Niagara Falls are not only known for being a spectacular waterfall, they are also home to some seriously intense rapids. The white water here is commonly referred to as the “Mount Everest of white water” due to their size and turbulence. If you’re curious about the rapids at Niagara Falls (and if you dare), we have the scoop on the best way to experience this thrilling side of nature.
Get to know the classes of rapids
Rapids don’t just come in one shape and size – there are several classes of rapids that get tougher as you go up in number. Here’s a guide to classes of rapids and what to expect.
Class 1: With Class 1 rapids there is little to no current meaning they are the best for beginners. You get small waves with no obstacles.
Class 2: Here you get more current than Class 1 rapids and slightly bigger waves, but you aren’t likely to come across any major obstacles.
Class 3: These intermediate rapids are longer and more violent, which means bigger waves and stronger currents than what you get in Class 2 rapids.
Class 4: Getting stronger still, Class 4 rapids are steeper and longer than their counterparts and also contain more obstructions. These rapids will have obstacles to maneuver around so a trained guide is a must.
Class 5: Class 5 rapids feature strong currents and big waves as well as boulders and holes that make things even more complicated. Because of this, Class 5 rapids have a potential for flipping rafts and boats.
Class 6: Class 6 rapids are usually considered a no-go because they are very tough to navigate successfully thank to steep vertical drops and boulders.
Rapids of Niagara Falls
Roughly 3.2 kilometres down river from the Falls, in the Niagara Gorge, is where you’ll find the Whirlpool Rapids as they rush along making their way into the Niagara Whirlpool. The rapids here are known as one of the wildest stretches of white water in the world. These are Class 6 rapids – the highest class of rapids there is. As the water travels through the Whirlpool Rapids it’s travelling at around 48 km/hr. Downriver is where you’ll find Devil’s Hole Rapids, which are Class 5.
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White Water Walks
One way to get a sense of the magnitude of the rapids is with White Water Walks. You won’t be directly in the rapids, but you will get a great view of them because you’ll be walking right alongside them. This tour starts with an elevator ride down 70 metres where you’ll then walk along a tunnel to get to a boardwalk beside the rapids. The boardwalk runs for 305 metres has two observation decks that are at the edge of the river for optimal rapid-viewing.
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
If you really want to get up close and personal with the white water at Niagara Falls then opting for a Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour might be your best bet. Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours has two locations in Canada and one location in the United States. The boats zip along the Lower Niagara River at 80 km/h and will take you through the Devil’s Gorge Rapids, which are Class 5 rapids – the kind with strong currents, big waves and the capability to flip a raft. But you won’t have to worry about flipping. The boats used for the trip are certified by both the United States Coast Guard and Transport Canada. In addition to the adrenalin-pumping ride, guides also tell you about the history of the Niagara area. Be warned: You will get soaked on the Wet Jet tour, if you prefer to stay dry consider the Jet Dome tour instead.
Whirlpool Aero Car
The Whirlpool Aero Car is one of the best ways to see the Niagara Whirlpool, which is formed at the end of the Whirlpool rapids. The whirlpool is formed when the gushing water abruptly changes direction and is a thrilling site to see. The cable car has been making the trip between two different points of the Canadian side of the Canadian shore of the Niagara River right over the whirlpool since 1916. The Whirlpool Aero Car ride takes about 10 minutes in total and the distance travelled is about one kilometre.
Featured image: Robert Linsdell, Whirlpool & Aero Car, Niagara Falls via Flickr CC BY 2.0
