Niagara Takes Flight: My Thrilling Preview of Niagara Falls’ Newest Attraction
Niagara Falls is a place I’ve visited so many times I’ve lost count on my fingers. Yet every trip finds a way to wow me anew. This week, I had the chance to experience something completely different: Niagara Takes Flight, a brand-new immersive ride opening to the public on August 29, 2025. It’s Ontario’s first flying theatre – a $25 million attraction that lets you soar high above Niagara’s iconic landscapes without ever leaving the ground. As a Niagara Falls enthusiast, I had to try it out the moment I could.
Spoiler alert: it was truly everything I hoped for and more. In fact, I loved it so much I went back for a second “flight” right away – and I’m already planning to return on future trips!
Here’s a detailed look at my Niagara Takes Flight experience, from the awe-inspiring visuals to practical tips if you’re planning your own visit.
A New Perspective on Niagara Falls
Walking into Niagara Takes Flight, I felt a familiar excitement mixed with curiosity. I’ve stood at the brink of Horseshoe Falls countless times and even written about my many Niagara adventures (from Train trips from Toronto to Niagara Falls to exploring every viewpoint of the Falls, but this promised a perspective I’d never seen before. Located on the second floor of the Table Rock Welcome Centre (right by the Falls at 6650 Niagara Parkway), the attraction’s entrance was easy to find– though the experience that awaited inside was anything but ordinary.
Niagara Takes Flight is essentially a flying theater ride, similar in concept to Disney’s famous Soarin’ attraction. The premise: you feel like you’re flying over Niagara’s most breathtaking sights. But describing it so simply doesn’t capture the wow factor. The technology and artistry behind this attraction make it a truly state-of-the-art adventure. In fact, Disney Imagineer Rick Rothschild – who created the original Soarin’ Over California – served as creative director for Niagara Takes Flight, and Niagara Parks spent years and millions to get it right. It shows. From the moment my sister and I stepped in, we knew this would be special.
First Impressions and Pre-Show Magic
Before we even got to the “flight” part, Niagara Takes Flight set the mood with an immersive pre-show experience. We entered through a hallway of cascading lights – essentially a digital waterfall that we walked through to reach the waiting area. It was a jaw-dropping first impression, as if we were stepping behind the veil of the falls themselves. My sister glanced over with an “oh wow!” expression and I couldn’t help but grin. This wasn’t going to be a typical line-up!
After the entrance, we were guided into a series of multimedia rooms as part of the pre-show “journey”. In each room, we were surrounded by floor-to-ceiling screens and immersive audio. Over the next 15-20 minutes, we traveled back in time – figuratively – through 13,000 years of Niagara’s history. One room, called “The Ancestors Room,” enveloped us in Indigenous art and stories of creation, shared by Indigenous Elders around a virtual fire. The atmosphere was reverent and captivating, and I appreciated that Niagara’s First Nations heritage was given a prominent place in the experience.
In another room dubbed “The Waterfall Room,” we watched Niagara’s development through the ages – from geological formation to the rise of industry and tourism. It was like watching the story of Niagara Falls unfold around us. Most exciting was the narration during these pre-show segments. Partway through, I realized the narrator’s voice was James Cameron, the Oscar-winning director of Titanic and Avatar – and a Niagara Falls native! Indeed, Cameron provided narration for the pre-show, lending his voice to bring Niagara’s story to life
(Fun fact: Cameron actually grew up in Niagara and his first-ever job, at 16, was with the Niagara Parks Commission, so this project was a full-circle moment for him)
Hearing his dramatic tone talk about the majesty of the Falls and the battles that took place along the river gave me goosebumps. The pre-show managed to be educational, moving, and visually impressive all at once – far beyond the typical “waiting area” for a ride.
By the time we moved into the final room – ‘The Transporter’, I was already buzzing with excitement. My sister turned to me and said, “If the ride is even half as cool as that pre-show, we’re in for a treat.”
Spoiler: it would be way more than half as cool!
Taking Flight: The Ride Experience
Once the pre-show concluded, it was time to board our flight. We buckled into a row of large theater seats that felt a bit like a ride harness meets a cozy armchair. There was a safety belt and a gentle shoulder restraint, but nothing too restrictive – just enough to secure us for the journey. The lights dimmed, and suddenly our entire row lifted smoothly off the ground and moved forward… the floor literally dropped away beneath our dangling feet! We found ourselves hovering in front of a massive 17-metre-wide, 180° curved screen that wrapped around our field of view. I remember a collective “whoa” from the audience (myself included) as we floated into position. It truly felt like we were hang-gliding in mid-air, our legs swinging above open “sky.”
