NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Niagara Falls probably has thrilled visitors since before the arrival of European settlers.

Recent technological advances, though, seem to enhance the euphoric experience of falls watching even more.

One of the newest ways to enjoy the spectacular scenery is to ride one of the fully enclosed gondolas on the gigantic SkyWheel. Billed as Canada’s largest observation wheel, the ride gives you and as many as seven other thrill seekers a look at both the Canadian and American falls from 175 feet up. Not only does each car sport non-reflective UV glass windows for glareless viewing and photo taking, it’s also heated in winter and air-conditioned in summer for year-round comfort.

Like the cars on every other Ferris-like wheel, the gondolas stop at the top, giving riders a bird’s-eye view of the entire area.

Nearby, at Bird Kingdom near the Rainbow Bridge, it’s the avians, rather than the humans, that take flight. Within walking distance of the SkyWheel, the world’s largest indoor aviary boasts more than 400 free-flying birds representing nearly 80 species that frolic in a 50,000 square foot tropical environment.

Many of the birds are threatened or endangered, and visitors can see them up close in a Lost Kingdom-themed setting of palm trees, shrubs and bushes, a 40-foot tall waterfall and ponds and streams.

Many of the birds in this climate-controlled facility that opened in 2003 sport brilliant plumage. However, in a darkened section of the aviary, visitors can also see nocturnal animals such as owls, bats, poison arrow dart frogs and a variety of snakes.

Besides the birds, the circa 1875 Java House, entirely hand carved out of teak and without nails, is a one-of-a-kind treasure. The handsome wooden building originated as a nobleman’s house in Indonesia. It was later discovered in America by the owner of Bird Kingdom, disassembled and wrapped in rotting burlap in an old tractor-trailer parked in a farmer’s field.

After purchasing the house, owner Larry Vann reassembled the building over a period of two years. Today, visitors can relax in the quaint building reconstructed in the aviary and enjoy refreshments served at the concession stand.

For a really up-in-the-air experience, Niagara Helicopter Tours has been operating out of a six acre site at 3731 Victoria Boulevard since 1964. Even though the ride lasts what might seem like a short nine minutes, it’s got to be one of the most exciting nine minutes imaginable.

After liftoff, the Bell 407 copter capable of carrying six passengers rises high into the sky, begins sweep over the whirlpool on the Niagara River and both the American and Horseshoe Falls, then soars over the town of Niagara Falls before heading back to its home base. During the flight, passengers wear headphones, listen to taped commentary, but mostly marvel at the sights that lie below.

An exciting way to end an event-filled day is to take a ride to the top of the 774-foot tall Skylon Tower on board one of the “Yellow Bug” glass-enclosed elevators. From the topmost Outdoor Deck, you can see not only Niagara Falls but also the skylines of both Buffalo and Toronto. One level down, the Summit Suite Dining Room serves lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch that’s both casual and family affordable.

For more upscale dining, the Revolving Dining Room on the lowest deck serves award-winning Continental fare at tables that nudge right up against large glass windows. Once an hour, the restaurant makes a complete 360-degree revolution, giving diners a look at both the illuminated falls to the south as well as the lights of Toronto to the north.

From mid-May to early September, the restaurant is also one of the best places to view the fireworks display, which takes place over the falls at 10 p.m. on Fridays and Sundays.





Dave Zuchowski writes for the New Castle (Pa.) News.



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IF YOU’RE GOING: For more information on Niagara Falls, call (800) 263-2988 or visit www.tourismniagara.com.

In a 700-seat, Las Vegas style theater, magician and illusionist Greg Frewin puts on a 90-minute review featuring large cats including tigers, showgirls and a barrage of inexplicable illusions. This “International Grand Champion of Magic” earned his title by winning first place in all of the world’s top magic competitions, a feat that has never been duplicated by any other magician.

Both dinner and performance-only reservation options are available by calling (866) 779-8778.

Located two blocks from Horseshoe Falls and Fallsview Casino at 6039 Fallsview Boulevard, the Doubletree Resort Lodge and Spa offers 224 guest rooms, a full service spa, indoor pool, and casual fine dining in Buchanan’s Restaurant. Call (800) 222-TREE or visit www.niagarafallsdoubletree.com.