Why couldn’t history class be an adrenaline rush as the high-speed ride upriver into the Niagara Gorge, through the Devil’s Hole rapids on the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour? Last Sunday we were invited by Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours to board one of their super-fast jetboats and take the trek up the Niagara river, for what turned out to be the most fun we’ve had to date  in our travels across Ontario. So where did the comparison to history class comes into effect? While on the slow part of the ride where the boat is not allowed to cause wake on the surrounding marinas, we were given a brief (but informative) history of the area. The different forts, the hydro plants and the part Sir Isaac Brock played in the war of 1812.

We had plans later in the day to visit Niagara On the Lake so we made our reservations for the 11.30 am departure, which I believe was the first run for the day. We’re so happy we did, as we had a packed boat which made for even more fun when everyone was yelling, screaming and just enjoying the rush.

About 15 minutes before departure everyone gathers to the back of the main check-in building (on bleachers), for a brief introduction to the crew, what you could expect from the ride and most importantly… a safety drill. Basically to let you know how to react in the event something was to happen. But with the safety standards and equipment in place, we never felt worried or had any reservations about what was in store.You are required to sign a waiver before you’re officially checked-in for the tour, so do give yourself time for doing this when planning your trip.

As a group you’re led over to the dock area where there were several boats waiting to be boarded. Being early summer and the cold/long winter we had we figured it was going to be cold so we took full advantage of the gear which were provided. First went on the fleece sweaters, followed by the sort of rain poncho, then the life jackets. Since flip flops are not allowed (they will get washed away guaranteed), you’re also provided with water shoes. We came prepared with our running shoes, as I’m a bit freaky about wearing shoes others wore… yea same problem I have when bowling. But at the end of the trip we saw them being washed in soapy water before being used by anyone else. Be Warned! even with all that gear you WILL get soaked, so do bring along a change of clothes. there are change rooms provided.

We then settled into our respective positions in the boat and were on our way up the river. This is when the history lesson started and I must say that the guide/teacher is full of energy and makes everything exciting. Even when his mic malfunctioned, he took full advantage of his loud voice to keep us entertained. These guys know how to have fun and pretty soon you’ll find that you’ll come out of your shell and join in. The first 10 minutes or so is somewhat slow, since there are marinas and homes alongside the water, so out of courtesy (probably law as well) they don’t cause any wake.

Then the fun started! You could hear the horses kick in and the boat started to skim the water, you could feel the cold spray on your face. The pilot (or is it captain?) gave us a test stunt, so we could prepare ourselves for what was in store. WOW! The first mini-run and we could already tell that this was going to be fun. As we powered up the gorge the different category rapids were pointed out to us and you will be well advised to know that you will go through some class 5. Which means, whitewater, large waves, continuous rapids, large rocks and hazards, maybe a large drop, precise maneuvering (Skill Level: Advanced Whitewater Experience). That didn’t really scare us as we were protected by this powerful boat with an experienced crew. We also came to the edge of a class 6 area, but it’s illegal for them to trek that area.. so we’re told.

I do apologize for the quality of pics as I was forced to leave the SLR in the car and pull out the waterproof point and shoot (well Kieana’s). You’ll also notice that it seems like a dark and overcast day and to certain extent it was, but a lot of it had to do with the settings on the camera.

We were also able to get some video footage… again a bit dark and grainy due to the camera we were using, but you can certainly watch that video at the Facebook fan page or the Youtube channel. The speed at which we were going compounded by the many turns, twists and action of the rapids didn’t make it easy to get videos clips. It’s like being on a super-fast roller coaster with many turns and loops and still trying not to be shaky! When you get to the edge of the area called the whirlpool where the class 6 rapids area you have an amazing view of the Whirlpool Aero Car directly above. Though tame compared to what we were doing, that ride did look like it would also be fun. Maybe we’ll try to cover that soon… but I do have a fear of heights!

After learning (these guys are full of info) how dangerous and powerful  the whirlpool area is, we then head back down river to the “Devil’s Hole” where the fun really starts. You start at the top of the class 5 rapids, with the boat under full power, then as a belly forms in the water’s flow you could hear a difference in the hum of the boat’s engine and the front of the boat is dipped… causing a wicked upward motion followed by a downward fall and a wall of water hits you smack in the face. Without time to really recoup, you go through the same motion again, with that massive blast of water coming right at you. This is when you get the real feel for things when 40 + people around you are all screaming, even though they’re short of breath. You then go back up the rapids to the right where is a bit more calm and repeat the ride back down the class 5 rapids. After the first run, you’d sit there hoping this would never end.. it’s so much fun.

The tours takes about 1 hour in total, but it’s one of of unimaginable fun that well worth the price you pay.

Some tips…

- unless it’s been a hot summer and the water is possibly warm, get the fleece sweater or you’ll be cold

- when you’re briefed on shore and told to leave everything that not attached to you, do so. Caron had hoop earrings on and they were gone. The boat is designed to take in water and at the same time allow for it to flow out. This means anything that comes off you will end up in the drink.

- for the best experience try to sit upfront and if possible, at one of the corners. I had the seat to the far left of the boat upfront and it was simply amazing. But be prepared to get wet!

- yes you will get SOAKED, no question.. even with the poncho on.

- from what we saw, try to get on the first trip (11.30 am) that’s when the boat is packed and as I mentioned above.. more fun. The boat leaving after we arrived back was barely full. But I could be totally wrong as we were here at the start of the season.

- there’s a lock box provided back at home base where you can leave your keys.. make use of this!

- if it’s a sunny day we would recommend using some waterproof sunblock as you’ll be in direct sunlight.

Caron wanted me to ad that though there are change rooms provided, they are a bit cramped, no doors but curtains and there’s no mirrors. However the bathrooms inside the building do have mirrors.

We learned that there were two locations to catch the jet boat tour, one on the US side and the other which we used on Canadian side. For currents rates, including how to get discounts/coupons, check out the website for Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours – Rates.

Canadian Departure Locations

Niagara on the Lake, ON
61 Melville Street, PO BOX 1215
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
L0S 1J0

Niagara Falls, ON
Whirlpool Aero Car
3850 Niagara Parkway
Niagara Falls, Ontario

U.S. Departure Location

Lewiston, NY
115 South Water St,
Lewiston, New York
14092

Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours Performance Centre and winter operating office
7 Henegan St.
Virgil, Ontario
L0S 1T0

Phone: 905-468-4800
Toll Free: (outside 905 area code): 1-888-438-4444
Fax: (905) 468-7004
Website: www.whirlpooljet.com
Email: trips@whirlpooljet.com

We highly recommend the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours for it’s attention to safety, friendly and outgoing staff and most of all… the experience of a lifetime. Put this on your to-do list this summer and be sure to tell them that Chris and Caron from OntarioAlive sent you.

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