Immersive ride moment inside Niagara Takes Flight, with riders’ legs dangling in front of a sweeping aerial view of Horseshoe Falls and the surrounding city skyline. The cinematic dome screen captures the dramatic mist rising from the falls, making guests feel like they’re soaring high above the water in a thrilling bird’s-eye view. Image credit: Niagara Parks (provided in Media Kit)

Niagara Takes Flight Review: Is This New Niagara Falls Attraction Worth It?

ByJulie Millan

In short: This isn’t your average Niagara Falls Canada attraction. Niagara Takes Flight gives you epic drone-like views and immersive effects in this high-tech flying ride over the Falls.

Niagara Falls Canada has no shortage of world-class attractions but the brand-new Niagara Takes Flight flying theatre might just offer the most breathtaking perspective of all. 

Having just opened in late 2025 this high-tech, immersive ride replaces the long-standing Niagara’s Fury. From soaring over the Horseshoe Falls to gliding through vineyards, parks and gardens, this 4D ride delivers a serious “wow” factor. It gives riders a bird’s-eye view of the Niagara region in a way no other attraction does.

I’ve been to Niagara Falls more times than I can count – but I’d never experienced it quite like this. But at $29 CAN for just 6 minutes of flight time, is it really worth your limited time and budget?

That’s exactly what I’ll help you decide in this review. I’ll walk you through what it’s like, what surprised me (in a good way), and who I think it’s best for – especially if this is your first time visiting Niagara. Plus, I’ll share practical tips to help you save money and make the most of your visit.

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What Is Niagara Takes Flight?

This in-ride photo captures the immersive flying theatre moment when riders soar above Niagara Falls. The screen shows the falls, river, and surrounding landscape, while parts of the seating and viewers’ legs are visible. This is one of the highlights of the experience and gives a strong sense of scale.
Flying over Niagara Falls
Simulated scene from Niagara Takes Flight showing riders soaring along ziplines above the Niagara River gorge during peak fall foliage, with Horseshoe Falls visible in the background and brilliant red and orange trees lining the curved path below.
Following the Zipline past the Falls

Niagara Takes Flight is the newest immersive attraction on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls – and the first flying theatre experience in Ontario. Located on the second floor of the Table Rock Welcome Centre near the Horseshoe Falls, this state-of-the-art ride uses motion-based seating, drone-shot cinematography, and sensory effects to simulate the sensation of soaring over Niagara’s most iconic landmarks. 

From the second your feet lift off and the screen wraps around you, it feels like you’re flying over the Falls – complete with wind in your hair and the roar of the falls in your ears.

If you’ve ever experienced Soarin’ at Disney, this ride feels like its Canadian cousin – but with a distinctly Niagara vibe. The flight spans 56 kilometers of the Niagara River corridor, showcasing not just the Falls, but local wineries, the Aero Cable Car, the tunnels beneath the Power Station, and even re-enactments from the War of 1812. It was like being in the middle of a fast-moving, highlight reel of the region – all experienced from the perspective of a bird in flight.

Before boarding, you’ll explore three immersive pre-show rooms that take you through 13,000 years of Niagara’s natural and cultural history. The entire experience takes around 45 minutes, with the flight itself lasting approximately 6 minutes.

Whether it’s your first time visiting Niagara Falls or your fifteenth, Niagara Takes Flight offers a breathtaking new way to see the region – without ever getting wet.

☞ Ready to buy your tickets? Purchase them online to choose your preferred date and time.

Pre-Show Experience: A Three-Room Journey Through Niagara’s Past

Before you take your seat for Niagara Takes Flight, you’re immersed in a multi-room pre-show experience that really sets the tone for the ride ahead. Three different rooms weave together storytelling, history, and natural wonder – and they surprised me with how well they were done.

1. The Ancestors Room

The experience opens in a quiet, fire-lit space where Indigenous Elders share sacred creation stories – most notably the origin of Turtle Island. The storytelling is brought to life with original artwork by Mohawk artist Sara General, and I found the atmosphere deeply immersive. It’s not just a holding room – it actually draws you in.

Guests gathered in the dimly lit Ancestors Room, one of the Niagara Takes Flight pre-show experiences. Glowing cylindrical pillars display animated Indigenous artwork — including a woman in a pink robe and a turtle — against a dreamy nighttime forest backdrop. This space tells the Turtle Island creation story, with visuals by Mohawk artist Sara General.
A glowing digital pillar with swirling blue patterns and silhouettes of characters from Indigenous stories, inside the Ancestors Room at Niagara Takes Flight.

You will spend just under 10 minutes in this room. I found this section to be a little longer than necessary, but I suspect this is to allow guests to trickle in without missing anything essential.

