There’s something extra magical about looking down at the world from above when you’re a child. Whether it’s riding on an adult’s shoulders or sailing as high into the sky as the swing will go, getting a bird’s-eye view, even just for a brief moment, always seems to inspire big grins.
From all-new attractions to time-tested classics, parents looking to treat their kids to the wow-inducing pleasure of a sky-high view have plenty of amazing options to choose from in Niagara. Here are just a few favourites!
Ontario’s first-ever flying theatre experience swooped into Niagara Falls at the end of the summer. Niagara Takes Flight is a cutting-edge new attraction that combines Indigenous storytelling, motion, stunning aerial vistas, music, and special effects into an immersive 30-minute experience that takes guests on a flight over the Niagara River corridor. Gliding over ancient rock formations, historic battle sites, and breathtaking scenery becomes even more lifelike with the addition of wind, mist, and scent effects.
Niagara Helicopters’ Classic Tour offers riders so much more than a fabulous view of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The 12-minute ride provides aerial views of other beloved Niagara landmarks, like the Sir Adam Beck Power Generating Plant, the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture, the rushing Whirlpool Rapids of the Niagara River, Queen Victoria Park, the American Falls, the Skylon Tower, and, if it’s a clear day, the outline of Toronto to the north and the shores of Lake Erie to the south.
Soaring 3,500 feet above the Niagara River’s raging Class 6 Whirlpool Rapids in the historic Whirlpool Aero Car provides a rush that has been leaving riders speechless since 1916! The car is meticulously maintained to protect the integrity of the original design and ensure the safety of the over 100,000 guests who enjoy the ride each year!
Whether you’re five or 95, no trip to Niagara Falls’ Clifton Hill is complete without a spin on the iconic Niagara SkyWheel. One of Canada’s largest observation wheels, the SkyWheel treats riders to unsurpassed views of the Horseshoe and American Falls, the Niagara River, Niagara Parks and other landmarks. Even on the chilliest days, climate-controlled gondolas keep things nice and cozy on the eight- to 12-minute ride.
Wildplay Niagara’s two Niagara Falls attractions offer adrenaline-pumping aerial views that kids and kids-at-heart will adore. Zipline To The Falls is a 2,200-foot zipline that takes riders soaring past the American Falls before landing atop the base of the Horseshoe Falls. Just a bit further down the Niagara River, the Whirlpool Adventure Course, suitable for kids ages five and up, offers games, obstacles, ziplines, and challenges elevated between 20 and 40 feet in the air.
When it comes to treating kids to a meal with a view, the Skylon Tower offers one winner of a dinner that’s 775 feet above the Falls! Meals in the revolving dining room include complimentary access to both indoor and outdoor observation decks, and the Ride-to-the-Top in the famous Yellow Bug Elevators.
While this Niagara Falls option encourages guests to look up instead of down, it offers an equally impressive view. Once a month, the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada’s Niagara Chapter descends on Heartland Forest just after sunset, allowing guests to use their professional telescopes to look at the moon, planets, stars, galaxies, and more!
Niagara Falls isn’t the only place to score sky-high views in the Niagara region. Here are a few other options for families keen to discover an elevated perspective in different parts of Niagara!
Tandem skydiving with Skydive Burnaby is an excellent option for those at least 18 years of age (or 16 years with parental consent) who are interested in trying skydiving for the first time. Guests can choose from a jump from up to 10,500 feet on weekdays or 14,000 feet on weekends. The experience includes a 20-25 minute plane ride with beautiful views of the Lake Erie coastline and the mist of Niagara Falls.
The breathtaking and panoramic views of the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario at this off-the-radar conservation area may be one of Niagara’s best-kept secrets! Beamer Memorial Conservation Area is beloved by birdwatchers who flock here each spring to observe the annual hawk migration from elevated viewing platforms.
Design your family’s ideal sky-high adventure in Niagara, enjoying the region’s fantastic attractions, historic sites, and events. Be sure to check out @visit_niagara on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for additional trip inspiration and to learn about upcoming events. Then, scroll through suggestions for local accommodations and restaurants to round out your trip to Niagara.
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