Video: One week left to jet-boat through river rapids in Niagara Falls

Anyone who’s been whitewater rafting, particularly on the Ottawa River, knows the thrill of hitting Class 3 through Class 5 rapids head-on. It can be a pretty rough ride… and ultimately a wet one, especially if you fall off the raft.

The good news is you still have a week (and perhaps a little more) if you want to experience that same thrill here in Niagara Falls.

The even better news is you won’t fall out. That’s because you’ll not in a self-propelled raft but rather a jet boat with engines capable of 31,000 pounds of thrust.

The Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, which launches out of 55 River Frontage Rd in Niagara Falls’ Queenston area, will be running until October 24 but organizers says it could be extended should weather conditions stay reasonable.

The boat, which hold three dozen passengers, will see all the sights of the whirlpool river gorge as the leaves transform into a kaleidoscope of beautiful autumn colour.

Better yet, the jet boats will also get right up-close and personal to Class 5 whitewater rapids on the roaring Niagara River during the 45-minute ride.

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Passengers have two boat options: the “get soaked” open-air boats or the “stay dry” glass-enclosed boats.

Want to ride the Niagara Gorge rapids but not get soaked? Whirlpool also has these glass-enclosed ones.

“The jet boat tour is more than just learning about the history of the Niagara region,” says organizers. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to comfortably experience what’s known as the ‘Mount Everest’ of white water. Your journey up the river will include points of interest like the Niagara power plants, the 175-foot stone wall canyon, and the Whirlpool Aero Car.”

Also launching from the American side at Lewiston, all captains and jet boats are certified by either Transport Canada or the US Coast Guard “so you can relax knowing you’re in good hands.”

Tickets are $73.95 for adults and $44.95 for children aged six to 12.

Here’s a 5-minute video that will give you an idea of what the ride’s like.