What: Niagara SkyWheel
Price: $15 for adults, $7 for kids 12 and under
Length: 10 minutes
Rundown: The most iconic addition to the city’s skyline is arguably the Niagara SkyWheel. This 175-foot-tall Ferris wheel is one of the few “outdoor” attractions open year-round, thanks to its 42 fully enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas. That makes it a pretty appealing concept to folks visiting in the colder off-season, or even looking to escape the summer heat for a spell.
Since opening in May 2006, the wheel has run pretty well non-stop, with no noticeable breakdowns or major issues. In other words: if you’re afraid of heights, rest assured this thing is pretty safe.
One thing I like about this attraction is it’s all very surface-level. What you see is what you get. It’s a giant wheel. Lasts about 10 minutes. You wanna see Niagara Falls from way up high? Go for it. No? Skip it.
For my money, its short runtime is actually part of the attraction. The lineups move briskly. It’s not physically strenuous. It’s attractive from the outside and inside. You get a totally unique view of the city and the falls themselves. Adding it to your itinerary won’t take up more than 20-30 minutes, depending on the line, and it’s a welcome reprieve from walking around the rest of the day. The price tag is obviously inflated, but it doesn’t feel egregious given the unique experience.
Worth it? I vote “yes”. You won’t be able to replicate the Niagara SkyWheel experience anywhere else, and if you want a high-up view of the falls, you’re either paying for a swanky hotel room or a helicopter ride… both of which cost more than $15 per person. Go during sunset and enjoy the views.
