

The Niagara SkyWheel offers panoramic views of the Niagara Falls and beyond from 175 feet off the ground from the top of Clifton Hill. From this vantage point you will be treated to memorable views of the Horseshoe and American Falls, the Niagara River, Niagara Parks and other landmarks. The gondolas are also climate-controlled.

#5 Table Rock Welcome Centre

Cost: FREE

The Table Rock Welcome Centre features a mixture of Gift Shops, the Elements Restaurant, the Journey Behind the Falls and Niagara’s Fury attractions. Inside this centre, there is a two-level indoor viewing gallery called the “Grand Hall”, where visitors are treated to an up-close view of the Falls.

#6 Journey Behind the Falls

Cost: $19.00/Adult and $12.50/Child

Journey Behind the Falls attraction gives you the opportunity to descend 150 feet through bedrock to tunnels that will overlook experiencing the Horseshoe Falls from directly underneath the cascading Falls!

#7 The Niagara Glen

Cost: FREE (but be very careful and wear the appropriate gear)

The Niagara Glen offers an opportunity to view the natural, rugged beauty of the region through trails, rock climbing, and close access to the Niagara River. Direct access to the Niagara Glen trails is found at the highest part of the gorge, where a metal staircase sits at the edge of the cliff. The Glen overlooks the Niagara River Gorge Whirlpool.

#8 Whirlpool Aero Car

Cost: $19/Adult and $12.50/Child
*Open Seasonally April – November*

Get out your pictures for a beautiful shot of the Niagara Gorge from the Whirlpool Aero Car. As you soar across the torrent of water below, you will witness one of the world’s most frightening natural phenomena’s, the Niagara Whirlpool below. The car travels safely between two different points of the Niagara River. the trip is slightly more than 1 kilometre (3,600 feet).

#9 Queen Victoria Park/Niagara Parkway

Cost: FREE

Of course, there’s no better place for a free view of the Niagara Falls than along the Niagara Parkway at Queen Victoria Park! Whether you are taking a stroll along the pathway, checking out the Zimmerman fountain, sunbathing in the grassy field, or purchasing tickets from the Hornblower landing, you are offered a first-class view of the Falls from here. The park also features a major stone garden, a Hybrid tea rose garden, and attractive carpet bed displays.

#10 Niagara City Cruises (Hornblower)

Cost: From $33.50/Adult and $23.50/Child

Niagara City Cruises is an intimate tour that gets you as close as possible to the breathtaking flow of water, power and mist that is the magnificent Niagara Falls. Within the Niagara Great Gorge you will journey past the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and into the very heart of the famous Horseshoe Falls. Grab a camera and get some amazing shots!

Attractions, Things To Do

Amazing Niagara Falls Tourist Attractions You Have To See

Leave a comment

Reading Time:  5 minutes -With the Summer halfway through, now is the time you may be thinking of planning a quick Niagara Falls getaway. If your time is limited, here is a list of Niagara Falls tourist attractions you have to see!

#1: Hornblower Niagara Cruises

Hornblower Niagara Cruises is a thrilling way to experience Canada’s most spectacular wonder of the world. It will take you on the ride of your life with an intimate tour that gets you as close as possible to the Niagara Falls. Within the Niagara Great Gorge you will journey past the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and into the very heart of the famous Horseshoe Falls.

Currently ranked #3 of 41 “Outdoor Activities in Niagara Falls” on TripAdvisor

Visit: www.niagaracruises.com 

#2: Niagara SkyWheel 

Are you ready for a unique sightseeing opportunity with breathtaking views of the Falls and beyond? Then head to Clifton Hill and take a ride on Canada’s largest observation wheel, the Niagara SkyWheel. Towering 175 feet (53 metres) over the Niagara Falls horizon, it is the most exciting way to see Niagara Falls. From this vantage point you will be treated to memorable views of the Horseshoe and American Falls from enclosed climate-controlled gondolas. See the Niagara River, the Niagara Parks and other landmarks.

Currently ranked #9 of 148 “Things to do in Niagara Falls” on TripAdvisor

*Included in the Clifton Hill Fun Pass: Available year-round. 

