Ontario tourist attraction recognized at major American award show

A new tourist attraction, lauded as part of an ongoing suite of changes set to transform the Niagara region into an even more internationally recognized destination, recently received accolades at an American award show. 

Niagara Parks recently announced that Niagara Takes Flight, the organization’s newest attraction, was recognized at the 2026 MONDO-DR Awards in Las Vegas, which celebrate the best installation projects from around the world. 

The MONDO-DR awards recognize world-class integration and design across 18 categories and have previously awarded significant international landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, the Sydney Opera House and Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas cruise ship.

In a news release, Niagara Parks said that Branch AV, the audiovisual architects who created the attraction, were awarded for their groundbreaking audiovisual work within the Parks and Attractions category. 

Branch AV has offices in Ottawa, Toronto and Buffalo, New York. 

Niagara Takes Flight, which opened last year, is a massive interactive flight simulator that suspends attendees over a 17-meter-wide screen that showcases the splendour of the Niagara Falls area, all while simulating the sensation of flight.

The attraction includes active wind and mist effects that make guests, who are suspended in gondola-style seating, feel like they are actually in the skies above the Niagara River corridor, traversing 56-kilometres of parkland from the shores of Lake Ontario to Lake Erie.

“This award reflects the dedication, creativity, and hard work of our incredible team, as well as the collaboration and support of our valued industry partners. Achievements like this are never the result of one company alone, and we’re grateful to everyone who played a part,” Branch AV wrote on social media after receiving the award. 

“We’re extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited for what’s next.” 

Last year, Niagara Parks said the multi-sensory experience was built from the ground up to showcase Ontario’s largest tourist attraction through all four seasons.

Attendees who visit Niagara Takes Flight are also guided through four immersive rooms that showcase the region’s full history over the last 12,000 years, highlighting both the area’s people and natural landscapes.

Niagara Parks said the attraction uses custom drone technology captured over a six-month period and advanced audiovisual solutions, combining the technology with cinematic storytelling through environmental cues such as rushing water, wind, mist, scent, and a musical score.

In a news release, Niagara Parks said that Disney Imagineer Rick Rothschild, a principal creator of the world’s first flying theatre attraction, Disney’s Soarin’ Over California, served as creative director on the attraction. Brogent Technologies, known for its flying theatre attractions in Chicago, New York, and Las Vegas, oversaw the ride construction and overall attraction development.

 Since opening last August, Niagara Takes Flight has welcomed over 330,000 guests. 

The new attraction is considered one part of the revitalization of the entire region. 

Last year, the Ontario government launched its new Destination Niagara Strategy, a multi-billion-dollar plan to bring more national and international visitors to the area.

The strategy, which mentions the ongoing conversion of the historic Toronto Power Generating Station into Niagara Falls’ first five-star hotel, also includes the possible creation of a new theme park, the potential redevelopment of the Ontario Power Generating Station, a new observation wheel, and the revitalization of the Niagara Parks Marina. 

The plan also suggests increasing casino options by potentially “expanding the market to multiple world-class casinos, which could attract new hotels, entertainment and top-tier dining options.” 

In a 2025 news release, the province said the strategy will create “world-class attractions,” boost local arts and culture and improve the region’s transportation network, with a goal of attracting 25 million annual visitors and doubling the region’s tourism impact by generating an additional $3 billion for Ontario’s GDP every year.

After the launch of Niagara Takes Flight, the province said it plans to work with Niagara Parks to “identify private-sector partnerships and expand tourism offerings in the region.” 

At the time, the province said it was launching a Request for Information to explore options for a new theme park, while also exploring the possibility of creating a year-round tram that will run 3.8 kilometres through Queen Victoria Park. If completed, the tram will offer riders a view of the Falls and access to other local attractions. 

As of now, the Niagara Region welcomes about 13 million people a year and generates $3 billion in tourist revenue. 

– With files from Jake Pesaruk

All photos courtesy of Niagara Parks