Niagara Falls is a place I had always wanted to go.  I love waterfalls and wanted to see Niagara Falls in person to get a sense of the magnitude.  Russell had not been before either so we decided to plan a weekend there.  I was surprised to learn about all the things to do in Niagara Falls.  

We thought a Niagara Falls helicopter ride would be the best way to see the falls and help make it a memorable weekend.   Let me tell you about our experience so you can decide if it is worth the splurge.

For more helpful information to plan your trip, check out my practical tips for visiting Niagara Falls and my free printable travel planning checklist.

Note: We received a discount on our helicopter flight in exchange for an honest review.  This post also contains affiliate links.  Please see disclosure for more details.

COVID-19 Notice: Niagara Helicopter Limited was open and had made some operational changes to keep both visitors and employees safe.  Read about it here.  Now they are closed until March 31, 2001.

Our helicopter ready get ready for another flight. -

Our helicopter ready for another flight.

About Niagara Falls

There are actually three main waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls: the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and the Bridal Falls.  All are impressive in their own right, but the Horseshoe Falls is by far the largest.

About 160,000 gallons of water flow through both the American and Bridals Falls while the Horseshoe Falls has 600,000 gallons per second.  The Horseshoe Falls is located on the Canadian side and gets its name from its shape.

If you plan on visiting Niagara Falls be sure to read my guide to what to pack.

Niagara Helicopters

The helicopter trip we took was run by a company called Niagara Helicopters.  Niagara Helicopters take off from a launching pad located on the Canadian side about a 10-minute drive north of the hotel area.  Don’t worry you will be able to see both the US and Canada sides during your flight.

In addition to the helicopter tour over Niagara Falls, they also offer a helicopter tour that includes a visit to Niagara on the Lake.  If you want, you can even have your wedding on one of their helicopters.

They have plenty of free parking.  After we parked, we decided to pose with one of the parked helicopters.  There was another couple there, so we offered to take their picture.  We learned that the girlfriend had bought her boyfriend a helicopter flight for his birthday.  I thought that was thoughtful.

The day of our flight the weather was absolutely perfect! There were a few clouds but overall the sun was shining and the sky was clear and blue.  The temperature was in the upper 80s.  I couldn’t have asked for a better day for a Niagara Falls Helicopter tour.

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Obligatory photo with the helicopter. - "Niagara Falls Helicopter Ride to Remember" - Two Traveling Texans

Obligatory photo with the helicopter.

Preparing for Our Niagara Falls Helicopter Ride

We went inside to get our tickets for the Classic Tour.  Niagara Helicopters does not take reservations, they operate on a first come, first serve basis.  You can come at any time during the business hours (9 a.m. until sunset) and get tickets for their Niagara Helicopter tours.  Unfortunately, they cannot fly after dark or in low cloud conditions, so call in advance if the weather looks questionable! They can fly up to four helicopters at a time, so don’t worry the line moves pretty fast.

Right away we could tell Niagara Helicopters was a well-organized operation.  They were efficient with loading and unloading the helicopters that the line moved quickly.  We got to skip a bit of the line because they were looking for a party of two to fill extra spots, so we waited less than 10 minutes.  On their website, they note that they try to keep the wait time for their Niagara Falls Helicopter tours to under 15 minutes.

We were hoping to sit in the front so that we would have the best views.  I asked the attendant if we could and he said it was up to the pilot.  I decided I would try my best to get the front seat.  Before the helicopter takes off, they take a group picture of everyone that will ride on the helicopter in front of it.  When we went to take the picture, we went and stood on the left of the group.  That way we would be closest to the front of the helicopter.  And it worked, the crew directed us to sit in the front with the captain.

We were both excited to do a Niagara Falls helicopter tour.  This was going to be Russell’s first helicopter ride and my second.  I had enjoyed my helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon and I knew what to expect.  Russell was a little anxious, but I knew he would love it.   We went outside to get in the short line.  I was excited for our helicopter experience for two.