2. The Waterfall Room

This was one of my favourite parts of the pre-show. Narrated by James Cameron, the segment dives into the cultural and industrial history of Niagara Falls, all against a backdrop of floor-to-ceiling visuals. 

Visitors standing in Niagara Takes Flight’s Waterfall Room, surrounded by an immersive blue-lit ceiling of LED screens and historical imagery projected on arched walls.
Visitors standing in the Waterfall Room of Niagara Takes Flight, surrounded by a curved wall of black-and-white historical visuals and a digital ceiling filled with vibrant, moving water panels. This pre-show space blends historic imagery with immersive lighting to set the tone for the ride ahead, showcasing the legacy and industrial evolution of Niagara Falls.

It’s well produced and visually engaging – and to be honest, I wish this overview had lasted a bit longer.

3. The Transporter Room

The final room strikes a great balance between practical and theatrical. A Niagara Parks operator appears on screen to walk you through safety instructions, including how to buckle your seatbelt and store your belongings.

But it’s not just a rules rundown – it’s fully in character, and feels like you’re about to descend 400 feet into a hidden launch chamber beneath Niagara Falls.

This is the Transporter Room, the final stop before boarding the ride. You can see floor numbers and standing positions, sleek design with dark walls, glowing lighting, and a screen labeled “Niagara Flight.” The design mimics an elevator or futuristic chamber — a detail that ties into the ride’s storytelling of descending underground before launch.
Waiting to enter the ride

It’s a short segment, just about 5 minutes, but the lighting, sound, and pacing build real anticipation. There are some artifacts displayed around the room – not labeled, but intriguing. I didn’t get to explore them much this time, but since your boarding spot is saved, I’d take a closer look on my next visit.

The Ride: Soaring Over Niagara Like Never Before

Alright, let’s talk about the ride itself – it’s seriously impressive.

You get buckled into your seat, and then the floor drops away, your seat turns towards the screen, your chair tilts forward, and suddenly you’re gliding out over Niagara Falls like you’re riding a drone. 

Dramatic in-ride view from Niagara Takes Flight, as riders appear to fly directly over the thundering Horseshoe Falls. The scene captures the sweeping arc of the waterfall with mist rising into the sky, downtown Niagara Falls in the background, and a bird in mid-flight — showcasing just how close and cinematic the experience feels.
Riders seated in suspended motion chairs inside the Niagara Takes Flight theatre, soaring over the vibrant blue-green waters of the Niagara River. The screen shows a panoramic aerial view of lush green forest, swirling rapids, and distant city skyline — offering a dramatic mid-flight moment during the immersive experience.

The screen is huge and wraps around your entire view, so it really feels like you’re flying. And you’re not just seeing the Falls – you’re taken across vineyards, through the tunnel under the Power Station (that part was wild), past the whirlpool rapids, and over the botanical gardens.

What I really loved was how every season was included. One second it’s spring bloom, then you’re seeing the stunning fall foliage, then flying over a frozen Horseshoe Falls. There’s no narration – it’s just you and the scenery – and while part of me kind of wanted a voiceover pointing out each spot, I get why they left it out. It actually felt much more natural that way.

The additional effects are subtle – a bit of wind, a gentle mist – nothing too intense. It’s not a thrill ride; it’s more about soaking it all in. If you’ve done Soarin’ at Disney, it’s like that, just with a much more local vibe. 

The worst part? It didn’t last long enough! I would have enjoyed at least 10 more minutes flying over Niagara. Honestly, I walked out thinking, “That was way cooler than I expected.” I’ve done everything from the Hornblower Boat Cruise to Journey Behind the Falls – but this made me fall in love with Niagara all over again.

Curious to learn even more about these attractions? Read my guides:
✓ White Water Walk: An Honest Review
✓ Is Journey Behind the Falls Worth Visiting?
✓ What to Expect at the Niagara Power Station and Tunnel
✓ Plan Your Visit to the Skylon Tower

Plan Your Visit to Niagara Takes Flight

Before you go, here are a few quick details to help you plan your visit – especially if you’re trying to fit it into a packed Niagara itinerary.

This image shows guests waiting in line under the glowing Niagara Takes Flight arch inside the Table Rock Welcome Centre. The backdrop behind the line is an illuminated, stylized waterfall feature framed by faux rock walls, setting the tone for the immersive, water-themed journey to come.
  • Total time: About 45 minutes (includes pre-show rooms + the ride)
  • Ride duration: 6 minutes
  • Location: Second floor of the Table Rock Welcome Centre near the Horseshoe Falls
  • Accessibility:
    • Front row has no stairs
    • Minimum height: 100 cm (40 inches)
    • Maximum weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Tickets:
    • $29 CAD for 1 adult and $19 CAD for children,
    • Tip: Get the Niagara Parks Pass – it’s a much better deal if you’re doing multiple attractions
  • Booking:
    • Pre-book in summer or on weekends – it will sell out
    • Flexible day-of changes available at the Welcome Centre
  • Open: Year-round (perfect indoor activity if the weather’s terrible)

☞ Not sure if the pass is worth it? Check out my full breakdown: Adventure Pass Niagara Falls: Is It Worth It?

