Ontario is home to one of nature’s most fascinating spectacles, the powerful Niagara River Whirlpool and the rugged beauty of Niagara Glen. Carved by centuries of rushing water, this geological wonder offers dramatic views, winding trails, and a glimpse into the forces that shaped the landscape.
About two hours from Toronto is the Niagara Glen, a pristine pocket of the Carolinian Forest.
The Niagara Glen
According to Niagara Parks, it is located “deep in the Niagara Gorge.” In order to get there, you’ll need to head down stairways that lead to four kilometres of hiking paths.
“One of the last remaining remnants of old growth Carolinian Forest in Niagara, the Niagara Glen features some of the largest trees of their kind and is home to approximately 490 species of vulnerable plants and animals,” shares the site.
As you trek through the Carolinian Forest, you’ll come across prehistoric geological formations, fossils and wild flora and fauna.
You’ll eventually get to the captivating Niagara River Whirlpool, which is described as a “natural phenomenon.” This natural wonder is at the end of the rapids, where the Niagara Gorge abruptly turns counterclockwise.
The Niagara River Whirlpool
“The river’s abrupt change of direction creates one of the world’s most mesmerizing natural phenomena,” says Niagara Parks.
Picture yourself standing at its edge, marvelling at the powerful rapids and the whirlpool’s mesmerizing movement. It’s pretty exquisite!
Though you can get a lovely view from the trail, if you want to get a better look, the Whirlpool Aero Car is an option.
What is the Whirlpool Aero Car?
This historic adventure rides over the river, offering stunning sights of the whirlpool and the river’s Class 6 rapids. Soar 3,500 feet across the gorge, and it’s almost unbelievable.
“Although it travels between two points on the Canadian shore, this antique cable car will actually take you across the international border between Canada and the United States a total of four times due to the way the river elbows,” shares the site. And it looks like no passport is required.
The Whirlpool Aero Car has been a popular tourist attraction that dates back to the late 1800s. A local developer by the name of Samuel Colt purchased seven acres of land for $250. He then built an inclined railway to “take visitors from the top of the Niagara Gorge to the bank of the whirlpool rapids below.”
It wasn’t until 1913 that Niagara Parks was approached by a group of Spanish businessmen who were interested in building a new cable car. This car would take thrill-seekers across the Niagara Whirlpool.
Now, over 100 years after its first ride and a few upgrades later (as recent as 2023), it remains a must-visit attraction in the region.
If this sounds like something you’d love to experience, you’ll have to wait until April when it opens for the season.
However, you can enjoy the beauty of the whirlpool right from the trails. These trails are open from sunrise to sunset, but because of the forest canopies and elevation in some areas, it may get darker sooner than expected.
Stay safe and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
When: Daily from sunrise to sunset
Where: 3050 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls
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Karen Doradea
Senior Staff Writer, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Crave, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.
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