- 110 year old aerial cable car
- CAD 16 round trip, 10 minutes
- Open late April to mid December
- Best in October for foliage
- Closed mid December to late April
What the Aero Car is
The Whirlpool Aero Car is an aerial cable car designed by Spanish engineer Leonardo Torres Quevedo, in operation since August 8, 1916. The original car still runs (renovated). It carries 35 passengers across the Niagara Whirlpool, suspended 76 metres above the river on six steel cables. The trip lasts about 10 minutes round trip.
What you see
The Niagara Whirlpool itself, where the river makes a sharp 90 degree turn and the water swirls counter clockwise creating a Class V rapid. Below: the standing wave at the bottom of the gorge, popular with whitewater rafters in summer. Around: the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve forest, especially colourful in October.
Practical info 2026
- Cost, CAD 16 adult, CAD 9.50 child 6 to 12, free under 6
- Season, late April to mid December
- Hours, 9 AM to 6 PM in summer, 10 AM to 5 PM in shoulder season
- Location, Niagara Parkway, 4.5 km north of the falls
- Wait time, 5 to 30 minutes peak, 0 to 10 minutes off peak
- Trip duration, 10 minutes round trip
- Included in Adventure Pass Plus, no, separate ticket
How to get there
From the falls, take the WeGo bus (CAD 12 day pass) or drive 5 minutes north along the Niagara Parkway. Free parking on site for 30 minutes. Better: park at the Whirlpool State Park lot (USD 5 day) just south, walk along the Niagara Glen edge.
Best time to visit
- Best, mid to late October for peak foliage in the gorge
- Avoid, hot afternoons in July (no air con on board, and the wait can be 30 minutes)
- Best for photos, 9 AM in summer for low side light
- Best for kids, late morning, after the boat ride
Family friendly tour, often includes Aero Car as add on.
Check availability →What to bring
- Camera, the view is photogenic
- Layer, the gondola is breezy and unheated
- Hat, no shade in summer
- Comfortable shoes, you stand the whole 10 minutes
Verdict
Worth the CAD 16 for the historical experience and the unique perspective on the Whirlpool. Pair it with the Niagara Glen hike (free) for a half day in the northern parkway. Skip if you only have one day at the falls and have not done the boat ride yet.
Internal links
For all parks attractions see 10 best photo spots. For autumn detail see autumn 2026 guide.
Frequently asked questions
Yes for visitors with at least one full day at the falls. The CAD 16 ticket gets you a 10 minute aerial cable car ride above the Niagara Whirlpool, with views of the gorge, the Niagara Glen and the standing wave below.
Late April through mid December. Closed mid December to late April. Hours are 9 AM to 6 PM in summer, 10 AM to 5 PM in shoulder season.
About 10 minutes round trip across the Niagara Whirlpool, 76 metres above the river. The car carries 35 passengers and runs continuously.
No. The Whirlpool Aero Car requires a separate ticket (CAD 16). It is included in the Adventure Pass Nature variant (CAD 79) but not in the Classic or Plus passes.
