A ‘breathtaking’ new $25 million ride experience has launched at one of the world’s most iconic natural landmarks – offering visitors a chance to soar just inches away from the epic Niagara Falls.
Launching on August 29, Niagara Takes Flight promises to give thrill-seekers and sightseers a birds’-eye view of the famed waterfall – all without leaving the ground.
The ride is based at Niagara Parks’ Table Rock Centre, at the edge of the famous Horseshoe Falls along the Canadian-US border, and promises a jaw-dropping, sensory-packed journey that covers 56 kilometres of the Niagara region.
Using advanced drone-technology, high-tech motion seats, sensory effects such as wind, mist and scent, as well as a huge 17-metre-wide dome screen, riders will feel like they’re soaring over the vast nature that surrounds the falls.
Niagara Takes Flight filmed the region over six months using custom-built drones, which shows all four seasons shifting from day to night throughout the flight.
Guests take their seats in gondola-style chairs, which suspends them into the air with their legs dangling as they ‘fly’ through the sky.
Former Disney Imagineer Rick Rothschild served as Creative Director for the attraction, while flying theatre specialists, Brogent Technologies, led the construction.
The experience starts before riders even sit down, beginning with a walk through four themed storytelling rooms that dive into 13,000 years of Niagara history – from the last ice age to the present day.
In the Ancestors Room, original Indegeinous artwork by Turtle Clan and Mohawk Nation atist Sara General is displayed through animation, which tells the story of Turtle Island.
In the Waterfall Room, filmmaker James Cameron, who grew up in Niagara Falls, narrates the powerful post-contact history of Niagara Falls, highlighting key developments and cultural milestones.
‘It was a pleasure and honour to lend my voice to a project that celebrates the Falls and the city I grew up in,’ said the Titanic director.
‘My first job at the age of 16 was working for the Niagara Parks Commission, so this closed that loop, 55 years later.’
Chih-Hung Ouyang, chairman and CEO, Brogent Technologies, said: ‘This project merges technology and storytelling to deepen the emotional connection that people have with one of the world’s most celebrated destinations.’
Bob Gale, Chair of Niagara Parks added: ‘This $25 million investment, fully paid for by our operating revenue, supports the pursuit of our vision to be one of the most spectacular parks in the world, while driving tourism and supporting the local economy.
‘Niagara Takes Flight captures the essence of our world-renowned natural and cultural heritage and we are proud to now share it with our guests for the first time.’
The ride opens daily from 9am to 10pm, starting August 29, on the top floor of Table Rock Centre, with tickets priced at $29 (£21.60) for adults and $19 (£14.15) for children. Pre-sale tickets are available now.