Then the real magic began. The screen came to life with stunning aerial footage of the Niagara Region, and our seats gently pitched forward as if we were diving into the scene. We soared over swirling rapids of the Niagara River, glided past steep cliff faces and lush green forests, and skimmed above the famous Whirlpool where the river churns. The motion programming was so well synchronized that when the visuals swooped downward, my stomach did a little flip (in the best way!). At one point we flew through a reenactment of a historic battle by the river’s edge – cannon fire and all – a nod to Niagara’s role in history. The ride doesn’t shy away from storytelling even during the thrill. And of course, the climax: we approached the mighty Horseshoe Falls head-on, mist spraying us as we seemingly plunged toward the waterfall’s brink. I’ve seen Horseshoe Falls from above in helicopters and from below on the Maid of the Mist boat, but seeing it on that giant screen while feeling the mist and wind was something else entirely. I literally reached out instinctively, half expecting to touch the water – that’s how convincing it was!
The multi-sensory experience – including wind and mist – makes you feel like you’re truly flying over the waterfall. Along with the sweeping visuals, sensory effects kicked in to fool our senses in delightful ways. As we flew, I felt gentle breezes on my face, timed perfectly to simulate the wind of flight. When we passed the waterfall, a light mist hit our skin – just like the spray you’d feel standing at the Falls’ edge. There were even subtle scents introduced: I caught the fresh pine of a forest and the earthy smell of river water at different points, which totally enhanced the immersion. All these effects, combined with the motion of the seats, convinced my brain that we were really flying. I had butterflies in my stomach during the drops and an exhilarating sense of freedom during the high glides. My sister was squealing and laughing beside me, hanging on to the seat but with a huge smile on her face. We both couldn’t stop grinning the entire time.
Visually, the ride was breathtaking. The footage was captured by custom-built drones over six months, covering 56 kilometres of the Niagara River corridor from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie You literally “travel” the entire length of the river. We saw Niagara Falls from angles you could never witness otherwise (tight over the Horseshoe, then a panoramic vista of both the Canadian and American falls together), as well as seasonal scenery – from vibrant autumn foliage to winter’s icy landscapes and spring’s bloom. It’s like a greatest-hits reel of Niagara’s natural beauty. The clarity and scale of the 180° screen made every scene feel real; at times I forgot we were indoors.
Although the ride portion lasts about six minutes, it felt satisfyingly long because it was so packed with highlights. By the end, when our “flight” gently came in for a landing and our seats lowered back to the ground, I was both exhilarated and a bit sad it was over. The entire audience erupted in applause (not something you see on every ride!). I exchanged an “that was AMAZING” look with my sister. We unbuckled, still a bit wobbly on our feet from the adrenaline, and immediately agreed: we needed to do that again.
I actually got to chat with Kelly, a member of the team behind the Niagara Takes Flight experience – and wow, you could just feel how much love and detail went into it. She shared a bit about the process, and honestly, it made me appreciate the experience even more. The visuals? The storytelling? The transitions? None of it was by accident – this was years in the making. And it shows.
Post-Flight Thoughts: So Good I Did It Twice
Coming out of Niagara Takes Flight, I felt an overwhelming rush of both adrenaline and appreciation. As someone who knows Niagara Falls so well, I found myself deeply moved by this experience. It’s not just a thrill ride; it’s also a love letter to Niagara’s history and scenery. I learned new facts (even after so many visits) and gained a literal bird’s-eye view of the Falls that left me in awe. The blend of storytelling and sensation is spot-on. My sister kept saying, “I can’t believe how real that felt!” We were already talking about our favorite moments – hers was the sudden swoop over the Horseshoe Falls, while mine might have been the fireworks at the end.
We were fortunate to visit during a preview, so crowds were minimal. This allowed us to hop back in line and ride a second time that day. On the second go, I intentionally chose a seat on the opposite end of the row to see if the perspective differed (the theater has multiple rows and levels). Honestly, every seat seems to have a great view given the wraparound screen. The second ride was just as thrilling because I noticed details I missed the first time – an eagle flying off a cliff, the pattern of the autumn trees, and other little Easter eggs in the footage. It speaks to the re-ride value of Niagara Takes Flight; I suspect even after a few visits, you’d catch new things or simply never tire of that soaring feeling.
Exiting the attraction, you end up right back in Table Rock Centre. Stepping outside, the real Niagara Falls was roaring in front of us – and while nothing beats the real thing, I had a newfound appreciation for it after “flying” over the falls moments before. We took a moment to soak in the natural mist on our faces (no seatbelts required for that!), and we both agreed Niagara Takes Flight is a must-do addition to the Niagara Parks lineup. For first-time visitors, it’s the perfect introduction before you go see the real falls up close. For repeat visitors like me, it offers a fresh angle on a place you thought you knew. And for anyone who might not be able to do a helicopter tour or other high-adrenaline activities, this ride is a fantastic, accessible way to get that aerial perspective.
