'Niagara Takes Flight': Ontario's brand-new flying theater ride

NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO (WIVB) -- A brand-new attraction is looking to take visitors on a breathtaking journey like no other, right at the brink of Niagara Falls, Ontario. 'Niagara Takes Flight' is promising to lift people off their feet and give them a perspective you just can't get from the ground.

The new attraction gives you a view of Canada's best wonder like you've never seen before. Guests soar high above the gorge, glide past swirling rapids, and plunge right into the mist.

"We had an attraction in here called Niagara's Fury," said Chris Giles, the director of communications and marketing at Niagara Parks. "It opened in 2008 and ran through its life cycle. We determined that we wanted to improve the guest's experience and offer something new here."

'Niagara Takes Flight' is a one-of-a-kind, fully immersive, flying-theatre ride located at the Table Rock Welcome Center on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.

"It's on par with a Disney entertainment ride," said Maribel Restrepo, who was an extra in the ride film. "I truly mean that. I can do this all day. It's amazing."

The story of Niagara Falls begins long before tourism and that's a message Niagara Parks wanted to get across.

The attraction has four different pre-screening rooms. The first is the 'Eons of Erosion'. As guests make their way in, they view Niagara Falls as it appeared thousands of years ago, constantly moving south and shaping the land and lives of its people.

The next is the Ancestors room which was created in deep collaboration with members of Niagara's indigenous communities.

"There's so much history in the destination, so much culture," said Giles. "So many amazing people and we really wanted to bring that out and celebrate that."

From there, visitors step into the Waterfall room, putting the power of nature on full display. Projected images wrap around the space, displaying how the falls themselves were carved by glaciers nearly 13,000 years ago.

The elevator room, also known as the Transporter, is one-of-a-kind chamber infused with historic artifacts as it descends you into the launch chamber.

Then, it's time to strap in and fly.

"We have a giant dome screen. You are hanging in a gondola suspended over the top," said Giles. "Your feet are dangling. The production itself was filmed with drones so you're following those. It gives you the perspective of a bird."

Adding onto the experience, some Ontario residents were cast as extras in the film -- helping bringing Niagara's story to life.

"Even though my part is tiny, like you don't even see my face, but I know I'm there," said Restrepo. "I'm just thrilled to be a part of it because it's so well done and if this is shown long after I'm gone, I'm thrilled to be a part of it."

The ride isn't just about seeing the falls; it's about inspiring you to see Niagara in a whole new way.

"To have it all encapsulated in one movie, then when you leave here you think of everything you're going to do," said Gina Keller who was an extra in the ride film. "It really gets you going to experience the falls to the full effect."

'Niagara Takes Flight' is the final piece of a $25 million transformation. Officials are betting big that this high-tech attraction will give 300,000 annual visitors one more reason to stay longer, and spend more, in Niagara Falls.

"It's paid for entirely by our operating revenues, so the attraction is already paid for in that perspective," said Giles. "We have targeted a six-year payback."

For the team whose vision is about to come to life, seeing guests finally strap in and take flight is the moment they've been waiting for.

"This has been an incredible experience from beginning to end but getting to the finish line right now, we are all so proud at Niagara Parks of what we created and what we're able to share with our guests from all around the world," said Missy Saur, director of retail and attractions at Niagara Parks. "It's a very special experience."

Pre-sale tickets are already on sale. The first official flight launches on Friday. You can purchase them here.