Falls Incline Railway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Falls Incline Railway |
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| Info | |
| Locale | Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada |
| Transit type | Funicular |
| Operation | |
| Began operation | October 8, 1966 |
| Operator(s) | Niagara Parks Commission |
| Technical | |
| System length | 59.8 m (196.2 ft) |
| Track gauge | 1,850 mm (6 ft 27⁄32 in) |
| Average speed | 3.5 km/h (2.2 mph) |
The Falls Incline Railway is a special kind of railway in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. It's like an elevator that goes up and down a slope, also known as a funicular railway. You can find it right next to the famous Horseshoe Falls.
This railway was built in 1966 by a company from Switzerland called Von Roll. It was first known as the Horseshoe Falls Incline. In the 1980s, it got its current name. When it first opened, the cars were open to the air. But in 2013, it was rebuilt with enclosed cars. This change lets people use it all year round, even in winter!
What Does It Do?
The Falls Incline Railway helps people move between different levels of Niagara Falls. It doesn't go down into the deep Niagara Gorge like some other railways. Instead, it connects two important areas.
Connecting Key Areas
The railway links the Table Rock Centre and the Journey Behind the Falls attraction. These spots are right above the falls on the Niagara Parkway. From there, the railway takes you up to the higher Fallsview Tourist Area.
Fun at the Top
The Fallsview Tourist Area is a busy place. It includes the Minolta Tower, the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort, and many hotels. The railway makes it easy for visitors to explore both the falls area and the higher tourist spots.
How Fast Is It?
The Niagara Parks Commission, which runs the railway, says it's the slowest funicular in the world! It moves at a gentle pace, letting you enjoy the views.
Railway Facts
Here are some interesting facts about the Falls Incline Railway:
- Length: It travels about 59.8 meters (196 feet).
- Slope: The track goes up and down at a 30-degree angle.
- Cars: There are two cars that move up and down.
- Capacity: Each car can hold up to 40 passengers.
- Tracks: It has two tracks, so cars can pass each other.
- Top Speed: It moves at about 1 meter per second (200 feet per minute).
- Journey Time: A ride takes about 62 seconds.
- Track Width: The tracks are 1850 millimeters wide.
- Power: It runs on electricity.