Visit: www.cliftonhill.com

#3: Skylon Tower

Photo cred @thiagoedomingues

Get a spectacular view 775 feet above the Niagara Falls from the Observation Deck of the awe-inspiring Skylon Tower. Visitors can also enjoy dining in the “Revolving Dining Room” or the family-affordable “Summit Suite Buffet Dining Room” restaurant.

Currently ranked #21 of 148 “Things to do in Niagara Falls” on TripAdvisor

Visit: www.skylon.com 

#4: Niagara Helicopters

Photo cred Christine Hess Photography

You can’t get any higher! The Niagara Helicopters will lift off and provide you with incredible one-of-a-kind views of the Niagara Falls and the landscape 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, over the Whirlpool Rapids and the Rainbow Bridge. Queen Victoria Park stretches below as the helicopter passes by the American Falls and the Skylon Tower.

Currently ranked #8 of 46 “Tours in Niagara Falls” on TripAdvisor

www.niagarahelicopters.com 

#5: Journey Behind the Falls 

Take a journey deep below and behind the heart of Niagara and stand in the mist where the Horseshoe Falls tumbles from 13 storeys above. At Journey Behind the Falls, you’ll experience the awesome spectacle of one-fifth of the world’s fresh water crashing down to the basin below. Up to over 2,800 cubic meters of water thunders over the brink every second, travelling 65 kilometers per hour!

Currently ranked #20 of 148 “Things to do in Niagara Falls” on TripAdvisor

Visit: www.niagaraparks.com 

#6. Clifton Hill

No trip to Niagara Falls is complete without visiting the “Street of Fun by the Falls”! Clifton Hill is loaded with family-fun and attractions for all ages. Attractions, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife line this street from top to bottom.
It is the home of the Niagara Skywheel, the Niagara Speedway, Great Canadian Midway, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum and a 36-hole Dinosaur Adventure Golf course (compete with a “live” volcano) for starters! There are so many things to do on Clifton Hill that a single day is rarely enough.

Currently ranked #27 of 148 “Things to do in Niagara Falls” on TripAdvisor

*Purchase 6 of Clifton Hill’s hottest attractions in the Clifton Hill Fun Pass for a $30 savings off the individual retail prices: Available year-round. 

Visit: www.cliftonhill.com 

#7. Niagara-on-the-Lake 

Ready for a change of scenery? It’s like stepping back in time and taking a breather from the hustle and bustle of Niagara Falls. Here, Niagara-on-the-Lake houses attractions mainly of historic sites. Fort George and the Historical Society Museum, the Shaw Festival, boutique shopping, golf courses, parks and beautiful farmland, agricultural markets and our world-famous Niagara wineries. Check out the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, or simply enjoy the comforts of fine hotels and charming bed and breakfast homes, with many varied restaurants.

Visit: www.niagaraonthelake.com

#8. Fallsview Casino Resort 

The Fallsview Casino Resort is a 2.5 million square foot complex that includes more than 3,000 slot machines and 150 gaming tables, a 368-room five-star hotel, fine-dining restaurants, 50,000 square feet of meeting/conference space, a health spa, a retail facility, a 1,500-seat theatre and much more. The Avalon Ballroom is where some of the world’s top entertainers perform. After catching a show, why not browse the collection of unique shops in the Galleria?

Currently ranked #17 of 127 “Hotels in Niagara Falls” on TripAdvisor

Visit: www.fallsviewcasinoresort.com 

#9: Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours

You won’t find a single bad review regarding this thrilling attraction!  Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours speeds along the Lower Niagara River at 80 km/h in the confines of a jet boat, all while the river guide will tell you all about the fascinating history of the Niagara area and local points of interest. Highlights of your round trip will include the power plants of the Niagara Gorge, the 175 ft. stone wall canyon, and the Whirlpool Cable Car. Rest assured, you’re in professional hands as all captains and jet boats are certified by both the United States Coast Guard and Transport Canada.

