Why Niagara Falls?
All the water from the Great Lakes is collected by the Niagara River which is around 20% of the fresh water in the world. For the past 12,000 years, the tumultuous currents of the tremendously powerful Niagara Falls have sculptured out a 7-mile (11km) canyon like area on the lower Niagara. Huge amounts of water flow over the Falls every second and is flattened upon entering the narrow gorge that creates the whitewater playground.
History
The origins of the Jet Boat Ride dates back to 35 years, though the commercial operations of Jet Boat Ride did not start until the year 1992. Since 1974, Wilderness Tours has taken more than 1 million guests on the Ottawa River grown and has premiered the whitewater resort in Canada.
As the whitewater became more and more popular throughout the late 1970s, different rafting companies started their business on the Whitewater Rivers in North America. However, most of these rivers were in the remote areas i.e. far away from major population areas. The rapids that were located near major areas were either so extreme or too mild — not so thrilling, that any type of commercial operation seemed like an impossible task. Located on the St. Lawrence River in Montreal, and on the Niagara River, the Lachine Rapids and the Devil’s Hole Rapids respectively possess the ferocious and extreme character.
Motorized rafts started operating in the Wilderness Tours, in the year 1978. These rafts operated during springtime when water levels on the Ottawa River are high. A test run with 30 passenger inflatable boats was conducted in the year 1979, on the Lachine Rapids. It quickly became apparent that these rafts were not suitable for these kinds of ferocious and extreme currents, though the raft made it through the rapids. As a result it was understood that a faster and more powerful boat is needed. Thus the jet boat was the only alternative that came in mind.
In 1982, commercial jet boating began on the St. Lawrence River and was the one and only operation in North America of jet boating in whitewater. In the same year two specially designed jet boats began tours in Lachine Rapids. The boats had many improvements as the years passed by, the most important one being the switch to turbo-charged diesel engines. Some sections that were thought unnavigable in the Lachine Rapids were now a part of the standard trip.
Boasting 15′-20′ (4.5m-6m) waves, currents with speeds that approach 20 mph (32 km), Niagara’s Devil’s Hole Rapids have a solid class 5 rating. In definition the Class 5 rapids are, “approaching the limits of navigability, should only be attempted by whitewater experts after taking every available precaution.”
One of the tour boats from Lachine Rapids came to Niagara for testing the Devil’s Hole Rapids in the early 1990s. In 1992 the commercial operations began, and in present day there are more guests in a day for the Jet Boat Ride than they used to be in the whole season.
Why Jet Boats?
Jet Boat Ride operates in a group of vessels that are custom-built and are designed according to the latest innovations in marine technology. The boats run under a triple turbo diesel water jet system for steering and propulsion. It is a design that is incredibly reliable and safe in the turbulent water of the Falls. This is the reason why the Jet Boat ride has been able to sustain and create a safety record.
The Jet Boat Ride operates on two locations, i.e. in Niagara Ontario Canada, and the other one in the United States. The Niagara Jet Boats Ride is a must do, whenever you visit Niagara for a wild and adventurous ride you never experienced before.
It is obvious that the combatants of the War that occurred in the year 1812 did not travel by the Jet Boats in the ferocious Niagara River, but in the present day you can follow and experience their historical journey on the Jet Boat Ride. The Jet Boat Ride offers more than just the history of the Niagara area. It is a rare opportunity to experience something comfortably that is referred as “Mount Everest” of white water.
As you move along the Lower Niagara River at a speed of 80 km/h enclosed in the Jet Boat, the river guide will be telling you all about the interesting history of the Niagara area. The guide will also be telling you about the local points of interest along with the mechanics of the spectacular vessel you are riding in. The highlights of the round trip includes the 175ft. stone wall canyon, the power plants of the Niagara Gorge, and the Whirlpool Cable Car.
You will be amazed to experience the 31,000 lbs. of thrust from the jet boat impels the swirling waters of the Whirlpool and the immense Class 5 whitewater of the Devil¹s Hole Rapids. No need to worry since you will be under the care professional captains of Jet Boats, who are certified by both the Transport Canada and United States Coast Guard.
Jet Boat Ride departs regularly from the locations of, Water Street Landing in Lewiston, N.Y., the King George III Inn in Niagara on the Lake, ON, and the Niagara Glen Nature Area in Niagara Falls, ON. Visitors are allowed to choose from either a “Jet Dome” or “Wet Jet” for the exciting experience. Jet Boat Ride is one of a kind white water tour that will be hydrating your senses as you will be taking on Class 5 white water that is assured to leave you completely soaking wet and astoundingly refreshed. If you do not want to get wet, then the Jet Dome tour follows the exact route as the Wet Jet Boat Ride and provides a shelters from the water. It is encouraged that visitors bring their cameras along for the exciting journey as they will be presented with photo opportunities that are unparalleled. For a special and fun filled Niagara adventure, Jet Boat Ride is a perfect fit.