Top Five: Niagara Gorge Views
A landscape like no other…
Over the past 10,000 years, erosion at the crest of Niagara Falls has seen them recede steadily backwards, leaving in their wake one of the world’s truly unique landscapes. The steep cliffs of the Niagara Gorge give way to dense forests at the base overlooking the rushing waters flowing downstream from the falls, add in some arching international bridges along with historic power plants and you have all the ingredients for some of the most breathtaking views you will find anywhere! Here are our top five vantage points to take in the sights of the Niagara Gorge.
5. Zipline to the Falls
The Zipline to the Falls offers its riders more than just a thrilling adventure experience. It also provides some amazing unobstructed views of the southernmost section of the Niagara Gorge. As you begin your ride, you will zip past the American Falls heading down into the gorge and towards the landing platform at the foot of the decommissioned Ontario Power Company Generating Station. Make sure you take a moment to grab a photo before exiting the landing platform for one of the most unique perspectives of the Horseshoe Falls anywhere in Niagara Parks.
4. White Water Walk
The class 6 rapids at White Water Walk comprise North America’s largest series of standing waves, and visitors have the chance to get within a few feet of the water at several viewing platforms along the edge of the river. Looking upriver from the lower level of the first platform provides a great photo op with the Whirlpool Rapids Railroad Bridge framing your shot above the crashing waves.
3. Niagara Glen Nature Centre
The Niagara Glen Nature Centre sits at the top of the Niagara Gorge just upriver from the Whirlpool basin. Looking south from the exterior of the centre provides a stunning view of the curving river below, heading upstream towards Niagara Falls with the Whirlpool Aero Car passing by in the distance. When visiting in the fall, this vantage point is made even more spectacular by the colours that creep from the forest below, up the steep rock face of the gorge.
2. Journey Behind the Falls
What’s the first thing that almost everyone does when reaching the lower platform of Journey Behind the Falls? Look up and to the right. It’s understandable, you are at the base of the world’s most powerful waterfall after all. But once you have taken a moment with the Horseshoe Falls, make sure to swivel your head and take in the view looking North. The American Falls just downriver to your right and the Rainbow Bridge spanning across the gorge, connecting Canada and the United States.
1. Whirlpool Aero Car
Do we really need to explain this one? There is not any better way to take in the scale and beauty of the Niagara Gorge than soaring high above the river in a century old open air cable car. The ride between Colt’s Point and Thompson’s Point provides incredible panoramic views over the Whirlpool Basin and the gorge in both directions at the river’s bend. Looking downstream will give you a glimpse of the enormous Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant which is built into the side of the gorge on the American side.
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