Travel has the power to broaden the mind and change the way people view the world. However, in order to have this type of travel experience, one must open themselves to new things – and more often than not, this requires stepping out of your comfort zone. Fortunately for Niagara Falls-bound travelers, their desired destination is rife with opportunities for adventure. Anyone who’s eager to chart a course for bold new horizons should make a point of checking out the following attractions.

Whirlpool Aero Car

Travelers with a keen sense of adventure can’t go home without taking a spin in the Whirlpool Aero Car. Operational since 1916, this Niagara Falls staple is a cable car suspended from six resilient cables and positioned above the Niagara Whirlpool – which is found at the point where the Niagara River makes its way through the narrowest channel in the Great Gorge. From the comfort of the Aero Car, you’ll be able to enjoy a one-of-a-kind view of the one of the world’s most picturesque natural spectacles. Anyone can view the Niagara Whirlpool from a distance, but it takes a true adventurer to see this breathtaking phenomenon up-close.

Zipline to the Falls

There are many ways to take in the majesty of Niagara Falls, with guided cruises and walking tours being among the most prevalent. However, visitors with a knack for pushing the envelope are likely to want more. This is where Zipline to the Falls enters the picture. Billed as a “flight without feathers,” Zipline to the Falls enables guests to gaze upon the falls from zip lines positioned 220 feet in the air. Once they’re strapped in, visitors will float 2,200 feet at speeds in excess of 40 miles per hour. So if you’re in the market for a bird’s-eye-view of Niagara Falls, this fun-filled attraction should be right up your alley.

Journey Behind the Falls

While there are numerous walking tours of Niagara Falls, few will get you closer to the actual water than Journey Behind the Falls. As the name suggests, this popular attraction takes visitors directly behind the iconic falls. After descending 150 feet via elevator, guests are given access to two observation decks and two portals located behind Niagara Falls. One observation deck provides visitors with an extremely up-close view of the falls, so if you don’t mind getting wet, grab your raingear and book a ticket. Additionally, convenient discounts to this and other tours can be found at many of the best hotels in Niagara Falls.

Nightmares Haunted House

In addition to its abundance of invigorating outdoor activities, Niagara Falls is home to the oldest operational haunted house in North America. Nightmares Fear Factory takes guests on a spine-tingling journey through a haunted mansion that’s packed to the brim with spooky surprises. Along the way, you’ll encounter numerous forks in the road and alternate story paths, so no two visits are likely to end in the exact same manner. Nightmares Fear Factory is so intense that a substantial number of guests throw in the towel before reaching the end. For haunted house enthusiasts looking to prove their mettle, this makes it a must-visit destination.

Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours

There’s only one thing better than an informative tour of Niagara Falls – an informative tour of Niagara Falls that takes place on a high-speed jet boat. Travelers who enjoy a wild ride won’t want to miss out on the chance to breeze down the raging Niagara River in a state-of-the-art jet boat. As the boat navigates the choppy white waters of the Niagara River, your guide will provide you with a fascinating array of facts about the area’s history.

There’s no better way to break free from the monotony of everyday life than packing your bags and setting off for parts unknown. So if you’ve become burnt out, bored or disillusioned by your regular surroundings, a change of scenery may be in order. It’s no surprise that the most memorable trips tend to be the most eventful ones. If you’re looking to get the most out of your next visit to Niagara Falls, make an effort to try things that would ordinarily be off your radar. Travelers on the hunt for adventure can’t afford to pass up the pulse-pounding attractions discussed above.