This section of the Niagara River is classified as a Class 6. It is against the law to try and run it on a raft. After seeing the river from the walk alongside, I’m a believer.
White water walk niagara falls
The Whirlpool Rapids consist of 4 kilometers (about 2.8 miles) of 3-5 meter (up to 16 feet) standing waves. These waves are not caused by rocks at the bottom of the river but the force of the water itself. Such a huge volume of water is being forced through such a narrow gorge makes it impossible to run with a raft.
In August 1975 a raft carrying 29 people capsized throwing the lot of them into the rapids and on into the whirlpool where all but three were resuced. Since then no other rafts have been run this white water.
Here are the river classifications for white water:
Class 1: Little to no current. Small waves with no obstacles.
Class 2: More current than Class 1 with bigger waves, but no major obstacles.
Class 3: Rapids are longer and more turbulent. Bigger waves, holes and stronger currents than Class 2. Generally considered intermediate. Proper guide training is a prerequisite for safe navigation of Class 3 and above.
Class 4: Steeper, longer and containing more obstructions than Class 3. Multiple obstacles to maneuver around. Trained guide is necessary.
Class 5: Strong currents and big waves. Several boulders and holes. Has a greater potential to hold and flip boats.
Class 6: Extremely difficult to successfully maneuver due to significantly steeper vertical drops and boulders. Usually considered unrunnable.
The walk runs a quarter mile along the rapids with some very good spots for photos. Watching this water move this violently at 48 km per hour is mesmerizing. Definitely worth the trip. You can get there on the People Mover bus which leaves from the bottom of Clifton Hill on River Road. Just make sure that you have your pass. You can get one at our store.
