Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours is a brilliant, high-adrenaline way to experience the Lower Niagara River, combining fast-paced boating with the dramatic scenery of the Niagara Gorge. You’ll tear along the river at speeds of up to 80 km/h, with commentary from your guide covering the area’s history, local points of interest, and how these powerful jet boats are designed to handle the rapids.

The route takes you past some of the Niagara region’s most impressive sights, including the hydro power plants in the gorge, the sheer stone wall canyon (around 53 metres high), and views towards the Whirlpool Cable Car. The main event, though, is the whitewater, as you hit the Class 5 Devil’s Hole Rapids before reaching the swirling currents of the Niagara Whirlpool.

There are two experience styles, depending on how brave you’re feeling. The Wet Jet is the full-throttle option, running straight through the rapids and more or less guaranteeing you’ll get absolutely drenched. If you’d rather keep things a bit calmer, the Freedom Jet Dry Dome follows the same route but with a protective dome that helps shield you from most of the spray.

Tours run seasonally from May to mid-October, with multiple departures each day (Wet Jet has the widest choice of times, while the Dry Dome typically has a single daily departure). It’s worth noting that these tours do not go to Niagara Falls, they focus on the gorge and river rapids downstream.