Niagara Falls in Niagara Regional Municipality, Ontario — Central Canada

Whirlpool Rapids Gorge

By J. J. Prats, October 15, 2014

1. Whirlpool Rapids Gorge Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

An ancient river pre-dating the Wisconsin Glacier flowed through the channel of the Whirlpool Rapids and the Whirlpool draining glacial Lake Erie. After the retreat of the glacier when the present river broke through the rock barriers at Thompson Point it re-excavated the Whirlpool and the Whirlpool Rapids Gorge.

Erected by The Niagara Parks Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Natural Features.

Location. 43° 7.087′ N, 79° 4.227′ W. Marker is in Niagara Falls, Ontario, in Niagara Regional Municipality. Marker is at the intersection of Niagara Parkway and the exit of the Whirlpool Aero Car parking lot, on the right when traveling north on Niagara Parkway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 3E8, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Niagara Spanish Aero Car (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); Eddy Basin (approx. half a kilometer away in the U.S.); Whirlpool Rapids (approx. half a kilometer away in the U.S.); Niagara Gorge Natural History

By J. J. Prats, October 15, 2014

2. Whirlpool Rapids Gorge Marker

The gorge begins just beyond the marker and if were not for the trees, the whirlpool rapids could be seen from here. The tree-line in the distance is at the far end of the gorge. The nearest view of the whirlpool is 150 meters away across the parking lot at the viewing area for the Whirlpool Aero Car.

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(approx. half a kilometer away in the U.S.); Challenging the Whirlpool Rapids (approx. half a kilometer away in the U.S.); Welcome to Whirlpool State Park (approx. 0.6 kilometers away in the U.S.); Niagara River Recreation Trail (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Thompson Point (approx. 0.6 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Niagara Falls.

Also see . . . Whirlpool Rapids, A History & Pictorial. “The White Water Walk [in Canada] is the quickest and least strenuous method to view the Whirlpool Rapids. It is wheelchair accessible. Visitors are transported to the base of the Niagara Gorge by elevator. A boardwalk provides access to several viewing areas from which to view the rapids. The Whirlpool State Park [in the U.S.] allows the more adventurous visitor to follow a series of stairways and paths to the base of the gorge. A marked path can be followed along the remnants of the former Great Gorge Route railway to an old observation station overlooking the rapids. This station was used as a way-point for visitors riding the Great Gorge Railway from which to view the Whirlpool Rapids. The hike is physically demanding but provides a view of the mighty rapids unparalleled from any other viewing area.

A Portion of the Whirlpool Rapids Gorge image. Click for full size.

By J. J. Prats, October 15, 2014

3. A Portion of the Whirlpool Rapids Gorge

This view is from the Aero Car.

The natural beauty of this area is majestic.” (Submitted on December 10, 2014.)

Whirlpool Rapids Gorge image. Click for full size.

By Google Maps

4. Whirlpool Rapids Gorge

The white line is the border between Canada on the left and the United States on the right.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 27, 2019. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2014, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 330 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 10, 2014, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.