Top Niagara Falls Activities for Adventure Seekers
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People usually don’t think of Niagara Falls as an adventure travel destination. If you ask those who have visited before for things to do in Niagara Falls, they would tell you to take a boat tour. Or, go right behind the Horseshoe Falls to feel the magnitude of the rushing water. Or, join a wine tour in the Niagara-on-the-Lake region. I did those 10 years ago when I visited for the very first time and had a fabulous time. This year when Kev and I revisited, we tried something different. Something more thrilling! In this post, I want to share with you my version of top Niagara Falls activities, specially designed for adventure seekers!
1| MistRider Zipline to the Falls
Do you feel the need for speed? Then you’ll love WildPlay’s MistRider Zipline to the Falls! This new attraction offers a unique perspective of the world-famous natural wonder.
Suspending 67m above the gushing falls, Kev and I glided side by side, traveling over 670m towards the mist of the mighty Falls at an incredible speed of 70+kph. We started at the top of the tower near the Hornblower Niagara Cruises and ended near the base of the Horseshoe Falls. The whole ride lasted about 60 seconds and it was EXHILARATING!
And the views? Best of the best! Not only was it incredible to be so close to the American, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls, the wind and the mist splashing on our face really made us feel the incredible power of nature!
If you’re worried about safety, don’t be! The staff will get you outfitted in a seated harness, helmet, and other necessary gear. There’s gating system at the starting point that will only open when all four ziplines are clear. When you get to the bottom, the automatic braking system will safely bring you to a complete stop. These guys do the best they can to keep things safe and fun!
Pro tip: Don’t bring a selfie stick. If you want to take videos/photos, you’ll need a chest mount or wrist strap (or anything that stays within the 6-inch limit) for GoPro and cameras.
2| Whirlpool Adventure Course
If you want to get your thrill-on, WildPlay’s Whirlpool Adventure Course will take the challenges to a whole new level.
This aerial adventure course is basically a playground for adults! It involves a series of suspended obstacles that challenged our physical skills and pushed us out of our comfort zone.
We passed over wobbly bridges, whizzed down mini ziplines, and climbed across suspended cargo net. Oh, and walking across those rope swings made of spinning balls – that was my worst nightmare!! I almost gave up after watching Kev struggled. But he cheered me along the way. When I finally finished the game, I was so proud of myself!
[bctt tweet=”These 3 activities in #NiagaraFalls will get your adrenaline pumping! #travel #adventure” username=”fortwoplz”]
The entire course is self-guided. After getting fitted for the safety harness, we were given basic instructions on how to use the gear. Once we demonstrated that we knew how to get in and out of a game, we were free to navigate on our own. The classic course has three levels of 38 games and 7 zip lines. It took us 1.5 hours to complete.
Demo Session
What we loved most about this adventure course is the awe-inspiring views of the Niagara Whirlpool and Gorge. As we climbed higher, the game became more challenging. In return, we were rewarded with the majestic beauty of the Niagara River Whirlpool Rapids below!
3| Whirlpool Jet Boat
For a real adrenaline rush, take a ride on the speeding Whirlpool Jet Boat! The 1500 horsepower Jet Boat will take you right into Niagara’s class 5 rapids.
The 45-min thrill ride is packed with turns, spins, and plenty of splashes! Kev and I had never encountered a Class 5 whitewater before. At Devil’s Hole, we felt its powerful rush and got completely devoured by the crashing waves. We came out soaking wet. Our hair was a mess. Yet, it put a big smile on our face.
Besides riding the rapids, we also did some sightseeing. We immersed ourselves in the stunning scenery of Niagara Gorge and witnessed the magnitude of the famous Whirlpool.
To read more about our Whirlpool Jet Boat adventure, check out our previous post on Niagara Falls Bucket List.
Note: If you prefer not to get wet, you can opt for the jet dome tour instead. It follows the exact same route as the wet jet tour but keeps you dry.
Jet Dome
Are you up for an action-packed adventure in Niagara Falls? These 3 activities will make your heart pound and your toes curl. And of course, win you some well-earned bragging rights!
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Disclaimer: This post is written in partnership with Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours and WildPlay Element Parks. As always, all opinions on For Two, Please are my own and I only recommend services that I 100% stand behind.
Apologize for the language, but holy shit! zip lining over the falls! that must have been gnarly as 🙂 that play park looks rad as too 🙂
Wow, these look like some adrenalin-fuelled ways to enjoy Niagara! The ziplining must be a great experience, what a view to zipline over! That Whirpool Adventure Course is a step too far for me though, my vertigo would keep me rooted firmly to the ground. I’m liking the whirlpool boat trip too. We didn’t do any of these when we visited but we did take one of the helicopter trips over the falls – not really an adventure activity but gave us some great views!
I generally don’t feel a rush when ziplining, but given that view, I will definitely do it! And the obstacle course, too! Wow, I didn’t know there are such options in Niagara Falls.
The jet boat looks like lots of fun. I hope if the engine fails you don’t end up going over the falls.
Interesting, I had no idea there were so many different types of adventure experiences here
All of these adventures look like so much fun! I would love to take the jet boat and ride through the rapids! It’s nice they have a covered one for people who don’t want to get wet, but I think the open air one that you did sounds more exciting! The zip line and adventure course would be great as well. Looks like we need to plan another trip to Niagara Falls to check some of these out!