Currently ranked #2 of 41 “Outdoor Activities in Niagara Falls” on TripAdvisor

Visit: www.whirlpooljet.com 

#10: Fallsview Indoor Waterpark

The Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is a must-do with the kids! Open year-round and always a tropical, warm-setting no matter the season, it is 125,000 square feet of action-packed water fun. It features a massive play area, a 1,000 gallon tipping bucket, enormous 6 storey high water slides, a full-sized wave pool, and a year-round outdoor activity pool and sundeck, plunge bowl, and two oversized adult only Jacuzzi’s!

Currently ranked #31 of 148 “Things to do in Niagara Falls” on TripAdvisor

www.fallsviewwaterpark.com 

News

Niagara Helicopters: My Journey High in the Sky!

Leave a comment

Reading Time:  5 minutes -*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! 

Christine Lynn

clynn@cliftonhill.com

www.cliftonhill.com

Facebook: www.CliftonHill.com/fb

Twitter: www.CliftonHill.com/twt

Google+: www.CliftonHill.com/gplus

Pinterest: www.CliftonHill.com/pin

Instagram: @cliftonhillfun

 

News

30th Annual Surfing Santa Event

Leave a comment

Reading Time:  3 minutes -

Every December since 1985, John Fulton (the Surfing Santa) has been raising awareness of homelessness by surfing the icy waters of the Niagara River. Fulton makes the frigid mile long journey on a wind surfer or stand-up paddleboard clad in a specialized cold water “Santa” drysuit. Currently, the weather in Niagara Falls on December 23rd, 2014 is showing 5°c and a 30% chance of showers, however Santa will surf regardless of snow, hail, sleet, rain or shine on this date at 11:00 a.m from Mather Arch in Fort Erie.

Directions to Mather Arch: 

Address: 11 Niagara Parkway, Fort Erie

From the QEW heading towards the Peace Bridge, take the last exit “Central Avenue” and turn right. From Buffalo, go across the Peace Bridge and take “Central Avenue” exit (right under the Central Avenue overpass).

Surfing Santa will begin his voyage from Mather Arch in Fort Erie, on to Buffalo, and return, escorted by U.S. Border Patrol and the Niagara Parks Police.

John Fulton has been made famous by major news sites like CNN and the Globe and Mail. Surfing Santa uses his media exposure to ask the world to find a shelter, a homeless person, a family in need or any organization helping the less fortunate and to make a donation.

After speaking to many shelters, the most commonly needed piece of clothing (and most overlooked) is a warm pair of socks. It is because of this, that the Surfing Santa #SocksForSanta campaign was started. It is an event that collects new socks and underwear for the less fortunate in Niagara. Undergarments are not traditionally a donated used clothing item for reasons of hygiene, therefore they are the number one clothing item in demand. Shelters are in dire need of warm socks and underwear year round, but especially during this cold, harsh winter season.

You can bring new pairs of socks, underwear, gift cards, or cash donations down to Mather Arch on the Niagara Parkway in Fort Erie December 23, 2014 between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm for the Surfing Santa “Out Of The Cold Niagara” 30th annual Niagara River Crossing — and get your Picture taken with Surfing Santa!

Watch this interview by John Fulton (also owner of Fulton Fitness in St.Catharines) as he speaks about the Surfing Santa event and what it means to him:

 Surfing Santa Schedule of Events: 

9:00 am Surfing Santa visits Table Rock at Niagara Falls with CHCH TV.

 10:30 am Santa lifts off from Niagara Helicopters for trip past Falls down river to Fort Erie

11:00 am Surfing arrives via Niagara Helicopters for the Mather Park Media event and pose for pictures with Santa (BYOSS) Bring your own Santa suit.

12:30 pm Down river launch and crossing to USA from break wall south of Peace Bridge.

1:30 pm Arrive Bowen Rd. Park

To donate online and for more information on this event please go to www.surfingsanta.com 

Christine Lynn

clynn@cliftonhill.com

www.cliftonhill.com

Facebook: www.CliftonHill.com/fb

Twitter: www.CliftonHill.com/twt

Google+: www.CliftonHill.com/gplus

Pinterest: www.CliftonHill.com/pin

Instagram: @cliftonhillfun