NIAGARA FALLS, ON — 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.
Maid of the Mist
Next to the mighty falls themselves, the Maid of the Mist has been the most sought-after attraction at Niagara Falls since 1846.
Then, the boat served as a border crossing ferry through the perilous waters. Now, it is a two-boat fleet that showcases the awesome power and fury of the falls, all while passengers revel in soaked delight at the sights they are taking in.
For Captain James Strassburg, controling the Maid is a laser-focused job. He has to give guests great views of the falls, keep them safe, and pilot the vessel under ever-changing conditions.
Strassburg admits, he still has not come to grips with the fact that he is captain of one of North America's most famous ships.
"Not quite. I go home quite a bit and kind of just think to myself, wow, what a position to be in and just how grateful I am of it. And yeah, it's something every single day I kind of have to remind myself. And just incredible," Strassburg said.
It is incredible. Strassburg brings sometimes two dozen groups back and forth through the raging waters with ever-changing conditions that would make most of us turn right around and head back to port.
Because of the incredible force of the water, 675,000 gallons dropping off the cliffs PER SECOND, it makes for treacherous conditions. In addition, crew on the Maid of the Mist actually deal with two or three different microclimates in this small spot of river, something Strassburg is painfully aware of.
"Oh, absolutely. You'll see as we approach the Horseshoe Falls up there, you get quite a bit of mist coming on right through here off the American Falls," Strassburg said. "And then as you approach the Canadian Falls, you'll see a shield of just straight mist. And then once you get up there, you're dealing with the turbulent water and all that."
And what is the strangest weather he has dealt with?
"I would say we've gotten hail quite a bit. It's kind of weird just to think you're operating, and then, you picture the Maid of the Mist and everybody riding on a bright sunny day, and then, suddenly, in the fall time, you have hail. But yeah, just some cool, like thunderstorm, rainy days."
The latest version of the Maid of the Mist features a completely new system. Gone are the loud, fuel-using diesel engines. Now, the two boats are powered by electricity, and the difference has been notable. The ride may be a little easier, the view a little better, but the experience doesn't change.
"It's a lot more environmentally-friendly, like no emissions for these guys. For us as operators, too, we have a lot more maneuverability for it. Like I had mentioned earlier, the larger deck space. Typically, on Maid 7, you know, we had a narrower bow, and then here, we have extended quite a bit, widened out," Strassburg said. "So yeah, overall I think it's just an excellent experience for everybody. I mean, regardless, whatever boat you're driving, you're seeing this beautiful waterfall."
Chuck's Big Adventure: Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls
The season is almost over. When it ends, the boats will be taken to dry dock for maintenance, fresh paint and updates.
Some estimates say 75-80% of the boats’ guests are from other nations. That makes the Maid of the Mist a true international attraction.
If you go, you will get wet and possibly shaken up a bit by, at times, hurricane-force winds. Still, the Maid of the Mist continues a North American tradition now in its 177th year...a powerful experience then and a screaming, soaking wondrous thrill for the present generation.
On the Canadian side, Niagara City Cruises offers a similar trip to get up close with Niagara Falls.
Chuck's Big Adventure: Niagara City Cruises
They also have a nightly fireworks cruise throughout the season, allowing guests to experience the falls at night in a way they’ll never forget. You’ll want your camera to capture some spectacular photos, but then, just take it all in and enjoy the splendor of the falls at night, and then with the wonderful fireworks show over the falls.
Niagara Falls by helicopter
No matter how you look at Niagara Falls, the sight is always awe-inspiring.
The view from a park, behind a cave wall or on a boat is always stunning, but no perspective captures the majesty of the falls like a view from the air.
We were fortunate enough to look at the falls from two different helicopter perspectives. In New York, we hitched a ride from our friends at Rainbow Air. This company has operated their "limousine in the air" since 1995. The four-passenger McDonnell Douglas 500E aircraft is small enough that everyone gets a window to look out of, yet powerful enough to power through the microclimates that often surround the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls.
Our flight with our Rainbow pilot lasted about 30 minutes. Taking off from the Niagara International Airport, we almost instantly got a view of the powerful American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls and the famous Horseshoe Falls. We also got a glimpse of the changing leaves on the nearby trees and the raging rapids of the Niagara River. Our pilot gave us a tour explanation as he was flying the aircraft. It was personal, informative and just fine for a couple of friends looking for a wonderful view with a little history on the side.
