NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — Chuck Lofton, producer Megan Simpson and photographer Steve Rhodes explored the majesty of the gorgeous natural wonder known as Niagara Falls. They also went into the neighboring communities to check out all the area has to offer.
The team explored Niagara Falls from both the U.S. side and Canadian side.
Whirlpool Aero Car and Jet Boat Tours
The Niagara River connects Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, but in the few short miles of the river's length, one can see Niagara Falls, Class VI rapids and a science-defying whirlpool. It is an amazing part of North America.
It's the two latter wonders that draw visitors from around the world. One way to view it is from a walkway along a cliff in a park, but since 1916, the Whirlpool Aero Car has soared above the gorge. The Niagara Horseshoe Falls sends hundreds of thousands of gallons of water per second cascading into the Niagara River. That creates the violent, dangerous Class VI rapids, and eventually, the whirlpool. It is also the only place where you can go into the United States and back to Canada without a passport. In the Aero Car, the distance both keeps you safe and quiet but also gives you a jaw-dropping look at nature's fury. The car was just updated last year and has a new coat of paint, improved controls and a wonderful view.
Chuck's Big Adventure to Niagara Falls: Whirlpool Aero Car
If you are more adventurous, then prepare to get wet on the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours. Indiana-born John Kinney runs the company that takes people on a thrilling and, yes, soaking, 45-minute trip to the rapids and near the whirlpool.
There is 330 feet of drop in elevation between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Now, obviously, 170 feet of that drop occurs at the falls. However, that still leaves another 160 feet of elevation drop to be made up somewhere, and that's because of the whitewater rapids. So, we're going to jump that 160 feet of elevation drop in one of these hot rod jet boats. We have 20% of the world's freshwater coming through that gorge," Kinney said. "About one-third of our business does come from overseas. And what we're able to do is we're able to take — because of the technology in these jet boats — we're able to take kids 5, 6 years old, and we take octogenarians into Class V whitewater rapids."
Not only do passengers see the whirlpool, but they also get bathtub-wet and very close to the action.
"It's one of the predominant geological phenomena of Niagara. You know, the Niagara whirlpool is created by extremely fast-moving water. And there's a sharp bend in the river. The water can't make that bend, so it has to flow in a counterclockwise manner, creating the whirlpool phenomenon," Kinney said.
My question: How do these boats get so close to the dangerous whirlpool, then manage to get out so quickly?
"These boats are the latest in technology, as far as what turbo diesel engines and jet drives all combined, and they're very much up to the task," Kinney said. "We're running about 1,800 horsepower in these boats. And with the right crew on board, it's well within our means."
Chuck's Big Adventure to Niagara Falls: Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
The company began in the early '90s and is now a must-see attraction for tourists. You can get soaked or stay dry, with most of the boats being exposed to the elements and some with a protective covering. The nine boats make up the fleet and can be accessed at U.S. and Canadian locations.
You will scream, laugh and get pretty soaked as the boats go 20 mph against the grain of the Niagara Rapids. Everyone we asked said they would do it again.
I was told that only about one person a month gets sick on the bumpy, swerving, crazy ride. I almost became the second person that month, but yes, I would do it again!
Click here for more information on Whirlpool State Park.
More of Chuck's Big Adventure to Niagara Falls:
- Chuck's Big Adventure to Niagara Falls: Maid of the Mist, helicopter tours and ziplining
- Chuck's Big Adventure to Niagara Falls: Old Fort Niagara and Clifton Hill
- Chuck's Big Adventure to Niagara Falls: Maple syrup and the US vs Canadian side
- Chuck's Big Adventure to Niagara Falls: Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center and Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum