Unique View of Niagara Falls
You can feel the power of the turbulent water at Niagara Falls from a boat, or even push your way around crowds of people to get a selfie from the top. But nothing lets you appreciate the spectacular majesty and structure of the whole Niagara Falls like the unique view from a 12-minute, 28 kilometre helicopter tour.
We picked an almost perfect day for our helicopter ride - sunny, with little wind, although this caused a slight delay because the spray had settled over the Falls and we had to wait for about 10 minutes for takeoff until a light breeze gave us a perfect view. We were told that the helicopters are not permitted to fly after dark or with low cloud, so we were confident we would have a great experience.
We couldn’t have done better than choosing Niagara Helicopters, who have been flying people over the Falls for more than 50 years, as well as undertaking rescues, corporate tours, film shoots, aerial surveillance, weddings and other charter activities.
The process was simple and easy. Christina and the team at Niagara Helicopters were obviously heavily committed to ensuring everyone had a great time, and all the staff were friendly, communicated well and were actually interested in who you were and where you came from, rather than just being a ticket-puncher.
hThe company has a relatively new (2015) fleet of four amazing Airbus H130 helicopters that were surprisingly quiet, carried only seven passengers in two rows, and gave everyone a great view. I was in the centre of the four rear seats and saw everything, including getting a great view between the pilot and front passengers.
We couldn’t have done better than choosing Niagara Helicopters, who have been flying people over the Falls for more than 50 years, as well as undertaking rescues, corporate tours, film shoots, aerial surveillance, weddings and other charter activities.
The process was simple and easy. Christina and the team at Niagara Helicopters were obviously heavily committed to ensuring everyone had a great time, and all the staff were friendly, communicated well and were actually interested in who you were and where you came from, rather than just being a ticket-puncher.
hThe company has a relatively new (2015) fleet of four amazing Airbus H130 helicopters that were surprisingly quiet, carried only seven passengers in two rows, and gave everyone a great view. I was in the centre of the four rear seats and saw everything, including getting a great view between the pilot and front passengers.
Although we have experienced light aircraft and hot air balloon tours before, we have only been on a couple of helicopter tours years ago and it felt really reassuring to see the team’s safety processes. No back packs were allowed, we stood in a specific spot with a team member while each passenger was escorted on board, and a pilot or crew member even buckled up every passenger individually, to ensure everything was done correctly.
Then, with a blink of an eye we were airborne and flying across the golf course towards the Niagara River. The whole sequence then became a bit of a blur as our pilot skilfully flew back and forth, turning each way so everyone could get a great view of firstly the Niagara River, then the Whirlpool which generates up to 20-foot waves, the Class 6 rapids, Rainbow Bridge, the American and Bridal Veil Falls and eventually the majestic Horseshoe Falls.
Then, with a blink of an eye we were airborne and flying across the golf course towards the Niagara River. The whole sequence then became a bit of a blur as our pilot skilfully flew back and forth, turning each way so everyone could get a great view of firstly the Niagara River, then the Whirlpool which generates up to 20-foot waves, the Class 6 rapids, Rainbow Bridge, the American and Bridal Veil Falls and eventually the majestic Horseshoe Falls.
Fortunately the very easy-to-understand commentary pointed out all the other features around Niagara, such as Queen Victoria Park, the Skylon Tower, the Casino, significant hotels, the hydro power stations and so forth.
I really enjoyed being able to put the whole area in perspective; seeing the waves, rapids and the massive steel International Control Structure that sits about 800 metres, or half a mile, above the Horseshoe Falls. This structure was built in 1954 and extends about 500 metres from the Canadian side to almost the centre of the river. It's designed to reduce the volume of water going over the Horseshoe Falls, and thus reduce erosion, as well a force more water into the American and Bridal Veil Falls and into the power generation projects. Few people realise that the American Falls are about three metres higher than the Horseshoe Falls, so if this structure was not in place the American Falls would be reduced to around 10% of its volume and become a relatively slow-moving stream. This why many parochial Canadians say the American Falls are man-made - they obviously aren't and would flourish and be even bigger if the hydro water diversions and other interventions were not there.
I really enjoyed being able to put the whole area in perspective; seeing the waves, rapids and the massive steel International Control Structure that sits about 800 metres, or half a mile, above the Horseshoe Falls. This structure was built in 1954 and extends about 500 metres from the Canadian side to almost the centre of the river. It's designed to reduce the volume of water going over the Horseshoe Falls, and thus reduce erosion, as well a force more water into the American and Bridal Veil Falls and into the power generation projects. Few people realise that the American Falls are about three metres higher than the Horseshoe Falls, so if this structure was not in place the American Falls would be reduced to around 10% of its volume and become a relatively slow-moving stream. This why many parochial Canadians say the American Falls are man-made - they obviously aren't and would flourish and be even bigger if the hydro water diversions and other interventions were not there.
The helicopter approach from above the Falls (left) shows the Horseshoe Falls in the centre, the rapids and diverionary works before the falls, with the Niagara Falls city in the background. Below the Falls (right) are the rapids before the Whirlpool - in the top centre you might just make out the zipline cage crossing the river above the Whirlpool.
Even on the way back to base we were treated with great views of surrounding highlights. If I had known what was in store I would have taken the helicopter flight on our first day, as that would have given us even greater appreciation of the many views of the Falls we experienced during our trip.
Thumbs up to Niagara Helicopters - a flight over the Falls is something everyone should consider.
To find out more or to make a booking, click here to go to Niagara Helicopters website.
Even on the way back to base we were treated with great views of surrounding highlights. If I had known what was in store I would have taken the helicopter flight on our first day, as that would have given us even greater appreciation of the many views of the Falls we experienced during our trip.
Thumbs up to Niagara Helicopters - a flight over the Falls is something everyone should consider.
To find out more or to make a booking, click here to go to Niagara Helicopters website.
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Visit Other North American Destinations - Canada, United States, Las Vegas, New York, Los Angeles, San Fransisco, New Orleans, Orlando, Mexico, Hawaii