If you want to bring more of your friends and family on board, head – as we did – to the Canadian side.
Niagara Helicopters Limited is a sight to behold. Stand at their welcome center and see helicopters move in and out of the facility every few minutes, with up to six passengers on board. These modern helicopters are fairly new with the latest digital technology and, like their counterpart on the U.S. side, give soaring views of the area but with a few differences.
These choppers offer taped commentary in 12 different languages and give views of the dangerous whirlpool off the Niagara Rapids, the falls, of course, and other beautiful sites like the raging Class VI rapids and the surrounding wineries.
Our pilot, Rene Huessy, said the thrills for most passengers start as soon as they lift off.
"Ninety-nine percent of the people are first fliers, right? The helicopter is a pretty unique flying experience. You don't have to sit in a fancy plane and purchase a ticket to go on them. It's not like an airline you can fly anywhere," Huessy said. "I think when people get up 2,000+ feet, that is is a long way, but the view is just spectacular at that height."
Huessy said one of the most amazing aspects of these daily trips is the daily change in weather right along the falls. In essence, he is flying though small microclimates that can change conditions at the drop of a hat.
"Today is a perfect example. Everything above has much more clouds, but it makes a big difference in ice. It makes a big difference in cloud-based formations and temperatures," Huessy said. "That's why we have wineries down below because they have between two- and three-degree changes in temperatures, which they obviously like. There is always some rain and mist, and if you look down below, people have parkas on because they always get wet.”
The flight crews constantly monitor the weather, which, due to the roaring water dropping at 675,000 gallons per second, can change quickly. As guests ready themselves to board, they are given a safety demonstration and then strap in for the unforgettable trip.
When should you travel to the falls to take a helicopter ride?
Summer is great because you can wear a T-shirt and shorts, and since there is more sun, there is a better chance that your flight won't be canceled. Our fall ride was one for the memory books, though. The frequent rain and thick clouds make a flight more likely to be delayed, but the views of Lake Ontario, the falls and the colorful canvas of changing leaves is worth the wait.
If you are lucky enough to fly in the winter, you can see the huge ice buildup on the falls and Niagara River.
Both helicopter companies let you take photos out of the windows, and yes, even weddings have been performed in the aircraft at 2,000 feet. For most guests, the flights last 12-15 minutes, and the cost in Canada is 180 Canadian dollars.
It's pricey, but it’s a view of this natural attraction that will last a lifetime.
Zipline to the Falls
On our trip to Niagara Falls, we experienced the majestic waterfalls from the air, from a boat and even from a tunnel. The most adventurous vantage point though can be found at the Niagara Falls Adventure Park on the Canadian side. It's here that, among the throng of tourists, you'll find the Zipline to the Falls.
The line supports a seat for the rider, and since there are multiple seats departing the starting tower at the same time, you can race other daredevils or just enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime view. The ride covers a long 2,200-foot course and provides a breathtaking view of all three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls.
Zipline spokesperson, Quan Than, said this ride has no age limit and isn't as frightening as it may appear.
"This is a great ride because it is actually accessible. Normally, if you go on a zip line, you'll be in a harness with the belay loop. We actually designed a zipline harness here where it's just like a seated chair," Than said. "You sit right back in. You don't have to be athletic to ride on it. And yeah, everything is done for you. Like I always tell our guests, sit back, enjoy the ride as you go."
Chuck's Big Adventure to Niagara Falls: Zipline to the Falls
The seated position takes away the stress and allows passengers to even slow down to stretch out the ride.
"I always tell them there's an automatic braking system. It's all done for you, as you can see. It depends on how heavy you are as well. At the end of the day, it's an amazing ride. Everybody has a great time," Than said.
Believe it or not, this attraction is open most of the year, even when it's bone-chilling cold outside. Yes, this is on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. And yes, you need a passport to cross the border. But it’s a joyous, bucket-list type of ride that often leads many guests planning their next trip to take another ride.
More of Chuck's Big Adventure to Niagara Falls:
- 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
- Chuck's Big Adventure to Niagara Falls: Whirlpool Aero Car and Jet Boat Tours