FORREC, a leading entertainment design specialist, was deeply involved both creatively and technically in developing Niagara Takes Flight, a $25 million, cutting-edge flying theatre experience that opened on August 29th at Niagara Parks’ Table Rock Welcome Centre, steps from Horseshoe Falls.
Replacing the long-standing Niagara’s Fury attraction, Niagara Takes Flight represents a significant upgrade to the centre, the main gateway to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.
Toronto-based experience design firm FORREC started working with The Niagara Parks Commission in early 2023. Its task was to assess whether a flight simulation experience would be the best replacement for Niagara’s Fury, through a feasibility and market study.
Public feedback showed visitors—particularly adults—desired a more sophisticated and immersive experience. After thorough research into current facilities, audience trends and preferences, and discussions with the client about their goals and vision, it was determined that a flight simulation would be an ideal solution, fitting well within the location and available space.
Creating the story
After Niagara Parks awarded the attraction to Brogent Technologies—known for its flying theatres in Vancouver, Chicago, New York, and Las Vegas—FORREC was instrumental in designing the experience. The team crafted the overall narrative and story that runs through every part of the journey, including media elements of the project.
FORREC handled concept design, schematic design, and development for the attraction’s interiors, pre-show experience, and retail spaces. As the story and design developed, FORREC conducted a concept test study using a focus group to gather feedback on the proposed attraction from participants in Toronto, NYC, and Chicago.
Once the design was established, FORREC also provided construction documentation and managed on-site activities to ensure the integrity of the design.
Introducing Niagara Takes Flight
Niagara Takes Flight starts with an engaging pre-show area designed by FORREC and brought to life by Great Lakes Scenic Studios in Burlington, Ontario.
Guests explore 13,000 years of Niagara’s geological and cultural history across three immersive storytelling rooms, gaining a deeper understanding of how Niagara Falls was formed. This experience offers visitors a richer perspective and appreciation of the falls before they board their flight.
The introductory space, Eons of Erosion, welcomes visitors and glows like a cave, featuring a replica of the Rainbow Bridge and a massive digital waterfall. Artwork by George Scribner and Mark Mine is digitally projected onto a large, curved LED screen integrated into a rock formation resembling an escarpment.
The space narrates the story of the Falls—its origins 13,000 years ago and how humans and wildlife historically followed the water’s path to its current location. Uri Grinbaum, art director and project manager at FORREC, says: “We wanted people to walk in the path of the water and experience its true power.”
The Ancestors Room features fully immersive storytelling, music, and dance. Its design was created in partnership with Niagara’s Indigenous communities, led by Landscape of Nations principals Tim Johnson and Phil Davis, along with Jennifer Dockstader, Fran Davis, and others.
Guests in this space explore Indigenous artist Sarah General‘s artwork and gather around three digital fires to watch an animated Indigenous creation story, guided by community Elders.
Creative director David Morris of FORREC adds: “Through concept and form, a deeper story surfaces—one rooted in Indigenous traditions, where woven textiles and abstracted natural patterns become symbols, not just decoration.”
In The Waterfall Room, guests explore the cultural, geological, and industrial influences that transformed Niagara Falls into a worldwide symbol. They view artefacts and archival photographs that depict the area’s evolution from an Indigenous site of importance to an industrial centre focused on natural resources and tourism.
These stories, narrated by James Cameron, cascade down a vast abstract digital waterfall. Guests also discover the Niagara Parks Commission and its future plans for the area. Linking past and present, this room serves as a starting point before guests proceed to the Transporter.
The Transporter, the last phase before the ride begins, starts with the sensation of descending in a large industrial elevator to the bottom of the gorge and passing through an abandoned tunnel. Guests then ready themselves for flight by stepping into a launch chamber where the power of virtual water propels them into the skies.
The ride
Once airborne, guests are held before a large 180-degree domed screen for an awe-inspiring aerial tour of the Niagara landscape. Using drone cinematography along with wind, mist, scent, and motion effects, visitors experience close-up views of Horseshoe Falls, the Whirlpool, and other famous landmarks.
Retired Disney Imagineer Rick Rothschild, the creator of Soarin’ Over California, acted as the creative director for the aerial experience, integrating sophisticated motion simulation with cinematic storytelling.
After the ride, guests can visit a retail area designed by FORREC, which continues the attraction’s story through its layout. Niagara Takes Flight is entirely accessible, offering alternative viewing options for those unable to transfer to the ride seats.
Construction began in the fall of 2024 under Merit Contractors Niagara, with +VG Architects adapting the existing building to house the new attraction. The project involved numerous Ontario-based companies, bringing both cultural and economic benefits to the region.
The team of partners and subconsultants included media companies such as Front Range Films, Rio Mitchell, Roxanne Audry-Read, Nova Film, Studio TB, WDB, Artlord Studio, Roland Eksteins, Tau Films, Six Degrees, ED Films, and Nightlight.
The main show was facilitated by Brogent Technologies, while project management and programming were handled by AOA. Great Lakes Scenic Studios constructed the show set, and lighting was provided by Mulvey & Banani. Branch Audiovisual managed the AV aspects, and Yessian was responsible for music and sound design. Market analysis was conducted by All Parks Solutions.
As the concluding stage of the multi-year revitalisation of Table Rock Centre, Niagara Takes Flight is set to become a must-visit attraction for visitors worldwide. By combining authentic storytelling, cutting-edge technology, and community efforts, the attraction offers unforgettable experiences for guests and provides a significant boost to Niagara’s economy.
FORREC also recently designed the Time Rider, the world’s tallest Coaster Wheel and the first in Korea. The ride opened on 28 June at Gyeongju World amusement park in Gyeongju-si, South Korea.
