Sure, you could check out the majestic sight of Niagara Falls from a cozy Niagara Falls hotel. But if you want to experience the awe-inspiring power of the water falls of Niagara Falls up-close-and-personal, the White Water Walk Niagara Falls puts visitors right in the heart of nature.
The White Water Walk is a quarter-mile boardwalk that brings visitors right by Great Gorge Rapids from the Canadian side of the Niagara River. This attraction is fun for the whole family and is part of the Niagara Parks Adventure Pass, a deal that gets Niagara Falls visitors to cool adventure destinations for a fraction of the usual price.
If you’ve never been to the White Water Walk and are planning a trip to Niagara Falls, learn why this cool attraction is one to plan for.
What Is the White Water Walk?
The White Water Walk is a self-guided tour providing a unique vantage point of the Niagara River. Visitors take an elevator 230 feet (70m) to the base of the Niagara Gorge and then are able to walk the White Water Walk path at their leisure.
There are several observation areas along the walk where visitors can get stellar views of Niagara Falls and see the whirlpool below. There are also informational plaques along the walk explaining stories about people who have attempted to cross Niagara River. You can also read stories about the geology of Niagara Gorge and learn details about plant and animal life you might encounter at Niagara Falls.
No matter how many times you see Niagara Falls outside and in person, every different point of view you can look at it from provides new things to discover. The White Water Walk pairs spectacular views, including those of 410-million-year-old rock formations, with the sounds of rushing waters from the Class 6 white-water rapids of the Niagara River. The whirlpool rapids travel at 48 km/hour, making them a majestic sight to take in.
How to Prepare for the White Water Walk
The White Water Walk is flat and only a quarter-mile long. This makes it a suitable distance for all ages and fitness abilities, though you may still want to check with a physician before embarking on any nature fitness activities.
Proper footwear, like sneakers or closed-toed shoes, are recommended. Especially when temperatures drop and weather becomes cooler, you’ll want warm shoes when you’re so close to the rushing water.
Any spot you visit on the White Water Walk will provide great views, so even if you don’t actually walk the White Water Walk, you’ll still gain a great experience from getting so close to the water.
How Much Does a White Water Walk Visit Cost?
Entrance into the White Water Walk Niagara Falls is around $10.50USD/$14CAD for adults and around $6.50USD/$9CAD for kids ages 6 to 12.
In spring 2019, the Niagara Parks Adventure Pass will also be available. For $90USD for those 13 years and older, and $59USD for children ages 6 to 12, pass holders will get access to top Niagara Falls heritage sites and the White Water Walk. Visitors can save up to 52 percent on attractions by purchasing the pass. All kids ages 5 and younger get free access when they’re accompanying an adult who has the pass.
The Niagara Parks Adventure Pass Plus is valid from April 16, 2019 to November 3, 2019. It includes unlimited access to the Falls Incline Railway for two consecutive days. It also includes entrance to:
- Hornblower Niagara Cruises
- Journey Behind the Falls
- Niagara’s Fury
- White Water Walk
- Whirlpool Aero Car
- Floral Showhouse
- Butterfly Conservatory
- Old Fort Erie
- Laura Secord Homestead
- Mackenzie Printery
- McFarland House
The pass also provides two consecutive days aboard WEGO transportation, including the Niagara-on-the-Lake extension.
There is also a “classic” version of the Niagara Parks Adventure Pass, which includes the White Water Walk and enables passholders to save more than 27 percent on pricing.
Remember to check operating hours for the White Water Walk before visiting. During winter months, it’s typically not open.
Plan a Niagara Falls Nature Trip
Seeing nature in person in Niagara Falls is a must-do activity if you and your family are able to. The White Water Walk Niagara Falls is a great intro-to-nature excursion. It’s ideal for all sorts of fitness levels, and kids will love walking the boardwalk to be close to the water.
Niagara Falls is full of many more amazing parks and adventures like ziplining, cruises and hiking. If breweries and wineries are more your thing, there are plenty of those, too. Or choose from fine dining, nightlife, casino gaming and other ways to have a blast in Niagara Falls. Check out so many more fun things to do in Niagara Falls here.