Our Niagara Falls Helicopter Tour

The staff helped us buckle in and the professional photographers took a few pictures.  Then we took off.  The helicopter ride was smooth.  They had a taped narration of the flight that provided some interesting facts and told us about the different sites we flew over.  Each passenger gets their own headset and the narration is available in multiple languages.

The first part of the flight you fly over the Niagara River downstream from the falls.  It is amazing the intensity of the rapids here.  The Whirlpool Rapids are designated as class 6, the most challenging in the world.  I also spotted the Whirlpool Aerocar.  It was crossing above these rapids.  I made a mental note to check it out after we landed.

Here you can see the American Falls and the Bridal Falls plus the Hornblower Boat. - "Niagara Falls Helicopter Ride to Remember" - Two Traveling Texans

Here you can see the American Falls and the Bridal Falls plus the Hornblower Boat.

Then we headed towards the falls.  First, we flew over the Rainbow Bridge, which crosses the Niagara River and is a border crossing between the US and Canada.  Then, as we approached the American Falls and the Bridal Falls, we passed over Queen Victoria Park.

Next up was the Horseshoe Falls.  I was a little worried I was sitting on the wrong side of the helicopter to get a good view.  Well, the pilot did a figure eight maneuver to ensure that everyone got a great view of the Falls.  And let me tell you everyone got a spectacular view as the helicopter was over Niagara Falls.  When the helicopter turned, I felt like I was looking straight down on the falls through the large windows and it was just breathtaking.

Smooth Landing After Our Helicopter Ride Over Niagara Falls

Then the helicopter headed back.  We both looked at each other in amazement at what we had seen.  As we approached the launchpad we could see there was another helicopter there.  We thought we might have to wait, but the helicopter took off just in time.  Niagara Helicopters has this down to a science – they have been doing it for over 50 years!  I wonder how many Niagara Falls helicopter rides they have given! 

Here you can see the Rainbow Bridge, the American Falls, the Bridal Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls. - "Niagara Falls Helicopter Ride to Remember" - Two Traveling Texans

Here you can see the Rainbow Bridge, the American Falls, the Bridal Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls.

We exited the helicopter and the pictures they had taken were ready for us to review.   Of course, they had the group photo, but they had also taken a few other candid shots as well.

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Niagara Falls Helicopter Tour Video

The Niagara Falls Helicopter Ride was over too quickly, but it was special and memorable.  The views we had we will never forget.  If I had the chance to go for another ride I would!  Check out our video to get a better sense of the experience.

Niagara Falls Helicopter Tour FAQs

What is the Niagara Falls helicopter tour price?

It costs (correct as of 2/17/21) $149 CAD per adult (age 13 and up) or $288 CAD for a couple to do a tour.  The Niagara Falls helicopter ride price for children is $92 CAD.  Kids 2 and under are free.  They do offer family and group discounts.

Do you need to book your helicopter over Niagara Falls in advance?

No, they operate on a first come first served basis.  

Where is Niagara Helicopters located?

The address for Niagara Helicopters is 3731 Victoria Avenue (at the Niagara River Parkway) in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.  it’s about a 10-minute drive from the hotel area on the Canadian side of the Falls.

How long is the Niagara Falls helicopter flight?

The ride takes 12 minutes (including boarding time).

Is a Niagara Helicopter Ride Worth It?

Some things are definitely worth the splurge, especially when the experience leaves you with memories that will last a lifetime.  It’s not something I would do everyday, but it’s nice to do something special every once in awhile.

We will always remember our helicopter ride in Niagara Falls Canada! It’s one of the most romantic things you can do in Niagara Falls. Have you ever done a helicopter ride or splurged on a memorable experience?

-Anisa

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view of the horseshoe falls from a helicopter with text overlay

Expert Tips for Your Niagara Falls Helicopter Ride

  • Don’t worry about where you sit inside the helicopter, with the large windows, everyone will have a great view.
  • You don’t need to book in advance but call ahead if the weather looks questionable to see if Niagara Helicopters are able to fly.

Disclosure: Niagara Helicopters gave us a discount on our helicopter ride.  As always opinions are mine.

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Last Updated on February 17, 2021