Is Niagara Takes Flight Worth It?

If you’re already heading to Niagara Falls, I’d say yes – Niagara Takes Flight is absolutely worth doing, especially if you’re planning to visit more than just the falls themselves.

I’ve been to Niagara more times than I can count, and this still gave me a totally new way to see it. Flying past the Power Station tunnel, ziplining over the fall, watching the fireworks – it’s the kind of perspective you just can’t get from the ground. It’s a visual experience first and foremost, and the flying sensation only enhances the experience. 

At $29 CAD per adult, it’s definitely on the pricier side for a short attraction. But the pre-show experience adds depth, and if you’re getting a Niagara Parks Pass, it becomes a much better deal. 

It’s also one of the few Niagara attractions that’s indoors and open year-round – perfect for rainy days, winter visits, or anyone who just wants a break from the crowds.

If you’re on a strict budget or trying to squeeze too many things into one day, you might want to skip it. But if you’re spending a bit of time in the area? Totally worth it.

It’s ideal for:

✓ First-time visitors who want a big-picture intro to the region
✓ Families with kids tall enough to ride (minimum 100 cm)
✓ Anyone who loves immersive visuals and wants to see Niagara from a new angle
✓ Niagara Parks Pass holders – it’s a great value when bundled with other attractions

☞ Looking for even more family-friendly things to do? Read my Ultimate Guide to Niagara Falls with Kids for a comprehensive list.

Is Niagara Takes Flight for Everyone? Maybe Not.

While I do think most visitors will really enjoy Niagara Takes Flight, it’s not for everyone – here’s when you might want to give it a pass.

  • You’re on a tight schedule (the full experience takes about 45 minutes) 
  • You’re traveling with kids under 100 cm (they won’t be able to ride)
  • You’re on a budget and not getting a Parks Pass
  • You prefer fast-paced or thrill-style rides – this is more immersive than adrenaline-fueled
  • You don’t want to pre-book a date and time (absolutely necessary in the summer and peak weekends)

☞ Travelling on a budget? Here’s my list of the 10 best budget hotels in Niagara Falls – fully vetted by a local.

Insider Tips for Visiting Niagara Takes Flight

If you decide to go, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit – including how to save time, money, and get the best ride experience.

  • Pre-book in peak season (summer, weekends, holidays) – as Niagara’s latest attraction it’s popular and it does sell out.
  • Using a Niagara Parks Pass? Work with staff at the Welcome Centre to time your day – they’re incredibly talented at helping you plan the perfect itinerary.
  • Don’t want your photo taken? Just politely skip the posed souvenir photo at the start – they offer one at most attractions.
  • All seats are good – but if you’re seated on the edge during boarding, you’ll actually be centered during the ride.
  • Cameras welcome – love to take video and photos? You can bring your camera – just no flash – and hold onto your phone tightly.
  • Easy storage – there’s storage under your seat or in a cubby in front of your seat so no need to worry about your backpack.

☞ Plan to take a tour? Here’s my review of the Best Niagara Day Tours from Toronto with my top picks and recommendations to help you decide.

Final Verdict: Should You Add Niagara Takes Flight to Your Niagara Falls Itinerary?

I do think you should add Niagara Takes Flight to your must-do activities. Niagara Takes Flight is more than just a ride. It’s a beautifully executed introduction to the Niagara region that blends immersive visuals with cultural storytelling and stunning drone footage. 

It gives you a bird’s-eye view of Niagara’s best – from the roaring falls to the vineyards, tunnels, and landmarks that define the area.

And that’s exactly why it’s such a great way to start your trip.

After soaring over the Niagara River, seeing the Whirlpool Aero Car, White Water Walk, and Niagara Parks Power Station on-screen – why not visit them in real life? Now that you’ve seen the full picture from above, you’ll appreciate these attractions even more when you explore them up close.

☞ Ready to explore even more? Use my 2 Day Niagara Falls Itinerary to plan your adventure.

If you’re using a Niagara Parks Pass, it’s even easier to build your day around these stops – and save while doing it. Whether you’re visiting in summer, fall, or the dead of winter, Niagara Takes Flight is the kind of attraction that fits into just about any itinerary and any season.

It’s a great way to get oriented, inspired, and excited to explore everything Niagara Falls has to offer.

Before You Go: More Niagara Falls Information

Still planning your visit to Niagara? Here are a few more Niagara guides to help with your planning.

Julie is a travel blogger from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She loves to travel and has learned so much from other travel bloggers that she now wants to share her travel knowledge with others.

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