Double-deckers gear up for 2022 tourism season
One of Niagara Falls’ oldest tour companies continues to offer an elevated experience to passengers.
Double Deck Tours Ltd. has been taking riders across the city aboard vintage double-decker buses for more than 55 years. Norman Watson started the family-owned sightseeing company in 1965 after purchasing three ex-London Transport buses.
“There’s a certain nostalgia to them,” Evelyn Waterhouse, the company’s sales and operations manager, said of the iconic red buses. “We know people don’t come to the Falls to see a double-decker bus, they come to see the falls — and on a double-decker bus it’s definitely an elevated experience.”
In advance of the 2022 season, several vintage Routemaster London buses have been converted to open-top convertibles to give guests a unique view of Niagara.
Double Deck Tours was acquired by Ambassatours Gray Line in late 2018. The Halifax-based company is the largest tourism operator in Atlantic Canada.
“The goal here in Niagara, coming out of the pandemic, is to relaunch with a new exciting lineup of tour products,” said Ryan Nolan, director of operations.
New this year is a night illumination tour called Fire & Light, which will include a stop at the new Niagara Parks Power Station attraction and an extended hop-on-hop-off tour that will take passengers to Fort George in Niagaraon-the-Lake.
Waterhouse said the tours will appeal to both visitors and residents.
“Being able to experience a world destination in our own backyard is so worth the effort.”
Nolan agreed: “We have guides on all our buses who offer unique stories and history and context that many people may not be familiar with.”
The 2022 season will begin with several hop-on-hop-off tours starting midMay, followed by full service starting June 24.