North of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls along the Niagara Parkway, I pull into the parking lot at the Spanish Aero Car attraction. Soon, ticket in hand I climb aboard the bright yellow and red car (Spanish colours) with a friendly French Canadian family from Quebec City. Their first time aboard, they all tote cameras like me.
We cover the distance of one kilometre (3,600 feet), and the smooth journey takes 10 minutes. An optical illusion, we appear to visit the U.S.A., but actually
journey between two different points on the Canadian shore above the spectacular whirlpool.
Only 50 metres out, we get a good look at the rapids and the force of the mighty, cascading water. My French companions are delighted - just as they were when they thanked the attendant who replied, "De rien," (You're welcome.)
Below, the torrent abruptly changes direction - counter clockwise. It's like a pro golfer trying to drive around a dog-leg, but the surging waters create a spellbinding effect - the
Niagara Whirlpool
- which would eagerly swallow items much larger than a golf ball. Aloft, we depend on six sturdy cables attached to the car which the young guide reports has been in operation since 1916.
Lots of room for the entire Spanish soccer team. Capacity - 35 standing passengers. We change sides at the other end for the trip back; everyone enjoys the same views.
I notice a
Jet Boat
below hug the shore near the ultimate in white-water rapids, Class Six. It lingers there for 45 seconds, providing an awesome view of Niagara's Herculean muscle, then abruptly turns and departs.
