Frontgrid, an expert in adventure leisure and virtual reality attractions and the creator of ParadropVR, is celebrating the launch of Niagara Virtual, the world’s first location-based flying (LBF) experience over Niagara Falls.
The experience has been developed by Frontgrid in collaboration with Rainbow Air Helicopter Tours, a company offering real-life helicopter flights over the falls. It is now open at the new Rainbow Air Tourism Center, which is situated on the US side of the tourist destination.
Tammy Owens, business development director and producer for Frontgrid, says: “Blending immersive virtual reality (VR), gamification, and motion-based engineering, the experience gives guests a chance to explore Niagara Falls from a whole new perspective—under canopy, in first person, and entirely under their own control.”
Popular & profitable format
Niagara Virtual opened earlier this summer, and guests from across the globe have shared positive feedback for its innovative approach to destination-based VR entertainment.
Frontgrid has defined the term ‘location-based flying’ (LBF), which describes a new category of immersive attraction. This combines place-specific narratives with active, first-person exploration. In contrast to typical fly-over films or passive VR, visitors at Fly Niagara VR self-steer through a detailed, interactive recreation of the region. Their movements are tracked in real time, enabling precision control and an authentic sensation of free flight.
Matt Wells, CEO of Frontgrid, says: “What we’re seeing here is a perfect example of how attractions can evolve by combining innovative tech with a globally recognized destination. LBF is proving itself to be both a crowd-puller and a profitable format, and Niagara Virtual is a shining example of what’s possible.”
Niagara Virtual is developed by Frontgrid, creator of the acclaimed ParadropVR, and driven by the most recent Rize 4 hardware. It features 11 units arranged in a horseshoe shape, which offers a dynamic amphitheatre setup with high throughput for the immersive, visually rich, motion-synchronised environment.
The experience starts with a spectacular 360 degree film introduction, shot from a real helicopter flying over the falls.
This seamlessly transitions into the gamified VR experience. Visitors glide over a detailed 3D landscape, made using satellite data and real-world models, which includes animated boats, poncho-wearing crowds, and even a barrel taking the plunge over the falls.
Guests can decide whether to enjoy the ride or race for points, with progress tracked on a global scoreboard. Authenticity and excitement are enhanced by every detail, such as moving elevators on the Skylon Tower and erupting volcanoes in theme parks.
The experience is located within the Rainbow Air Tourism Center, a newly opened venue that also houses a museum, gift shop, photography studio, and launch site for Rainbow Air’s established helicopter tours. Niagara Virtual both complements and enhances the real-life tours, offering a thrilling new option for visitors of all ages and accessibility levels.
Anna Pierce, VP, of Rainbow Air Helicopter Tours, says: “It is truly magnificent seeing Niagara Falls from the air. You really get a sense of scale and can appreciate the vastness of the volume of water as well as the journey the river takes through the wider landscape, where it comes from and where it goes to.
“We’ve been taking visitors to see the falls, from above, in a helicopter for 30 years now, and we love giving people, what they always say is, the highlight of their stay at the Falls. Now, we are excited to be launching this VR experience as a new, gamified way of exploring and connecting with the land and cityscape.”
LBF has exciting potential for landmarks across the globe. For Rainbow Air and Frontgrid, the successful launch is a milestone that confirms their shared vision for the future of immersive tourism.
Frontgrid recently revealed details of the ParadropVR POD at the heart of Butlin’s new PLAYXPERIENCE VR activity centre at the brand’s Bognor Regis resort.
