Experience Niagara's the thrilling Tailrace Tunnel and hear the tale of Nicola Tesla's dramatic invention of hydropower, with pre-booked visits to the Skylon Tower and Niagara Parks Power Station included.
Niagara Underground: Power Station & Tunnel Under Falls Tour
Summary Description
Highlights
- Get pre-reserved entry to the Skylon Tower
- Explore Niagara Power Station with pre-reserved tickets
- Experience the thrilling Tailrace Tunnel with an audio guide
- Discover the dramatic history of hydroelectric power
- Learn how Tesla changed the world with water power
- See the stunning views over Horseshoe Falls
Description
The powerful waters of Niagara Falls hide a truly epic story of electricity and innovation. You'll explore history firsthand as you dive deep into the Falls, in a glass elevator, as part of one of Niagara's new attractions - the Tailrace Tunnel Experience. Uncover the story of Nikola Tesla, and the ‘War of the Currents’ while getting pre-reserved access to Niagara Parks Power Station and the Skylon Tower. Discover the dramatic history of hydropower, unraveled for you by an expert guide on this cultural walking tour.
Discover the fascinating and complex history of Niagara Falls and its story of hydroelectric innovation. Visit the Skylon Tower with pre-reserved access, with your guide unraveling the story of Nikola Tesla and how he used water to change the world. End your tour at the Niagara Parks Power Station and the Tailrace Tunnel, diving 180 ft in a glass elevator for a walk through historic tunnels and a once-in-a-lifetime view.
Your journey into the history of hydropower begins at the Skylon Tower where you’ll meet your expert guide and look out over the Niagara Parks Power Station as well as the International Control Dam. Take a glass elevator to the top, where you’ll have time to enjoy the stunning view before walking on to view the Illumination Tower where the Falls are lit up in a wondrous light show each night. Although man has recognized the power of electricity since Ancient Greece, it wasn’t until the 19th century that things started to really heat up! New discoveries and figures battled for supremacy in what has come to be known as the ‘War of the Currents’. Your guide will introduce you to key figures in this battle including Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla. You’ll see Tesla’s memorial statue as you learn about how Niagara Falls was the ultimate decider in this struggle for supremacy. When we get to Horsehoe Falls – the largest section of the three waterfalls that together form Niagara Falls – you'll spend some time at the majestic viewpoint, and see for yourself exactly why Tesla and others were inspired to harness the power of the rapidly flowing water. Then see how all of this theory plays out in action at the Niagara Parks Power Station. This 115-year-old building was a futuristic wonder when it first opened its doors in 1905. At this point, your guide will say goodbye and hand out audio guides so you can explore the Power Station and Tailrace Tunnel at your own pace. What you see from the top of the power station is just the tip of the iceberg. You’ll descend 180 feet through the inner workings of the power station, then walk the path the water flowed through the Tailrace Tunnel to a one-of-a-kind view from the base of Niagara Falls.
Sites Visited • Niagara Falls • Skylon Tower • Illumination Tower (outside) • Nikola Tesla Statue • Table Rock • Horseshoe Falls • Niagara Parks Power Station • Tailrace Tunnel (audio guide)
Included / Excluded
- Tailrace Tunnel Experience & audio guide
- Pre-reserved Niagara Power Station tickets
- Pre-reserved Skylon Tower tickets
- Glass Elevator at the Skylon Tower
- Glass Elevator at the Tailrace Tunnel
- Local English-speaking guide
- Expertly guided walking tour
- Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
- Gratuities
Start / End Locations
Start Location: 5200 Robinson Street, 5200 Robinson St, Niagara Falls, CA
Start Location Notes: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour. This tour meets at lobby of Skylon Tower - 5200 Robinson St, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 2A2. Look for your guide next to the Starbucks inside the lobby, holding a green Walks sign.
Start Location Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/csy6UQPauEaPDLBd9
Commentary
Guide : English
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- This tour is in English.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
- The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- All guests must pass through security.
- Tours run rain or shine. We encourage appropriate footwear for uneven surfaces.
- Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
- Limited restroom availability, please go prior to your tour and ensure you are ready for the tour when you arrive at the meeting point.
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours
Cancellation Notes: Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.
Points of interest
Terms and Conditions
Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.
Additional Information
Ticket Age Range
Adult (13-100)
Child (3-12)
Infant (0-2)
Redemption Information
Tickets will be held at the box office
About operator:
Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.
In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Basic Information
- Duration: 3 hours
- Trip difficulty: Easy
- Max Group Size: 20
- Category: Tours & Sightseeing
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