logo for niagara-falls-tourist-guide.com
Home
Niagara Blog
Niagara location
Getting There
Niagara maps
Niagara Pictures
Niagara Attractions
Imax theatre
American Falls
Clifton Hill
Best Cheap Hotels
Best Hotels
Niagara Motels
Bed and Breakfast
Vacation Packages
Casinos
Top Restaurants
Niagara on the Lake
Niagara Wineries
Icewine
Water parks
Shopping
Canada Outlet Mall
Niagara History
Niagara Facts
Travel Resources
Contact me
Niagara weather

[?] Subscribe To
This Site

XML RSS
Add to Google
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to My MSN
Add to Newsgator
Subscribe with Bloglines
leftimage for niagara-falls-tourist-guide.com

Niagara Whirlpool Aerocar



Niagara Whirlpool Aerocar is one of the Niagara Falls Attractions that I personally like, and is positioned high on our list of recommended sites.

Here is why.

It is called a Spanish Aero car as well, as it has been designed by Spaniard.

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

niagara whirlpool aerocar
Niagara Falls Whirlpool and Rapids


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 joyful and refreshing. Once above the Niagara Whirlpool, the ride will probably make you a little 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


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, like we did below.

spanish aero car
Niagara Whirlpool Aerocar, photo from nearby park


niagra falls attractions
Amazing view of Niagara River and great family fun

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

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

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 falls attractions
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.



I had the same problem, with the fear, and this is how I cured it.
We had visitors coming from Europe, and they wanted to see a CN Tower.

I said no way. First, you have to take a ride in the outside elevator, which is very fast, and after that to spend some time, so high above the ground. Not in a million years. They were challenging me, friendship, this and that, and I didn't have a chance for a second thought. So I said let’s go. I have only one life...

We stayed there for a 20min. and it looked like hours. Yes I was sweating, my heart was beating like crazy, legs shaking... but I did it. It was worth it.
Few weeks after, I did it again... No fear anymore.

toronto attractions cn tower
Toronto CN tower, lots of courage to take this picture


...back to Spanish Aero car...

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. But it gives more realistic experience.

niagara falls spanish aero car
Whirlpool Aerocar supporting cable


If there is a power failure, the diesel generator will safely pulls 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 bit uncomfortable.

niagara riverDuring 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.
Brilliant green river


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.

No complaints, you have one life only.
Remember, memories are to be created and to be kept.


Directions to Niagara Whirlpool Aerocar:

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

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.







Footer for Niagara Falls page