Journey Behind the Falls

Hornblower’s “Voyage To The Falls” Niagara Cruise will take you from the Canadian docks at the base of the Great Gorge, past the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the awesome up-close and personal connection with the thundering water, awesome power and amazing mist of the mighty Horseshoe Falls. Voyage To The Falls departs every 15 minutes and starts early each day with the Early Morning Sunrise Cruise. For a truly extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experience visitors can choose the Falls Illumination and Falls Fireworks Cruises. Set to dazzling city lights, Falls colored Illumination and Niagara Falls Fireworks, guests will enjoy on-board licensed bar service with snacks while marveling at the nighttime Falls spectacle. Whatever you choose, any Hornblower Niagara Cruise will be the highlight of your visit and the thrill of a lifetime.

Journey Behind the Falls is a year-round attraction that affords a unique view of the Falls from below and behind. Visitors descend 150 ft. by elevator, where a short tunnel (150 ft.) gives access to two outdoor observation decks and two portals located directly behind the Falls. 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. During summer daylight hours, over 2,800 cubic meters of water thunder over the brink every second, traveling 65 kilometers per hour. Your Journey Behind the Falls visit will take 30 to 45 minutes and in the spring and summer months, you'll receive a free souvenir biodegradable rain poncho as protection from the mist of the Falls. Elevators descend 150 feet through bedrock to tunnels that lead and to the Cataract Portal and the Great Falls Portal which is one third of the way behind the massive sheet of water. Then you walk on to the Upper and Lower Observation Decks at the very foot of the Falls. Posters of information are a great resource of information about the history and evolution of the hallways you walk through. Journey Behind the Falls is an iconic Niagara Falls experience, so make sure you take a waterproof camera.

For over 48 years, Niagara Helicopters has been thrilling passengers from all over the world with the highest, most scenic, and most exciting sightseeing experience in the Niagara Region. Their meticulously maintained fleet of 5 six-seat Bell 407 helicopters can fly up to 30 passengers every 15 minutes each day (weather permitting) from 9am until sunset year-round. Reservations are not required as it is a walk-in attraction. Services are available in an array of languages including English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Italian and many more.

The Whirlpool Aero car was designed by a Spanish engineer, Leonardo Torres Quevedo and has been in operation since 1916. The cable car is suspended from six sturdy cables and offers a wonderful view of the Niagara Whirlpool which is formed at the end of the rapids where the gorge turns abruptly counterclockwise and the river escapes through the narrowest channel in the gorge. High above the racing Niagara River, you'll be transported through the air in an antique cable car. Far below, the torrent of water abruptly changes direction and creates one of the world’s most mesmerizing natural phenomenons: the Niagara Whirlpool. It is sometimes frightening and always unforgettable.

Are you ready for a unique sightseeing opportunity with breathtaking views of the Falls and beyond? Then head on down 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, the Niagara SkyWheel 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, the Niagara River and other landmarks. The ride duration varies from 8 to 12 minutes with spectacular aerial views for miles in every direction. Evening rides offer dazzling views of the glittering lights of Clifton Hill and the surrounding Niagara skyline, there’s no better way to snap incredible photos and quickly get the lay of the land.