What do you think when you picture Niagara Falls? The thundering waters and the misty rainbows that come with them. However, a short distance downstream lies another spectacular marvel — the Niagara Whirlpool. Intrigued? You should be!
This captivating whirlpool has quite an interesting history and some pretty amazing features. Therefore, if you’re going on Niagara Falls Tours from Toronto, make sure to include a visit to the beautiful Niagara Whirlpool.
So, let’s get into everything you need to know about the Niagara Whirlpool.
What Is The Niagara Whirlpool?
The Niagara Whirlpool is a natural whirlpool. It is located downstream of the Niagara Gorge.
This water feature was formed within the last 4200 years through a combination of erosion and other geological phenomena.
The whirlpool is a large counterclockwise rotating pool of water formed where the river makes a sharp turn to flow northeastwardly. You can view this incredible sight during a Niagara Falls day trip package involving a helicopter tour.
The speed with which it moves coupled by its depth are what gives rise to such strong whirling currents making it look spectacular at times when viewed from above or surface level.
Why is the whirlpool counter-clockwise?
The Coriolis effect makes Niagara Whirlpool spin in a counter-clockwise direction. This phenomenon occurs due to the earth’s rotation and it shapes the weather patterns and ocean currents. A guided Niagara Falls tour of Canada offers an educational insight to make your trip more memorable.
In the Northern Hemisphere, these fluids rotate anti-clockwise while they do so in the opposite way in the Southern Hemisphere.
Furthermore, how does this happen? The flow’s direction and shape of the gorge also greatly influence its rotation. When a river takes a sharp bend, it forces water to move around in circles, thus creating characteristic counterclockwise movement that can be observed in whirlpools during your Toronto Niagara Falls tour.
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How strong is the Niagara Whirlpool?
The power exhibited by Niagara Whirlpool is tremendous! The water inside this giant trench can travel at speeds reaching 35 kilometers per hour (22 miles per hour), with some parts being 38 meters deep (125 feet).
Witnessing this immense power draws millions of people to this destination during the Toronto Niagara Falls tour. The water in Niagara Falls swirls around relentlessly like a giant washing machine filled with millions of gallons every few seconds!
How To See The Niagara Whirlpool During Your Toronto Niagara Falls Tour From Land?
Definitely! There are many great places where one can stand on the shore and watch massive amounts of water get pulled into a spinning abyss called Niagara Whirlpool.
From Canada’s side – Niagara Glen Nature Reserve offers breathtaking views directly into this whirlpool. Some Niagara Falls Tours from Toronto include this in their package or you can take it as an additional trip based on your requirement.
Here, visitors can follow several trails leading down through the gorge, providing a close-up look at the river racing past before disappearing around a bend towards a giant circular drain known as a “whirlpool.”
Another option worth considering would be taking a ride above the same location aboard Aero Car which boasts panoramic vistas over the entire area including the aforementioned natural wonder.
What is the Whirlpool Aero Car?
The Niagara Whirlpool can be most effectively seen through the Whirlpool Aero Car. Niagara Falls day trip is quite a distinct and amazing experience.
Leonardo Torres Quevedo, an engineer from Spain, made the construction of this cable car in 1916. It enables individuals to have fantastic sights of the eddying waters beneath them.
Suspended with six strong cables, this carriage reaches about 76 meters (250 feet) above the whirlpool.
The entire trip lasts around ten minutes. Therefore, it gives you enough time to take photos and enjoy the magnificent view. If you want a more personalized itinerary go for Niagara Falls Private Tour.
Is it Safe to Approach the Whirlpool?
Safety is one of our main concerns while dealing with Niagara Whirlpool exploration. Its rapid currents and spinning water make swimming or boating highly dangerous activities there. Accordingly, swimmers and most boaters are forbidden from entering this area.
However, there are safe ways to get close-up views of it during your Niagara Falls tour of Canada. For instance, both Whirlpool Aero Car and hiking trails in Niagara Glen Nature Reserve
How can I reach Niagara Whirlpool?
To get here you need a car or you can book a guided tour. If you’re traveling by car drive up Highway QEW from Toronto or Buffalo until you reach exit 38B (Niagara Parkway). There’s lots of parking at Niagara Glen Nature Reserve.
Public transport options include Niagara Falls Bus Tours running along River Road between Queenston Heights Park in Niagara-on-the-Lake through to Table Rock Welcome Centre at Horseshoe Falls.
Many guided-tour organizers offer shuttle services, which provide easy access to this attraction.
What Should I Bring When Visiting The Whirlpool?
In case you have put Niagara Whirlpool into the schedule of your Niagara Falls private tour, ensure that you pack along comfortable shoes.
You might need them because there can be a considerable amount of walking – especially if you choose to go hiking on those trails.
Moreover, it is advisable to carry with you a camera or smartphone for taking pictures; water and snacks for longer hikes; and clothes suitable for the weather.
Wrapping Up
If you love adventure sports with intense proximity to waterfalls then this is your destination. It’s also a great choice for someone who wants to have a taste of stunning landscapes surrounded by wild beauty!
Besides being beautiful beyond words, this whirlpool also possesses an intriguing geological background.
Therefore we strongly recommend planning your Niagara Falls Tours from Toronto considering the given information to have a safe journey and also enjoy every moment spent there!
So pack up your things, charge the batteries on the camera, and prepare yourself for a breathtaking experience at Niagara Whirlpool!
