Helicopter Tours in Niagara Falls

Researchers believe that the falls at Niagara Falls are more than 12,000 years old and were formed, in part, by glaciers.niagara falls 1 image by Blu-Mu from Fotolia.com

Niagara Falls is best known for its waterfalls and scenery. A popular destination, Niagara Falls attracts an estimated 12 million visitors each year, according to NiagaraFallsLive.com, and straddles the border of the United States and Canada. Besides the waterfalls, visitors to Niagara Falls can see botanical gardens, golf and take tours of the Skylon Tower, which sits right next to the falls. But one of the best ways to see Niagara Falls and the surrounding area is by helicopter.

Niagara Helicopters

Each person during the flight receives a headset complete with commentary in 12 languages. Large windows are available for photos and group rates are offered. Flights depart each day beginning at 9 a.m., depending on the weather, and each helicopter can hold up to six passengers.

The tour begins at the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture, following the Niagara River. Views can be seen of the Whirlpool Rapids, Rainbow Bridge, Bridal Veil Falls, the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls. Flights typically are 12 minutes, which includes the time needed to board the helicopter. A cafe and gift shop are on-site. No reservations are required, but flights are on a first-come basis.

National Helicopters offers a 20-minute Grand Tour of Niagara Falls. The flight includes views of the falls of Niagara and other area landmarks. In addition to group rates, flights are offered for couples and private romantic tours. Some of these packages include "bonus flights" to see Niagara-on-the-Lake and include complimentary drinks. The Discover Niagara Adventure includes a trip over the Niagara Vineyards with stops for wine tasting and tours of the vineyards. Flights can also be scheduled at sunset or in the evening.

The total average flow of water along the Niagara River is 202,000 cubic feet per second.niagara falls image by IngoBoy from Fotolia.com

Rainbow Air is on the United States side of Niagara Falls in Niagara Falls, New York. Passengers can see views of Niagara Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, American Falls, Cave of the Winds, Queen Victoria Park and Goat Island as the helicopter travels along the Niagara River. Both Goat Island and Three Sister Islands are in Niagara Falls State Park, one of the oldest state parks in the United States. Extended flights are available that take passengers over Fort Niagara, Fort Henry, the Ontario Hydro Sir Adam Beck Power Plant and Lake Ontario. Flights begin at 9 a.m. daily and operate throughout the year, depending on the weather.