Whirlpool aero car
Whirlpool Aero Car
Hop on the historic Whirlpool Aero Car for an unforgettable ride over the vibrant, teal-coloured waters of the Niagara River. Witness spectacular views of the swirling Niagara Whirlpool and the river’s Class 6 rapids as you soar 3,500 feet across the Niagara Gorge.
Although it travels between two points on the Canadian shore, this antique cable car will actually take you across the international border between Canada and the United States a total of four times due to the way the river elbows. No passport required!
Seasonal Apr – Nov
Approximate Duration 45 min. (varies)
Free Parking
Snack Bar Available
Self-guided Experience
Niagara Whirlpool
The immense volume of water rushing over the Horseshoe Falls crushes into the narrow Niagara Gorge, creating the whirlpool rapids. The Niagara Whirlpool is formed at the end of the rapids where the gorge abruptly turns counterclockwise. The river’s abrupt change of direction creates one of the world’s most mesmerizing natural phenomena.
A Historic Ride
The Niagara Whirlpool and its swirling waters had been a popular tourist attraction dating back to the late 1800s. During this time, local developer Samuel Colt purchased seven acres of land for $250 and constructed an inclined railway to take visitors from the top of the Niagara Gorge to the bank of the whirlpool rapids below.
In 1913, Niagara Parks was approached by a group of Spanish businessmen interested in building a new cable car that would take visitors across the Niagara Whirlpool. It would provide an entirely new perspective of the gorge with unobstructed views of the natural phenomenon below.
Design and Construction
Designed by famed Spanish engineer, Leonardo Torres Quevedo, the Whirlpool Aero Car has been soaring the Niagara Gorge since 1916.
Construction on the aero car began in 1915 and progressed rapidly. Significant excavation was needed on both sides of the gorge in order to house the machinery chambers, a design choice that was made to avoid interfering with views of the river from the surrounding area. The carriage itself was built overseas and shipped to the site where it was installed onto a cable spanning over 500 meters across the swirling waters of the river below.
Recent Refurbishments
In the winter of 2023, the Whirlpool Aero Car was removed from its tracks and sent to Saint-Jérôme, Québec, to undergo refurbishments. The lower section of the Aero Car was restored with brand-new mechanical parts, non-slip floor, roof and fresh paint. The iconic yellow arch, designed by renowned Spanish engineer Leonardo Torres-Quevedo was replaced with an identical arch that will extend the life of this historic attraction.
Throughout the entire refurbishment process, meticulous care was taken to ensure the integrity of the stunning original design was preserved.
Today, over 100 years after its first ride, over 100,000 individuals ride the Whirlpool Aero Car annually, and these recent refurbishments will allow for future generations to continue to enjoy this world-renowned attraction.
The Whirlpool Aero cable car was designed by Spanish engineer Leonardo Torres Quevedo and has been in service since 1916. Suspended by six sturdy cables, the cable car offers spectacular views of the Niagara Whirlpool, where the canyon suddenly reverses its course and the river flows through the canyon’s narrowest channel. High above the fast-flowing Niagara River, you’ll be carried through the air in an antique cable car. Far below, the water’s flow suddenly changes direction, creating one of the world’s most captivating natural phenomena: the Niagara Whirlpool. Sometimes frightening, always unforgettable!
The aerial cable car travels safely between two different points on the Canadian side of the Niagara River, over the spectacular whirlpool.
The round trip is approximately one kilometer (3,600 feet) long, and the journey takes about 10 minutes.
The vehicle has a standing capacity of 35 passengers.
Improvements in design and function were made in 1961, 1967, and 1984.
Please note that this venue is not wheelchair accessible.
It is open seasonally from April to November.
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In the News
11 BEST NIAGARA FALLS TOURS: BOAT RIDES & MORE
“Take in breathtaking views of the surging Niagara Whirlpool (located at the end of the famous falls) from an antique cable car that dates back to 1916 (and has been upgraded several times since).”
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Hours
March 15-21
Sunday
Closed
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
The last car departs 20 minutes before closing time. To make the most of your visit, please arrive at least 30 minutes before closing.
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Admission
ADULT (13+ YEARS)
$25
CHILD (3-12 YEARS)
$16.50
INFANT (2 & UNDER)
Free
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All prices are in Canadian Dollars and do not include applicable tax (13% HST).
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Directions
3850 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 3E8
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Related Information
Falls Incline Railway
History of the Aero Car
Niagara Takes Flight: A Soaring Adventure
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Niagara Falls in background of Journey Behind the Falls
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