You think you know what the sensation of flying feels like.
Being pushed back into your seat on take-off; the bounce and squeal of the wheels upon landing. You're familiar with the banks and bumps and pressure-popping in your ears and the drone of the engines as you travel through the atmosphere at 30,000 feet.
But forget everything you think you know about what it feels like to fly when it comes to going up in a helicopter.
The take-off is vertical. The banking is much quicker and more extreme. Oh, and did I mention that a helicopter only carries about 4 people?
I've been up in a helicopter once before (years ago in New Zealand), but when my partner Elliot and I decided to head to Niagara Falls for a weekend (and considering he'd never been up in a chopper before), we decided to splurge and book a short helicopter tour after talking about what to do in Niagara Falls.
We contacted Rainbow Air, the only helicopter tour company operating on the American side of Niagara Falls. Family-owned and operated, Rainbow Air boasts one of the best rides — their helipad location near the Rainbow Bridge means that you get to swoop low and close over the American Falls, and then figure-8 over Horseshoe Falls, as well.
And the ride absolutely lives up to the promise of great views. In fact, the views are INCREDIBLE.
It's one thing to see Niagara Falls from ground-level. But it's another entirely to see it from above.
The ride was of course over way too fast. And some might argue that the price tag of $105 per person for a 12-minute ride is way too expensive.
But you know what? I think it was absolutely worth it!
There are just some travel experiences that are must-dos, and I really do believe that this is one of them.
IF YOU GO…
- WHO: Rainbow Air
- WHERE: 454 Main St., Niagara Falls, NY
- WHEN: Daily May-October (weekends only March, April, November, and December),and rides are weather-dependent; they don't take reservations, so rides are first-come, first-served.
- HOW MUCH: $105 per person per ride
Would YOU want to do a tour like this at Niagara Falls?
*Note: We did receive a complimentary flight from Rainbow Air, however we showed up prepared to pay for it because it really is worth doing! As always, you can count on me to tell it like it is, no matter who's footing the bill.
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to more than 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and thoughtful travel through the US, Europe, and rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she's actually traveled!
Those are some spectacular shots!
Great post. I have always wished to see Niagara falls and i think that flying above is the most beautiful experience one could have. Thank you for sharing such a great insight.
I have only flown in a helicopter once, and I was so young that I barely remember it! I know where we were and everything but that’s about the extent of my memory of it.
You should do it again sometime – it really is a unique feeling!
I don’t know the exact specs of this one, but often these helicopters cost around $1000 per hour to run and maintain! So you can understand why they need to charge this much 🙂
Beautiful falls!! I will have to go here one day!!
YES! I forget what the exact number was, but the amount of gasoline these things go through per minute is astounding! So it’s no wonder that it’s kind of pricey to go up in one.