Massive new simulated flight attraction opening at Niagara Falls

A huge new attraction opens in Niagara Falls just in time for the Labour Day weekend.

Located inside Niagara Parks’ flagship site, Table Rock Centre, Niagara Takes Flight, a $25 million state-of-the-art flying theatre attraction, the first of its kind in Ontario and second in Canada (after Vancouver), opens on Aug. 29, according to a press release from Niagara Parks.

Guests are suspended in gondola-style seating and the ride simulates flight through state-of-the-art motion programming, sensory effects like wind, mist and even scent and a 17-metre-wide dome screen, which stretches below their dangling feet.

The ride features never-before-seen perspectives of Niagara Falls captured with cutting-edge drone cinematography, allowing riders to fly inches away from the world’s most powerful waterfall.

Filmed over the span of six months using custom-built drones, Niagara Takes Flight allows guests to experience the sights of Niagara from a perspective they simply could not enjoy any other way.

After entering through the entrance marquee featuring a digital waterfall, guests will begin their journey through four distinct audiovisual storytelling rooms that reveal 13,000 years of Niagara’s history, dating back to its formation during the last ice age.

In the Ancestors Room, authentic, original Indigenous artwork produced by Turtle Clan and Mohawk Nation artist Sara General comes to life with dynamic animations telling the creation story of Turtle Island and the beginning of our world.

The Ancestors Room.

Celebrated filmmaker and explorer James Cameron, who was raised in Niagara Falls, provides narration in the spectacular “Waterfall Room” detailing the 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 Cameron. “My first job at the age of 16 was working for the Niagara Parks Commission, so this closed that loop, 55 years later.”

The $25 million investment was fully funded by operating revenue, said Bob Gale, chair, Niagara Parks.

“Niagara Falls is a Canadian icon – an awe-inspiring natural wonder unlike any other on the planet,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Through Niagara Parks’ newest attraction, Niagara Takes Flight, visitors will be able to experience the Falls and marvel at the natural beauty of the Niagara Region like never before.”

Located on the top floor of Table Rock Centre, Niagara Takes Flight officially opens to the public on Aug. 29 and will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Admission is $29 for adults and $19 for children, with pre-sale tickets available for purchase at niagaraparks.com/flight.

Niagara Takes Flight admission is also included in Niagara Parks’ bundled pass products, the Adventure Pass, Niagara Falls Pass and Niagara Falls Pass Plus, available here.

Photos: Niagara Parks