Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours is preparing to launch its 35th season on the Niagara River, with the 2026 season scheduled to open April 25 in Queenston and May 2 in Lewiston (weather permitting).
While guests eagerly anticipate the return of high-speed runs through the Niagara River’s Class 5 rapids, the work leading up to opening day begins months in advance.
“People see the excitement of the ride, but they rarely see the amount of work that goes into getting us to opening day,” says John Kinney, President of Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours. “Our team starts planning for the next season the day the last one wraps. It’s a year-round effort to make sure every boat is safe, polished and ready for guests.”
Once the final tours wrap in the fall, preparations for the next season begin. Department leads review operations, confirm returning staff, and plan improvements to systems, equipment, and the overall guest experience.
At the company’s Virgil workshop, the fleet goes through extensive winter servicing. Engines are repaired or rebuilt, boats are deep cleaned and repainted, bench seating is refoamed, and vinyl graphics are replaced. Any new Transport Canada requirements are also implemented, including updates to fire suppression systems, evacuation procedures, and other safety equipment.
“Every winter, our goal is to make the fleet even better than the year before,” says Kinney. “It’s a huge team effort, and we take a lot of pride in the work that happens long before the boats hit the water.”
In early April, operations shift back to Queenston for the final lead-up to opening weekend. The property is cleaned and prepared, engines are tested, and staff complete training and safety refreshers. Each vessel must pass its annual Transport Canada inspection before being cleared to carry passengers.
One of the most anticipated milestones of the pre-season is Crane Day, when the vessels are lifted and lowered into the Niagara River. With the docks installed and the fleet fully serviced, it signals the unofficial start of the season.
Since 1992, the attraction has welcomed more than 2.5 million guests to safely experience the power of the Niagara River’s Class 5 rapids.
“We’re incredibly proud to be celebrating 35 seasons,” says Kinney. “We can’t wait to get back out on the water.”
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours has been giving passengers a taste of adventure on the white water of the Niagara River since 1992. Passengers experience a thrilling and educational 45-minute guided tour, where they can take in the awe-inspiring scenery of the Niagara Gorge, feel the rush of the Class 5 Devil’s Hole rapids and marvel at the power of the Niagara Whirlpool. The tour company’s fleet of custom-built jet boats depart from locations on the Canadian and American sides of the Niagara River, including Queenston, ON, and Lewiston, NY.
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
61 Melville Street,
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0
www.whirlpooljet.com
