Is the Niagara Falls Helicopter Ride Worth It? My Experience

After two cloudy and windy days, the sun finally came out over Niagara Falls. I woke up to a glorious sunrise over a clear, sunny sky, and I knew this was the day when I would take that so-wished-for Niagara Falls helicopter ride. Ever since I visited Niagara Falls for the first time I wanted to see it from the air, from the helicopter. But, of course, this activity is quite expensive, and back then I decided against it. Time has passed and my life philosophy changed a little bit. “Live life between the lines. Run out of life, don’t run out of things to do”, told me a stranger, a while ago. And ever since I took every opportunity. Money is just money, it comes and goes. Experiences are for life. 

I am writing this text a week after that memorable helicopter ride over the falls, and I still feel the buzz of the flight. In this article, I want to analyse the pros and cons, which are not many, of taking a Niagara Falls helicopter ride over Niagara Falls, and see if it’s a worth experience or not. Hint: it most likely is! 

I didn’t have any doubts that I wanted to get on a helicopter and see the falls from above. I have never been on a helicopter before, so I was double excited about this trip to Niagara Falls. If you are a frequent reader of my blog you will know that last year I visited Niagara Falls on a day trip from Toronto. I created my own itinerary and whilst I did all the things on it, I realised that I needed more time to see everything. So, this year, I planned a 3 days trip to Niagara Falls, to slow travel and allow myself plenty of time to really enjoy everything this area has to offer. I was more interested in the natural part of the park such as hiking and birdwatching, rather than Clifton Hill and the casinos. I knew the helicopter ride would be the highlight of the trip, and I wasn’t wrong. It is one of those once in a lifetime experiences. And you know what? It’s not really that expensive for what it offers!

How to Get to Niagara Helicopters 

Niagara Helicopters doesn’t have its own WEGO bus stop, but it’s located around 10 10-minute walk from the Whirlpool Aero Car. There is plenty of parking available as well if you decide to drive here. I just took the bus, which was included in my 2-day Niagara Pass. 

Operating Hours

The helicopters run every day from 9 am until around 4 pm. The tours depend on the weather, so if it does look a bit questionable, it’s always good to call and ask if they are operating. 

How to Book a Helicopter Ride Over Niagara Falls 

You don’t have to book a helicopter ride over Niagara Falls. Just show up whenever the weather is better. They fly in most weather conditions, even if it’s cloudy, rainy, or a bit windy. During my 3 days in Niagara Falls, even if one day was very windy, I could still see the helicopter circle the falls. 

But, you should book, if you want a discount. A ticket costs 185 Canadian dollars. However, because I booked online a few months ago, I received a 10$ discount. Even if you book, however, it’s still first come first served, so you may have to wait a little bit. 

I arrived just after a bus full of tourists pulled into the car park, so I had to wait around 25 minutes until my turn came. Not bad though, as they have two helicopters that go back and forth. 

My Niagara Falls Helicopter Ride Experience 

I arrived at Niagara Helicopters at around 11 am. I kept my eyes on the position of the sun all morning, to make sure it wouldn’t be hazy over the falls. I wanted perfect pictures. That morning I witnessed an incredible sunrise over the falls, so the day was already going pretty awesome. 

I booked my ticket and waited for the group to finish their rides. I wished nobody else would show up, but I wasn’t that lucky. I shared the helicopter with 5 other people. The maximum capacity of a helicopter is 6 people plus the pilot. 

As the helicopter was preparing to land, we were directed to the airfield. My just brushed picture-perfect hair was messed up in an instant when the helicopter arrived. Oh well, it’s all about the experience, and not the way I look in photos, I told myself. I’m not one of those Instagrammers who need to look perfect in every single shot. 

The crew directed us to the side of the helicopter, where we posed in front of a photographer. Then, each was directed to their seats. The crew decides where everyone sits, based on weight distribution. I got on my seat and a crew member securely strapped me in with the seatbelt. The photographer did another round to take individual photos before the doors closed. 

The pilot showed us a thumbs-up, and there we went! Riding a helicopter is so much different than being in a plane. I expected the same hole in the stomach when it took off, but nope, we took off so smoothly that I barely noticed. The excitement just took over me. 

The journey follows the path of the Niagara River, firstly passing over the Whirlpool area and rapids. Slowly, we made our way to Niagara Falls, over the Rainbow Bridge. On my side, I could spot my hotel, on the riverside. Then, one by one, I saw Clifton Hill, Skylon Tower and Table Rock Centre. 

Then, the pilot turned the helicopter and the view became breathtaking. It felt like we were flowing with the river, going towards the falls. And I wasn’t looking at the scenery from the side, I was looking straight at it due to how the helicopter turned. It was incredible! I could spot the Maid of the Mist making its way to the Horseshow Falls, and the people, looking like a colony of ants, on each side of the river. Rainbows were forming and disappearing as fast as they appeared, over both the Canadian and the American side of the falls. It felt truly magical! As we left the Horseshoe Falls behind, on my side, I could see the American and the Bridal Falls, which are on the American side of the Niagara River. Much smaller than their Canadian relative, they are no less impressive. 

We followed the same path back to the airfield so that people sitting on both sides of the helicopter get to see the same things. In the far end, I could see Niagara on the Lake and even spot Toronto. Before landing, I looked back one more time and saw the falls from the air again, in the distance. What a sight! 

Extras 

By the end of the ride, the photos the professional photographer took were ready. I went into their photo room to see mine and even though I have messy hair, look extremely goofy and way too excited, I decided to fork another 32 dollars on this experience and buy it. It is now hanging on my staircase wall, along with my other printed special memories and self-made “art”. 

Cons of the Niagara Falls Helicopter Ride 

Whilst riding the helicopter over Niagara Falls is a once in a lifetime experience and it is so worth it, there are two small cons that I want to mention. 

My only disappointment was that I couldn’t sit in front of the helicopter. I was travelling on my own and the helicopter had 2 seats in front, next to the pilot, and four seats in the back. During my turn, there was another couple and a group of friends – and they got to sit in front. 

The flight only lasts for 12 minutes, which includes boarding, take-off and landing. 

Is the Niagara Falls Helicopter Ride Worth It? 

Yes, yes, yes, a very big yes! You only regret in life the things you didn’t do. I hope that my experience will convince you to go ahead and book that flight. It is so worth it! 

For more similar articles, check out my recommendations below:

• How to visit Niagara Falls without a tour
• How to spend 3 days in Niagara Falls

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