Know Before You Go: Tips for Visiting Niagara Takes Flight
To round out this blog post, I want to share some practical tips and facts for those planning to experience Niagara Takes Flight:
- Official Opening & Hours: Niagara Takes Flight officially opens August 29, 2025, and will operate daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM for general admission. That means you can even take an evening “flight” – a night ride after dinner could be a great way to end the day.
- Location: You’ll find the attraction at Table Rock Welcome Centre, right at the brink of the Horseshoe Falls. It’s on the second floor of Table Rock, above the main falls viewing area and gift shops. This is super convenient if you’re already exploring the falls – it’s literally next door to Journey Behind the Falls and other main sites. Parking is available at the Table Rock Falls Parking Lot (Lot A) just across the street (6635 Niagara Parkway). If that lot is full, Niagara Parks also offers a Park & Ride from the Rapidsview parking lot with shuttle service
- Tickets and Pricing: Tickets cost $29 + tax for adults and $19 + tax for children (ages 3–12). You can purchase on-site or online. I strongly recommend reserving timed tickets online in advance if you can. When buying online, you’re able to select a 15-minute time window for your entry. This effectively holds your spot and means you can show up during that time and join the queue. It helps avoid long waits on busy days.
- Ride Duration: The flight experience lasts about 6 minutes, but plan for roughly 30–35 minutes total including the pre-show and brief wait times. Honestly, it didn’t feel that long because the pre-show keeps you engaged the whole time. If you’re on a tight schedule, factor in about half an hour for this attraction.
- Accessibility: Niagara Takes Flight is designed to be widely accessible. The pre-show area is fully wheelchair-accessible (and there is seating in those rooms for anyone who needs to sit during the presentations). The ride itself requires transferring to the theater seat; however, for visitors who cannot transfer or prefer not to ride, they offer a “accessible room” where a flattened version of the film can be viewed following the pre-show. This is a thoughtful touch so no one misses out on the stunning visuals. Also, Niagara Parks provides a limited number of wheelchairs for loan at Table Rock on a first-come, first-served basis if needed.
- Height/Weight Restrictions: For safety, riders must be at least 100 cm (3 ft 3 in) tall and under 300 lbs. Essentially, most kids above toddler age will meet the height requirement (my guess is around 4 years old and up can ride, as long as they’re okay with a bit of motion). There’s a secure restraint system, so you feel safe even when your feet are dangling. If you have young kids, just prepare them that it’s a big immersive screen – it might be a little intense but I saw children on it who were absolutely delighted.
- Best Time to Go: Since this is a brand-new attraction, I anticipate it will be popular. Early in the day might be quieter, or later in the evening when the daytime tour groups have left. We went in the evening and it was perfect. Niagara Falls can be very busy on weekends, so a weekday visit could also mean smaller crowds. And if you’re visiting in the off-season (fall or winter), this ride operates year-round, making it a fantastic indoor activity when some outdoor attractions are weather-dependent. (Imagine soaring over a snow-dusted Niagara in the middle of January – you can, thanks to the filmed winter scenes!).
Finally, a tip from personal experience: don’t be afraid to ride twice if you have time (and budget) – it’s worth it! Each “flight” was so thrilling that I immediately wanted an encore.
My Final Thoughts
Niagara Falls has long been a place of timeless natural beauty, but experiences like Niagara Takes Flight show how it continues to reinvent itself and offer new ways to delight visitors. After experiencing the thunder of the actual Falls, Niagara Takes Flight is like the cherry on top – or perhaps the cloud on top, since it takes you into the skies. It’s equal parts thrill ride, immersive film, and educational journey, so it appeals on multiple levels. I laughed, I learned, and I literally had moments of awe where my breath was taken away (looking straight down over the Falls will do that to you!).
My sister absolutely loved it too – on the drive home she couldn’t stop talking about how she wants to bring her friends next time, and I feel the same. As a Niagara regular, I’m looking forward to coming back and making this a staple on future trips. Whether you’re a first-time tourist or a seasoned Niagara Falls veteran, I highly recommend giving Niagara Takes Flight a try. It offers a bird’s-eye view of Niagara you simply can’t get elsewhere, short of sprouting wings.
Niagara Falls has amazed me in many ways over the years, but this experience truly lets Niagara take flight – and in doing so, it lets your imagination take flight too. Don’t miss it on your next visit to the Falls! And if you’re planning a trip, feel free to check out some of my other Niagara guides like my Top Things to Do in Niagara Falls list to make the most of your adventure. Happy flying, and here’s to seeing Niagara from new heights!
