Zipline to the Falls

Zipline to the Falls, isn’t just some attraction bolted on to the famous landmark of Niagara Falls. Of course, it is most famous for the heart-racing thrill and the gorgeous panoramic views. But there are so many nuanced details about this attraction that elevate this experience from being just fun, to truly extraordinary!

And while the question of whether it is the best attraction at Niagara Falls or not remains debatable- there is no dispute about about its position at the pinnacle of adventurous experiences!

Suspended 220 ft. above the Niagara Gorge, this 670 meter ride has quiet a few noteworthy elements about it that make it worth trying out!

This blog post covers all the those details about Zipline to the Falls, that we believe make it remarkable.

Beyond just the ride itself, what are those factors that make it extra special? Keep reading, to find out!

A Word On The Design of Zipline to the Falls

The Zipline to the Falls is a total masterclass in engineering and design. It is a carefully crafted experience made for those, that are seeking adventure activities, at Niagara Falls!

Since it first opened its door on July 20th, 2016; Zipline to the Falls has attracted quite the international attention. This is both due to the thrilling ride it offers but also thanks to the salient features in its strategic design!

Did you know that the engineers of Zipline to the Falls were not looking to create the highest or even the fastest zipline of the world? They did not care to compete with those standards at all!

Their focus was to find what they were calling “the perfect flight path..”. And to be perfect, this flight path had to be high enough to be able to appreciate the immensity of the Falls. It also needed to be low enough to be able to get riders close to the mist rising from the Falls. And it had to be angled perfectly, so as to provide a continuous feed, of amazing views!

According to the Chief Engineer of Zipline to the Falls- the goal “..was to create the most meaningful connection between human adventure and natural wonder” This explains why him and his team took 3 years perfecting the design! They wanted to see that look of awe-inspiring wonderment on every face, at the end of the ride!

Did you know that when it first opened- the attraction was called “Mist Rider”! And sometimes, the ‘Mistrider’, is still pre-fixed to it more common name- Zipline to the Falls!

All About The Thrilling Ride

Zipline to the Falls begins atop the famous Niagara Parks Power Station, a historic gem at Niagara Falls.

All together, there are 4 ziplines, as you probably already saw in the first image at the top of this post!

The view from the launchpad itself is breathtaking! The graceful curve of Horseshoe Falls will be to your slight right; the American Falls to your left and the gushing emerald waters of Niagara River stretching towards Lake Ontario, beneath you!

Clicking the harness in securely, you will wait for a few seconds on the launch pad, waiting for a nod from the guide on staff. And then… off you will go!

Gravity will do its job from this point on! You will be sent speeding along four parallel ziplines at up to 70 kilometers per hour! Many people have described this feeling as being akin to flying without wings!

An Impactful & Memorable experience!

Did you know that the effect of the Zipline to the Falls, has been a subject of psychological studies? The nerve-tingling, awe-inspiring experience of the Zipline to the Falls ride, has been studied by psychologists to understand what makes it so phenomenal!

The answer, they say is the layering of different stimuli. It makes the whole experience a total symphony for the senses! The visual, auditory, tactile and the kinesthetic elements all combine for a memorable ride!

Do you know why people spread out their arms and legs like a starfish, on the Zipline ride? Its actually a way of slowing down your descend to some extent! Wanna go faster? Try putting your hands out and together like a needle point and that will speed you up even more!

Year Round Fun!

Unlike some Niagara Falls attractions like the Hornblower Boat Cruise, the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour and several others- there are NO seasonal closures with the Zipline to the Falls! Whenever you plan your trip there- you will have an opportunity to try out the Ziplines to the Falls!

Each season in Canada is quite distinctly different from the other. Lets see how Zipline to the Falls is different in different seasons!

Zipline to the Falls & Summer

Zipline to the Falls, during the summer months is one of the best!

The daylight hours are extended, which means that you could select the sunset zipline ride. Or go for the nighttime ride called “Lights & Flight” which combines the zipline experience with the famous Falls illumination!

Zipline to the Falls & Autumn

The cooler air of the Canadian autumn season, sometimes creates crisper visibility condition. On certain clear Fall days, you get extended views, even up to the Toronto skyline, across Lake Ontario!

Not to mention, the beautiful explosion of Fall colours, which is the highlight feature of the Canadian fall season!

Zipline to the Falls in Winter

While the cold Canadian winter, is not for everyone, it certainly adds its own beauty and charm to any attraction! You are provided winter weather gear on the Zipline to the Falls!

The Falls freeze partially, creating natural sculpture along the gorge and an interesting flow pattern to the waters of Niagara Falls! Definitely worth being on the Zipline to the Falls, during the winter season!

Zipline to the Falls and Spring

The melting ice from the Winter, cause the causes the Falls to reach their most powerful flow rates!  The high water volumes creating a higher/thicker mist, is a sight not to missed! The spring “Mist & Blooms” package pairs your zipline adventure with a guided botanical tour! And an afternoon traditional English tea, at the historic Prince of Wales Hotel.

Practical Pointers on the Zipline to the Falls

Here are few of the most important/relevant practical things that you should know as a future rider at Niagara Falls!

• Ticket bookings open 6 months in advance! We do advise not to leave it to the last minute and pre-book especially during the summer season!
• Ages 7 to 97 can get on the Zipline to the Falls!
• There are weight limitations for this attraction though- a max of 300lbs
• Closed toe shoes are mandatory
• Refrain from wearing loose clothing or items like scarves that can get caught up in the wind, and fly away!
• Plan to arrive at least 45 min prior to your booking! Orientation & gear fitting takes time!

Is the Zipline to the Falls for you?

A consistent narrative, and opinion about the Zipline to the Falls, by those who have tried it, is that it transcends typical tourist-y experiences at Niagara Falls.

Many report trying the Zipline to the Falls multiple times, and enjoying it even more each time!

In an age of increasingly virtual experiences, Zipline to The Falls offers something profoundly real—a multisensory adventure that connects you to the beauty of the Falls!

Well, your own experience might be similar to those reported so far…or maybe even better! Try it out, during your next Niagara Falls adventure.