Jet boats allow passengers to soak up the changing seasons on the Niagara River
Forecasters are calling for warmer-than-usual temperatures this fall, which will provide ideal conditions for those looking to soak up the colors of the changing seasons.
While going for a hike or a long country drive are great ways to take in the fall colors, there's an even more interesting option in Niagara for people with a taste for adventure: Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours will continue taking passengers on high-octane jet boat trips through the turbulent white waters of the Niagara River until the end of October, giving passengers a unique view of the spectacular colors of the Niagara Gorge.
Both sides of the river — the U.S. on the east and Canada on the west — are flanked with forests that light up in late September and October with vibrant red, orange and yellow foliage.
"The scenery in the gorge is fantastic to begin with, but it's even more magical in the fall," says John Kinney, president of Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours. "Our boats allow you to get right in the middle of whitewater and get a view of the gorge you can't get anywhere else."
Whirlpool officially opened its doors to the public in 1992 with a single boat, taking passengers for thrilling whitewater rides from the mouth of the Niagara River in Niagara-on-the-Lake, through the Class 5 Devil's Hole Rapids and to just below the incredibly powerful Niagara Whirlpool.
The company now has a fleet of eight 50-passenger jet boats. Passengers can choose between two types of trips: wet or dry. Guests in open-topped jet boats are guaranteed to return to the dock soaking wet, doused with gallons of water. The boat pilots power them through the rapids at high speed and expertly spin them through the chop in a complete 360-degree turn. Passengers in the covered jet dome get the same thrill ride, minus the splash, and return as dry as they were at the outset.
Along the way, tour leaders on the boats also give passengers highlights about the river's geology and fascinating history.
In addition to individual bookings, WJBT offers special rates for corporate groups, family groups and residents of Niagara. More information about tour packages, rates and reservations can be found at
www.whirlpooljet.com.