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Home > Niagara Falls Attractions > Niagara Whirlpool Aerocar

Niagara Whirlpool Aerocar

Niagara Whirlpool Aero car or Spanish Aero Car provides the stunning view of the unique natural phenomena, Niagara Whirlpool. Explore amazing Aero Car attraction pictures.


Niagara Whirlpool Aerocar or Spanish Aero car is one of the amazing Niagara Falls attractions that I personally like, and is positioned high on our list of the recommended things to do and places to visit in Ontario and Canada.

Here is why.

Visiting Niagara Spanish Aero car


Once on board of the Aerocar, you'll have an opportunity to see and make some amazing pictures of the fascinating Niagara Whirlpool and Niagara rapids from bird’s perspective.

niagara whirlpool aerocar above the Niagara River and rapids
Niagara Whirlpool Aerocar above the Whirlpool and Niagara River

One small part of Niagara Falls Canada and America with its popular landmarks, can also be seen from Niagara Whirlpool Aerocar.

Even if it is very hot outside, the breeze coming along the Gorge, will make your journey above the Niagara River joyful and refreshing. Once above the Niagara Whirlpool, the ride will probably make you a bit uncomfortable, but don't worry.

As this journey over the Niagara Gorge is pretty short, here is our suggestion. On your way to Niagara-on-the-Lake town, have this Niagara attraction be your first stop to visit.

niagara whirlpool
Satellite view of Niagara Whirlpool taken from Goggle Earth

There are few nice places on a short distance from Niagara Whirlpool Aerocar, where you can take awesome pictures of the Niagara River, Whirlpool and Niagara Gorge.

Have some time there to relax, and enjoy BBQ in the shade of the trees. Your kids can run around, while you are enjoying the peace and amazing scenery. Don't forget to take some pictures of the Niagara River, Gorge and Spanish Aero car when crossing the Whirlpool, like we did below.

spanish aero car crossing niagara river
Niagara Whirlpool Aerocar, photo from nearby park

whrilpool aero car is one of the amazing niagra falls attractions
Spanish Aero Car docked

Spanish engineer Leonardo Torres Quevedo has designed the Niagara Whirlpool Aerocar, also called Spanish Aero car, in 1913, and it's been running from 1916. It has been upgraded many times since then, for better safety and efficiency.

The Niagara Whirlpool Aerocar operates between two points of the Canadian shore and over the Niagara Whirlpool.

Spanish Aero car features...


It takes approximately 10-15 minutes for 1 km round trip. That gives you enough time to see and enjoy the view of gorges rapids, the Whirlpool, The Gorge, Hydro plants, Robert Moses Generation Station in Lewiston NY, Whirlpool State Park in Niagara Falls. Again, don't forget to record this.

You will be able to see many hikers and fisherman below, getting down via many nature trails.

Looking at the Niagara River and Whirlpool, it is sometimes frightening, but unforgettable. You will see the natural "reversal" phenomena, where water constantly changes direction and creates Whirlpool.

niagara river, rapids and whirlpool picture from the plane
Niagara Falls Attractions: Whirlpool phenomena

The "reversal" phenomena does not take place when the water flow is low, which is after 10pm each night. That is because the water is diverted for hydroelectric purposes.

The rapids entering the whirlpool are moving at an estimated 35 to 37 km/h and the flow of the water coming through the river is immense.

If you are afraid of height, don't be. There hadn't been any reported accidents. You don't want to miss such an experience because of the fear.

The Niagara Whirlpool Aerocar is suspended on six interlocking steel cables, 25 mm in diameter. It is powered by an electric 50 HP motor with a speed of 7 km/h. That is the longest span in the world, without supporting tower.
For me that is enough. Just to think that it is pretty stable and safe.

The height at some point of the span, close to the shore, is 86 m, and in the center 42 m. When you are comparing it with Skylon Tower and CN Tower in Toronto it is not that high. However, it gives more realistic experience.

supporting cables of the Niagara Whirlpool Spanish Aero car
Whirlpool Aerocar supporting cable

If there is a power failure, the diesel generator will safely pull the car back to the dock. For your safety, there is also a safety car, and fortunately it has never been used.

The Aerocar doesn’t swing or sway. The interesting thing is when you have to change the side so everyone sees a different view.
Probable you'll find yourself a little uncomfortable.

spanish whirlpool aero car dockedDuring this trip, you will hear a little bit of history about the Niagara Gorge and Whirlpool.
It is interesting.

Don't forget to bring your cameras, as you will have an opportunity to take some great pictures.

Best time for photos is the end of the summer, and beginning of the fall.

The watercolor is so beautiful. The brilliant green color of the Niagara River comes from dissolved minerals and finely ground rock.

The Spanish Aero car is open from mid-March to mid-November, from 9am (10am) till 5pm (6pm), but if it is windy it is closed.

The admission is $11 CAN and for kids 6-12 years of age $6.50 CAN.
Kids under 5 are free.

Comment: If you compare other Niagara Falls Attractions, like Maid of the Mist with Aerocar, you will find that the cost of this trip is not appropriate. Too short trip for money you pay. But, it offers you a unique experience.


Directions to Niagara Whirlpool Aerocar:

For Travel Tips and Directions to Niagara Falls Canada click here.

Spanish Aero car address:

3850 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls Canada

The Spanish Aero car is located 5 km North of the Niagara Falls Canada, at People Mover stops #8 and #16.

If you plan to go to visit Niagara-on-the-Lake, let the Niagara Whirlpool Aerocar be your first excitement stop.






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