Niagara Falls Helicopter Flights

Visiting Niagara Falls from the sky in a helicopter is something you don't get to do every day. You have different flight options to choose from to suit your preferences and schedule.

The most popular is a short flight over the most spectacular border of the USA and Canada where you'll see the most photogenic waterfalls. If you also want a second perspective from the heights, a flight with lunch at the Skylon Tower 236 metres above the falls is for you. And for the more exclusive, there's nothing better than a private flight to enjoy the scenery with a glass of wine in hand.

If you've come to Niagara Falls after a trip to New York, you may have done the Manhattan helicopter flight. If so, you'll know that it's not exactly cheap, and the same goes for the Falls. However, don't worry because you have a number of options to enjoy the experience of flying over a magnificent landscape without mortgaging the rest of your North American holiday.

The short flights

The cheapest options are a 12-minute helicopter flight that takes you over the area's natural landmarks, including Whirlpool Rapids and the Horseshoe, American and Bridal Veil Falls, as well as a fantastic panoramic view. If you want to experience the experience and see this natural landscape from the air, this is the option for you. It's available for around 140 euros.

Long flights

Longer flights, around 20 minutes, are more expensive and can cost around 280 euros. In Niagara Falls there are tours that offer flights of **up to forty minutes in total including lunch at the Skylon Tower that will allow you to enjoy the river scenery from two different perspectives. The helicopter flight will take you over Whirlpool Rapids and Horseshoe, American and Bridal Veil Falls. You'll add to this a second experience from Skylon Tower. There you will enjoy a lunch with local produce. I recommend that you ask about the wines that are produced there.

If you plan to eat in the quiet area: the Skylon Tower is not your only option. Here are some more recommendations of where to have lunch in Niagara Falls.

The guide, an added value to the tour

All flights have a specialised guide to make sure you don't miss a single detail. The feeling you get when you're up there will probably be so intense that you won't know what you're looking at. The guide who accompanies you will tell you and, once you're down in the park, you'll be able to relate the main attractions of Niagara Falls to the marvel you saw from above.

You've already seen that depending on your budget you'll have different options when it comes to visiting Niagara Falls by helicopter, but you may still be hesitating. Here is a comparison of the two main tours:

Easy: one of the most spectacular natural borders between two countries. The United States and Canada have their geographical boundary in this area of the Great Lakes at the Niagara River, which connects Lakes Ontario and Erie.

The Falls

Niagara Falls consists mainly of three waterfall zones. The largest is the Horseshoe Falls, also known as the Canadian Falls, which separates the two countries. The other two, somewhat smaller, are the American Falls and the Bridal Veil. The latter two are in New York State and are separated by Luna Island. Goat Island divides the Bridal Veil from the Horseshoe, and you'll also see Whirlpool Rapids.

Niagara Falls is the largest and most powerful waterfall in North America. In fact, at its peak it moves 168,000 m3 of water, a natural beauty worth visiting.

Beyond the water

In addition, the helicopter ride will allow you to see the city of Toronto in the distance and Niagara-on-the-Lake much closer. Yes, that's the name of the Canadian city closest to the Falls, which is also famous for its vineyards. And if that's not enough, you can soak up the history of the North American continent by seeing Fort George, a military building built by the British in the 1790s.

Between you and me, how many times in your life will you visit Niagara Falls? You'll be lucky if you repeat, but if your bucket list is endless like mine, you'll need to make the most of your trip to the Niagara River. And I can't think of a better way than to do it from the air if your savings allow.

Enjoying the grandeur of Niagara Falls is unparalleled. If you just see it from the ground or aboard a ferry, you'll see only a tiny part of the entire landscape. And the perspective won't be the same as from a bird's eye view. You'll move up and down the waterfalls and appreciate their 50-metre drops in a unique way. A trip like this deserves to be topped off perfectly.

Here are some other tours you can take on the American side of the Falls.

Helicopter flights over Niagara Falls are available all year round, but each season offers different characteristics that you should take into account.

Best time of year

Summer is definitely the best time of year to fly over Niagara Falls. June to August is high season, with all that entails, higher prices and more visitors, but temperatures are ideal and all attractions are open. In spring the botanical gardens are in bloom and in autumn the grapes are harvested and temperatures are still pleasant. In winter, with sub-zero temperatures, only the most daring will take the helicopter flight, but beware! Visiting Niagara Falls in winter can be quite an experience; don't rule it out.

Here is a link with all the details about the weather in the area throughout the year and an article about the best time to visit Niagara Falls Park.

What is the best time to visit

Any time of day is a good time to visit Niagara Falls by helicopter if the sun is shining. However, the evening light gives the scenery a special charm. The clouds and the horizon take on an orange colour that will look amazing in any photos you are able to take.

The Niagara Falls helicopter flight is open to everyone and is completely safe. Children over the age of two will have no problem taking the activity, but for babies and pregnant women it is not recommended. However, my advice is that if you are considering flying with children, choose another option among the many activities that can be done with children in Niagara Falls as it is possible that the little ones may be frightened and you may not enjoy the trip to the fullest.

Safety

Helicopter tours of Niagara Falls are completely safe. They have been operating for decades with experienced pilots and helicopters in perfect condition. Before boarding, you will receive a short training to make your flight as comfortable as possible and to avoid any risky situations.

Helicopter model

The helicopters used to fly over Niagara Falls are state-of-the-art. Two of the models used are the BELL 206 LONGRANGER and the BELL 206 JETRANGER.

Get your camera ready for the best photos

Your social media will be buzzing when you post photos you take on board the helicopter. Whether it's a mobile phone with a good camera or a more professional device, make sure it's in the best condition to get the perfect shot. But don't spend the whole trip looking at the scenery through a lens, enjoy the experience as time is money.

Check the weather forecast

The activity cannot be carried out in case of rain or poor visibility conditions. Therefore, you should check the weather forecast to make sure the sun is shining and enjoy the flight in the best weather.

Bring warm clothes

Bear in mind that the temperature on board the helicopter will be lower than on the ground, so it's a good idea to pack warm clothes. The time of year will also determine what to pack.

Think ahead and be prepared

A helicopter ride over Niagara Falls is probably something you'll only do once in a lifetime. So leave your nerves behind and focus on the experience. Even if you've never flown in a helicopter before, the instructors will make you feel comfortable so you can overcome any obstacles. If you are prone to motion sickness or vertigo, consult a doctor or specialist so that you are prepared for the activity. It would be a real shame to back out.