The Niagara White Water Walk is a wheelchair accessible 305 meter boardwalk situated on the edge of Niagara’s white water rapids.
The Niagara Gorge is an 11km (6.8 miles) gorge created by the Niagara River. Around 18,000 years ago, Southern Ontario was covered by ice 2-3 km thick (1.2 – 1.9 miles).
Around 12,500 years ago as the ice receded, the Niagara Peninsula broke free and the Niagara Gorge began to form as the waterfalls eroded the rock below.
When you look at the rock face of the Gorge you will notice the many layers that have been eroded to create the Gorge.
The Whirlpool Rapids Gorge is the section of the Niagara Gorge located South of the Whirlpool. The width of the Gorge narrows from 750 feet (228.5 metres) to 450 feet (137 metres), which causes the water to speed up as it passes through the narrow corridor.
The rapids created by the narrowing of the Gorge are amongst the most dangerous in the world and this is where the White Water Walk begins.
Niagara White Water Walk Details:
The Niagara White Water Walk is a great attraction where you can safely witness the power of mother nature.
Located across the street from the large Buddhist temple, you enter the Niagara White Water Walk attraction through the gift shop!
You then descend 240 feet in an elevator through a long tunnel that leads to the Class VI Niagara Rapids. The list below shows the ratings given to rapids.
Classes of Rapids:
Class A: Lake water. Still. No water movement.
Class I (Easy): Smooth, fast moving water with light riffles, few obstructions and all are obvious. The most difficult problems occur with obstructions within the water (i.e. bridges). Self-rescue is easy.
Class II (Novice): Moderate. Medium-quick water, rapids with regular waves. Occasional steering may be required. Swimmers are seldom injured, assistance is seldom needed.
Class III (Intermediate): Rapids with moderate, irregular waves. Numerous high and irregular waves. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found. Self rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims.
Class IV (Advanced): Long, powerful but predictable rapids and standing waves. Visual inspection of the rapids is mandatory. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult.
Class V (Expert): Long and violent rapids. River is filled with obstructions, extremely deep gradient. Swims are dangerous and rescue is difficult even for experts.
Class VI (Extreme): Constant threat of death. Navigable only during optimum conditions. Should be left to paddlers of Olympic quality. These are the rapids you will see on the White Water Walk.
You can walk along the boardwalk by the riverbank and witness some of the world’s most violent and fastest rapids churn and froth. There is no rush, proceed at your own pace.
There are viewing decks where pictures can be taken, so close to the rapids you can nearly get your feet wet!
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Mississauga To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Toronto To Niagara Falls Day Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Toronto To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Oakville To Niagara Falls Day Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Oakville To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Toronto to Niagara Falls Half Day Private Tour (upto 4 people)
Note: This information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by ToNiagara.