We love adventure – open-water snorkeling in Belize, hiking up volcanic craters in Iceland, you name it and we’ll probably try it at least once. But when we want to get to know a place without the adrenaline rush, we opt for “soft adventure,” or spending time in the outdoors without getting quite so rugged and hardcore. We found this kind of exploration particularly necessary on our first full day in Niagara Falls, as we’d had a late-night mix up with our AirBNB the night before. So, we decided to take a ride on the Niagara Whirlpool Aero Car, one of the most underrated area attractions that has riders soaring gently across the Niagara River and getting to take in some of the Niagara region’s gorgeous scenery and views.
As we enjoyed our ride, Luke spotted a beach down below, level with the whirlpool, that he wanted to explore. So, we followed up our whirlpool aero car ride with a short hike on the beautiful Upper Whirlpool Trails and a nice rest on the whirlpool beach.
Boyfriend Perspective: Short hike? It didn’t feel like a short hike. It took about three years.
While it may not qualify as the most exciting thing we did, it certainly ranks as one of the most memorable.
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What’s the Niagara Whirlpool Aero Car?
As fans of both history and a little bit of steampunk, this sits squarely in our wheelhouse. Strung up on six steel cables and able to transport 35 passengers at a time, the Niagara Whirlpool Aero Car first began operating in 1916. It’s also known as the Spanish Aero Car because of its design by Spanish engineer Leonardo Torres Quevedo. Perhaps most appealing to us? While the sturdy cables and workings have all seen updates over the last century, the cable car itself remains the same. Because of its traditionally brilliant red paint, it looks absolutely iconic as it glides over the Niagara Whirlpool, a naturally-occurring whirlpool in the Niagara River. Even neater, it actually crosses the US-Canada border twice on each leg of its round trip due to the shape of the river, though both dock points reside clearly on Canadian soil. It’s the perfect low-key way to experience the area’s natural makeup outside the all-famous falls.
Hopping aboard and riding the Niagara Whirlpool Aero Car
After a visit to the ticket counter, we got in line to wait for our voyage, which would begin on the half hour. Finally, guides ushered us down a flight of metal stairs and asked us to choose a spot in the aero car. They assured us that, even though we had chosen our spot, they always ask the occupants to switch sides of the car after the first leg of the journey, so everyone can get the view they want.
Boyfriend Perspective: It’s like they knew we live through our cameras. Weirdddddd.
Once we loaded on, got both of our guides, and the back gate was secure, a quick jolt indicated we were off. Then, serenely and slowly, we began to glide across the Niagara River. One guide stood to the front of the whirlpool aero car and shared facts about the area with us, including everything from the formation of whirlpools to the way this one affects the river. The other guide stood to the back for safety reasons and to answer questions.
Boyfriend Perspective: Fun fact from the guides – at peak times, when Niagara Power needs to meet extra power demands, they’ll use the river and the Niagara Falls whirlpool water level can drop by 20 feet or more. Didn’t get to see that, though.
With a shudder, we docked on the far side of the river, right near the WildPlay Adventure Course, and played a quick game of musical chairs as we all switched sides, as promised. And then with another jolt, we cut loose and started the meander back to the station. We rode on the side facing the river the first time (the side on your right when boarding), and circulated around to the other side, which faces the whirlpool and beach for the return trip. As we passed the whirlpool, Luke spotted a beach down below that he thought we could get to fairly easily (confirmed by the guides on the aero car). So, we had our next stop!
Boyfriend Perspective: Note – I maybe shouldn’t be allowed to pick “next stops” anymore…..
After re-docking, we snapped a few more shots, perused the gift shop, and took advantage of the nice, clean public restrooms. Then we happily headed off to find the trail.
Hiking the Upper Whirlpool Trails along the Niagara River
Since compromise always comes as a part of traveling as a couple, I compromised my sleep-deprived ass right onto this trail with Luke 🤦🏻♀️ Well, first I compromised into a somewhat whiny meander around the area as we tried to figure out where the hell the trail even started.
Boyfriend Perspective: While the trail had plenty of markings once we got on it, we drove and walked WAY TOO MUCH. And yes, she was whiny. Meh.
But even in my less-than-adventurous state, I couldn’t help admitting that we found some beautiful scenery and overlooks in our search for the Upper Whirlpool Trails trailhead down to the beach.
Boyfriend Perspective: Yaaaaay, self-timer photos in front of scenery. Yaaaaaaay.
Then, finally, right near the intersection of Whirlpool Rd and the Niagara Parkway, we found a trail sign and a few other hikers entering and exiting. The trail, itself, is only mildly challenging. Perhaps the biggest challenges we encountered: a steep incline and so 👏 many 👏 stairs 👏
Along the way, we found plenty of locals with fishing rods and nets, as well as a few other casuals like us. Finally, we made it to the very rocky bottom of the trail, and broke through the brush onto the beach. The water in the whirlpool looks glacially greenish-blue, and the area has a lovely air of peace around it. We rested near a father teaching his son how to skip rocks on the clear, shallow water, and watched another pair of folks in waders fishing. So, the hike definitely makes a worthwhile pit-stop on your day in Niagara Falls.
And then… you get to turn around and hoof it back up the short, very uphill trail to the top and the salvation of the car. You’ll find other hikers paused along the way, either seated or standing on the stairs to catch their breath (for good reason!). So take your time!
Should you ride the Niagara Whirlpool Aero Car AND hike the Upper Whirlpool Trails?
Absolutely! Doing both in the same day provides different perspectives on the same things, while also giving you doses of two different but equally beautiful types of adventure.
Boyfriend Perspective: If you want the extra perspective, it really is a great photo spot to see the whirlpool and the aero car differently. Plus, beach in New York! Woo!
And, of course, you can do either of them individually and still have a wonderful time.
Practical information for your visit to the Niagara Whirlpool Aero Car
- Address: 3850 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 3E8
- Whirlpool aero car parking: Free onsite
- Hours: 6am-11pm daily (April-November)
- Admission: $15 CAD per adult
- Accessibility: accessibility isn’t openly advertised, and we do know there are a lot of stairs getting to and from the aero car, so please reach out to the provider to see what accommodations they may be able to offer
- Website: https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/attractions/whirlpool-aero-car/
Practical information for your visit to the Upper Whirlpool Trails
- Address: Near the intersection of Niagara Parkway and Whirlpool Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 3E8
- Free parking onsite, closer to the WildPlay adventure center
- Admission: free
- Accessibility: Not accessible at all
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