The Whirlpool Aero Car, or the so-called Spanish Aero Car, has been soaring through the Niagara Gorge since 1916. It was designed by a renowned Spanish engineer, Leonardo Torres Quevedo. The antique cable car travels between two points on the Canadian shore. Between April and November, the car offers fantastic views of the sometimes scary and always unforgettable natural phenomenon known as the Niagara Whirlpool. It is formed at the end of the rapids where the rushing river escapes through the narrowest channel in the gorge, and the canyon turns abruptly counterclockwise.
A round trip is about one kilometre long and takes about ten minutes to navigate. Due to the way the river turns, the 36 passengers that can fit into this historic cable car will end up crossing the international borderline between the United States and Canada four times during each trip.
The varying season lasts roughly from mid-April to mid-November. To avoid lines during the most visiting months of July and August, you'd better come and enjoy the Aero Car in the late afternoon or early morning.
Practical info
When is the operating season of the Whirlpool Aero Car?
The Whirlpool Aero Car is available for visitors to enjoy from mid-April to mid-November, from roughly 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. The highest seasons to visit are July and August. Show more
What is the route of the Whirlpool Aero Car?
The antique cable car moves through the air from one Canadian shore to the other, with an overlooking view of the Niagara Gorge. The Aero Car is suspended from six cables that attach to two large carriages, providing a secure ride across the Niagara Whirlpool, the narrowest section of the chasm. Show more
What can you observe during a Whirlpool Aero Car ride?
The Whirlpool Aero Car's primary attraction is the natural Niagara Whirlpool, created by wild water rapids at the end of the Niagara River. The whirlpool's extreme water flow spirals counterclockwise and is visible from the cable car ride, a breathtaking spectacle for tourists visiting the Falls. Show more
What is the Whirlpool Aero Car's maximum capacity per trip?
Each ride of the Whirlpool Aero Car can hold up to thirty-six passengers. The Aero Car is often full during peak season, so making reservations beforehand and arriving early is necessary to avoid long lines and ensure a spot on the ride. Show more
How often do you go across the international border during each Whirlpool Aero Car trip?
Riding the Whirlpool Aero Car enables tourists to cross the United States-Canada international border four times during each trip due to the river's turn and the cable car's route. This feature provides unique scenery and an up-close view of both countries' terrain, making it a one-of-a-kind experience for those who visit Niagara Falls. Show more
