Warmer days are just around the corner for Ontario, and with that comes the seasonal opening of the Niagara White Water Walk, one of the (if not the) most breathtaking waterfront boardwalks in the province.
If piling into the car with your closest pals and exploring Ontario’s many weird and wonderful attractions is your idea of a good time — and why wouldn’t it be? — your spring and summer road trip bucket list should already be appropriately populated with destinations in Niagara.
From wineries to the falls to the last remaining Rainforest Cafe location in Canada, the region truly runs the gamut of marvels, both manmade and naturally occurring. But I’d like to suggest one truly awe-inspiring addition to your travel plans this year: the Niagara White Water Walk.
Running adjacent to the coursing Niagara River, the walk brings you up close and personal with raging white water rapids running as fast as 48 km/hr, as well as the striking 410-million-year-old rock formations of the Niagara Gorge.
The 305-metre boardwalk includes two viewing platforms where you can stare into the vibrant blue water or pose for a quick picture.
As dazzling as it is once you get down to the boardwalk, though, the journey to get down to water level is equally exciting.
To access the boardwalk, you first have to climb into a large elevator which, upon descending 70 metres straight down, lets you out at the base of the Niagara Gorge. It’s like a nature hike and a trip to the amusement park all in one!
Luckily, thanks to the elevator element, the walk is largely wheelchair accessible, save for the two viewing platforms that are accessed with stairs.
Admission to the walk for adults (13 years old and up) is $19, $12.50 for children aged three to 12, and free for infants under two.
The official opening date for Niagara’s White Water Walk has yet to be announced for 2025, but is typically in the first week of April, weather permitting. Keep an eye on their website for the most up-to-date details.
