Whirlpool Aero Car Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Whirlpool Aero Car

Overview
Location	Niagara Falls, Ontario
Country	Canada
Coordinates	43°07′05″N 79°04′08″W / 43.11798°N 79.06877°W / 43.11798; -79.06877
Open	August 8, 1916
Operation
Operator	Niagara Parks Commission
No. of carriers	1
Carrier capacity	35
Operating times	10am-5pm
Trips daily	21
Trip duration	10 minutes
Technical features
Aerial lift type	Aerial tramway
Manufactured by	Niagara Spanish Aero Car Company Limited / Leonardo Torres Quevedo
Line length	1,770 feet (540 m)
Vertical Interval	220 feet (67 m)

The Whirlpool Aero Car, also known as the Spanish Aero Car, is an exciting cable car ride. It travels high above the swirling Niagara River in Niagara Falls, Ontario. This historic attraction transports visitors directly over the famous Niagara Whirlpool. A brilliant Spanish inventor named Leonardo Torres Quevedo created this special aerial cable car. The attraction opened all the way back in 1916. Since then, workers have modernized it several times to keep it safe. Today, it remains operated by the Niagara Parks Commission for adventurous guests.

How the Whirlpool Aero Car Works
- Crossing an International Border
Amazing Sights Over the Niagara Gorge
- Surprising Moments in History
Planning a Visit
Images for kids
See also

How the Whirlpool Aero Car Works

The Aero Car is supported by six strong interlocking steel cables. Each sturdy cable is 25 mm (0.98 in) in diameter. An electric 50 horsepower (37 kW) motor moves the car smoothly across the gorge. The vehicle travels at a gentle speed of about 7 km/h (4.3 mph). Safety is extremely important on this high ride. If electrical power ever stops, a diesel engine powers a hydraulic pump to bring the car back. There is even a smaller rescue car built for four passengers and one driver. Fortunately, this backup car has only been needed during emergency practice sessions.

The carrier car can hold up to 35 standing passengers at one time. A full round-trip journey takes about 10 minutes and covers a one-kilometre path. Originally, the car was completely open to the air. Modern versions have an added protective roof overhead.

Crossing an International Border

This historic trip features a unique international border adventure. The cable car starts and ends at stations located on the Canadian riverbank. However, the cables curve across the border of the United States. The car passes into American territory for about 200 feet (61 m) during its loop. Because it never lands on American soil, passengers do not need customs clearance.

Amazing Sights Over the Niagara Gorge

Riders look straight down from a height of 220 feet (67 m) above the rushing water. The total span of the cable line reaches 1,770 feet (540 m) across the gorge. Underneath the car, violent white rapids rush into the whirlpool at speeds up to 37 km/h (23 mph). The river volume is immense, moving roughly 2,800 cubic metres per second (99,000 cu ft/s) of water every second in summertime.

From their high perch, tourists can view Whirlpool State Park in nearby Niagara Falls, New York. Looking downstream, they can spot the Robert Moses Niagara Hydroelectric Power Station located in Lewiston, New York. Passengers often see wildlife, energetic hikers along gorge trails, and anglers fishing on the riverbanks.

Surprising Moments in History

In May 1989, a sightseeing helicopter flew too close and accidentally touched one of the overhead cables. The helicopter pilot safely made an emergency landing on a nearby golf course. Nobody aboard was injured. Operators temporarily closed the aerial tramway for three days to carefully inspect every piece of cable.

The Niagara Whirlpool with an approaching Spanish Aero Car viewed from the south station.

Planning a Visit

The cable car typically operates daily between 10am and 5pm. Its season starts in March and runs until early November. Although the vehicle shares engineering designs with winter ski lifts, it remains closed during chilly winter months.