Niagara Takes Flight

Niagara Takes Flight is a $25 million, state-of-the-art flying theatre experience at Niagara Parks’ Table Rock Welcome Centre. Replacing the long-running Niagara’s Fury attraction, it marks a major upgrade to the centre—the primary gateway to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.

From Study to Discovery
FORREC’s involvement began in early 2023 when requested by The Niagara Parks Commission to conduct a feasibility and market study. After extensive research into the existing facilities, audience patterns and preferences, and consultation with the client on their goals and vision, it was confirmed that a flight simulation experience was an ideal solution for the location and the available space.

Following Niagara Parks’ award of the attraction to Brogent Technologies—creators of flying theatres in Vancouver, Chicago, New York, and Las Vegas—FORREC played a central role in shaping the experience by developing the overall narrative and story that threads through every stage of the journey. FORREC provided concept design, schematic design, and design development services for the attraction’s interiors, pre-show experience, and retail spaces. As the story and the design took shape, FORREC initiated a concept test study via focus group to evaluate the proposed attraction, obtaining feedback from participants in Toronto, NYC, and Chicago. FORREC also provided construction documentation and on-site administration to maintain design integrity.

Authentic Storytelling That Celebrates the Region’s Heritage
Niagara Takes Flight begins in a dynamic pre-show area. Across three immersive storytelling rooms guests explore 13,000 years of Niagara’s geological and cultural history and come to a better understanding of how Niagara Falls came to be with a deeper perspective and appreciation of the falls.

Eons of Erosion:
The threshold to the overall experience, this cave-like space invites guests in, glowing from beneath a replica of the Rainbow Bridge and an immense digital waterfall. Artwork by painters George Scribner and Mark Mine is digitally rendered across a large, curved LED screen integrated into an escarpment-like rock formation. This area tells the story of the Falls—where they began and how humans and wildlife followed the water to where it is today.

The Ancestors Room:
Encompassing fully immersive storytelling, music, and dance, the design for the Ancestors Room was developed in collaboration with Niagara’s Indigenous communities, led by Landscape of Nations principals Tim Johnson and Phil Davis. In this area, guests explore the artwork of Indigenous artist Sarah General and gather around a trio of digital fires to experience an animated Indigenous creation story guided by community Elders.

The Waterfall Room:
Guests discover the cultural, geological, and industrial forces that have shaped Niagara Falls into a global icon. A collection of artifacts and an array of archival photographs illustrate the transition of the area from an Indigenous place of significance to an industrial hub with its value centered on natural resources and tourism. Narrated by James Cameron, the stories flow over an abstract digital waterfall. Guests also learn about the Niagara Parks Commission and their goals for the future of the area.

The Transporter:
This final stage before the ride starts with the sensation of descending in a massive industrial elevator to the bottom of the gorge and through an abandoned tunnel, where guests then prepare for their flight.

The Ride: A Flight Like No Other
Once airborne, guests are suspended before a massive 180-degree domed screen for a breathtaking aerial journey. Drone cinematography combined with 4D effects bring visitors face-to-face with Horseshoe Falls and other iconic sights. Following the ride, guests explore a retail space designed by FORREC that extends the narrative of the attraction through design. Niagara Takes Flight is fully accessible, with alternative viewing options for those unable to transfer to ride seats.

Collaboration Across Ontario
Construction began in Fall 2024 under Merit Contractors Niagara, with +VG Architects adapting the existing building to house the attraction. The project engaged numerous Ontario-based companies, delivering both cultural and economic benefits to the region. FORREC acknowledges the contributions of an exceptional team of partners and subconsultants.

As the final phase in the multi-year revitalization of Table Rock Centre, Niagara Takes Flight promises to be a must-see attraction for visitors from around the world. By combining authentic storytelling, advanced technology, and community collaboration, the attraction not only creates unforgettable guest experiences but also delivers a meaningful boost to Niagara’s economy.