The zip lining looks the most fun, but i would totally try all these. It s a fun way to experience the Niagara Falls!
I would love to do the ziplining. How fantastic! If only I had known that all these options were available when I was there
I am not sure if I can do any of them. That boat looks the safest. Can’t imagine myself dangling halfway up there.
I am seeing a trip to Niagara Falls in a whole new light! The zipline looks amazing, as does the adventure course. I love that you get views of the falls as your reward for climbing higher. The open boat looks fun, too, but only on a hot day 🙂
The sight of the Niagara falls in full flow is in itself a thrilling experience. On top of that all these adventure activities would surely ensure that the adrenaline keeps flowing. I would personally love to do the zip lining , looks fascinating.
I had no idea you could do those activities there. I would definitely do the zip line. I love zip lines and that one looks breathtaking. Thank you for letting me know about the activities there. Can’t wait to check out Niagara falls. ?
I had no idea Niagara had these kind of adventure opportunities – MistRider Zipline to the Falls sounds incredible! I would definitely give it a go – and then would also love to take the jetboat. Super cool way to experience the falls and get a different view!
I’ve heard mixed reviews about Niagara Falls but your post makes me want to go! That zipline that suspends 67m above the waterfalls–wow! It even lasts a whole minute. I’d go just for that.
That is so cool – I would love to zipline over the falls, I didn’t even know that was a thing! Well done for doing it, all the Whirlpool tours sound awesome. Definitely something I will check out when I go!
wow! these activities sounds awesome, especially as I love river rafting. Zip lining over the falls looks like a bucket list item. great post and thanks for sharing these alternative ways to experience this magnificent landmark!
So cool! You got my adrenaline pumping with this post! Those 60 seconds of the zip line would have been the most exciting 60 seconds of your entire trip isn’t it? The views look great and so do the safety precautions that you have covered so well! Thanks for shedding light on the activity. As a tourism entrepreneur in India and in contact with a lot of tourism boards, i shall suggest them adventure sports of a similar nature that would be safe, sustainable and enjoyable! Thanks for getting my mind to race and heart to beat a little harder!
It’s sad that this is in my own backyard (a 45 min drive) and I haven’t done any of those things! I’ve done Maid of the Mist, seen the falls a million times, but I need to try that zipline!
I also did Niagara Falls this month only and I really fell in love with Niagara Falls. I must say you are very courageous as you did Zip-lining and other adventurous things. For me I can’t even think of these. For me Maid of the Mist was very adventurous because of so near to the rushing water. Very nice courageous activities have been done by you.
It’s amazing how many activities there actually are to do! I thought there was only a boat tour when actual fact there is soo much more! The zip line would be insane! It would be such an amazing experience as well as soo much fun!
Niagra Falls has beena dream since long. I didn’t know there are so many adventure activities on offer at Niagra. Being an adventurer at heart, the zipline appeals the most to me. The location makes all the difference.
Zip lining! How FUN!!! I have two adventure loving kids and they love a zip line. I’m more of a scaredy cat but the last time I had to go with them because my husband had to work. It was stepping WAY outside my comfort zone and it turned out to be so much fun! I had no idea this was available at Naigra Falls. The kids would LOVE it!
i didn’t even realise you could go Zip lining there~!!!!
This looks to be super fun. Would love to spend a day here. Zip lines, adventure course, I wish they had paint ball as well. Seems you had some good fun.
Oh I totally want to do the Jet Boat, especially on a hot summer day! You’re right I’ve never thought of Niagara as an adventure locale, but clearly I was wrong, there is so much to do!
I had no idea there was an adventure course! These look like great experiences, right up my alley!
Wow!!! Looks scary and fun! I might try ziplining across the Falls, but so many of the other options look too intimidating to me. You guys are definitely adventurous!
There are sooo many things you can do here that I never knew! I love that you can do the zipline over the falls! That’s got to be a rush for sure! how fun!!
Niagara Falls sound like a heaven for adrenaline junkies! I’d definitely try the zipline when I go there!
There’s so much more to do at Niagara than I remember as a kid – so it’s either changed drastically or my mom was super cheap haha. Can’t wait to be there in a few weeks!
Zip lining past the falls looks like a lot of fun, and I’d definitely do the jet boat. I’d not so sure I’d think about a ropes course as an activity I’d go looking for at Niagara, but it looks like it was challenging.
You’re completely right — I would be all about the wine tasting… except your post has convinced me to reassess my priorities the next time I visit Niagara! I’d love to do that zipline to the falls, even if it does only last 60 seconds. 🙂 Love what a thrill-seeking couple you two are!
The zip line looks like a must do but your jet boat post inspired us. Right after we read your story, we had an opportunity to take the Patriot Jet boat in San Diego. It was a lot of fun. It was good clean fun to zip around on the harbor at 50 miles per hour and then spin the boat, splashing everybody. We would love to do this trip to Niagara.
These look so fun! I’ve never ziplined but this looks like an epic place to try it for my first time! And you get a different perspective of the falls I’m sure. The Whirlpool adventure course also sounds really interesting – never done anything like that either. Great to know all this is available in Niagara!
The Whirlpool jet boat tour looks like so much fun. Ive never been to Niagara Falls so I can only imagine how cool it looks while youre up in the air!
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