Niagara Takes Flight is a landmark cultural attraction that transforms how visitors experience Niagara Falls and its heritage. As Ontario’s first flying theater and the world’s first embedded within a globally recognized natural wonder, it delivers a multi-sensory journey combining cinematic storytelling, cultural interpretation, and dynamic simulation.
Guests are immersed from the start in atmospheric pre-show areas, narrated by Niagara-born filmmaker James Cameron, renowned for Avatar, Titanic, and The Terminator, adding cinematic depth to the journey.
The Entrance Marquee, Ancestors Room, and Waterfall Room use LED technology, audiovisual effects, and narrative content to create a fully immersive introduction to the region’s natural and cultural heritage. The flying theater continues on synchronized gondola-style platforms before a massive 180-degree dome screen.
Advanced motion simulation is paired with wind, mist, and scent effects, while reinforced mesh seats provide comfort and security for all body types. Finely calibrated water mist creates a tactile sensation without discomfort, and synchronized motion with the film ensures mechanical noise is imperceptible, allowing technology to fit seamlessly into the experience without distracting visitors. Guests soar over Niagara’s landscapes, historic sites, and seasonal vistas, culminating in an up-close encounter with Horseshoe Falls.
Theming and design choices are central to immersion. In collaboration with the Niagara Parks Commission and an Indigenous Advisory Panel, the attraction integrates Indigenous voices and perspectives throughout. Artist Sara General, a Haudenosaunee Turtle Clan member, contributed original artwork inspired by her lived experience, adding depth and cultural resonance. Every design element from pre-show environments to multisensory flight effects is crafted to enhance storytelling, ensuring visitors experience, rather than simply observe Niagara’s heritage.
Niagara Takes Flight also advances heritage interpretation and environmental stewardship by digitally recreating the Niagara River corridor, granting access to otherwise inaccessible landscapes while minimizing environmental impact, in line with Niagara Parks’ mission to preserve the region’s natural and cultural treasures since 1885.
Beyond local significance, the project reflects an industry evolution: flying theaters as platforms for cultural storytelling worldwide. Brogent’s turnkey approach combining ride system, film production, and themed environments, ensures each installation reflects the spirit of its location. In Niagara, this includes Indigenous traditions, historic battles, and geological marvels, connecting audiences to heritage and place in meaningful ways.
Ultimately, Niagara Takes Flight is innovative because it merges immersive simulation, cinematic narrative, and cultural interpretation into a cohesive, emotionally resonant experience. By immersing guests, integrating technology seamlessly, and leveraging purposeful design choices, the attraction sets a new benchmark for interactive, destination-based experiences worldwide. Visitors leave exhilarated and deeply connected, carrying forward the legacy of one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.
Partners
Niagara Parks
Home to Niagara Takes Flight, Niagara Parks led the creative ideation, development and construction of this new attraction. Key team members across Niagara Parks departments joined together to create this one-of-a-kind attraction.
Brogent Technologies
The global leaders in flying theatre attractions, Brogent Technologies combines innovative digital content creation with the latest dynamic simulation to create a new generation theme park attraction.
Niagara Takes Flight Film Director
Mike Quigley, an award-winning Canadian film director and aerial cinematographer, was crucial in curating and filming Niagara Takes Flight.
Merit Contractors Niagara
Niagara Takes Flight’s general contractor, who transformed and revitalized the attraction space into a world-class guest experience.
Niagara Takes Flight Creative Director
Rick Rothchild, retired Disney Imagineer and creator of the world’s first flying theatre, Soarin’ Around the World, provided expert opinion to elevate Niagara Takes Flight to a one-of-a-kind experience.
FORREC
A Toronto based leader in experiential design, creating compelling guest experience designs and storytelling.
Great Lakes Scenic Studios
A Burlington, Ontario, based theatrical scenery and immersive exhibit fabricator, transforming ideas into reality.
Nova Film
Based out of Quebec, Nova Film coordinated all moving parts of the drone production and filming for Niagara Takes Flight.
