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 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.
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.
Niagara Whirlpool
Aerocar, photo from nearby park
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:
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
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.
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.

During
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.