Adventure course ‘few weeks away’ from opening
It may not be getting the same hype as the new zipline, but WildPlay’s Whirlpool Adventure Course could end up being equally impressive for thrill seekers.
The course is still under construction and is expected to open in about a month along the Niagara Parkway across from the Whirlpool Golf Course at Thompson Point, said WildPlay Niagara Falls spokeswoman Lindsay DiCosimo.
“We’re a few weeks away from opening up,” she said.
It will complement WildPlay’s MistRider Zipline to the Falls, which opened earlier this month at the base of Clifton Hill.
While the international spotlight on the zipline has been impressive, less attention has been given to what DiCosimo describes as “an obstacle course in the air.
“You get different obstacles, such as wobbly bridges, rope swings, tight topes … cargo nets and they get progressively (more) challenging and higher off the ground as you manoeuvre your way throughout the course,” she said.
“You’re facing your own fears at different heights, different challenges, and you do everything at your own pace as well, so you’re really pushing yourself with the limitations or any fears that you might have, and you’re conquering them as you make your way throughout the course.”
DiCosimo said there will be 45 different elements and ziplines along the 2.7-acre property.
She said the adventure course can be great for team building and for families.
“You’re outdoors for an extended period of time, you’re out there for approximately an hour and a half to two hours, reconnecting with nature, experiencing the Niagara Parkway in a way that people haven’t before.
“You get fantastic views of the Whitewater and the Whirlpool there as well.”
There will be different courses available, including one for children ages five to 12.
“The elements are closer to the ground, so not as high and a little bit more stable. There’s also a pathway for mom and dad or parent or guardian can follow along and watch the kids if they don’t want to participate,” said DiCosimo.
There will be a classic course, which includes the 45 different obstacles and ziplines, for ages seven and older.
“We also have what’s called the extreme course, which is an add-on to the classic course, for anyone ages 12 and older,” she said.
“That one you get even higher off the ground, a little bit more challenging obstacles and you’re right next to the gorge, overlooking the Whirlpool, so the fear factor is kicked up a bit.”
DiCosimo said families can “make a whole day of adventure” by visiting both the zipline and adventure course attractions.
And with the Niagara Falls tourism industry experiencing another strong season, bolstered in large part by an influx of American visitors, Rich Merlino, general manager of WildPlay, has said the two attractions are providing more reasons for people to extend their stay in the Honeymoon Capital.