School is out and the dog days of summer are on the horizon. As locals and tourists alike consider which of the various local attractions to visit, there is a new experience available to them. Photo Credit: Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours.
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, which began serving the public in 1992, has once again expanded its offerings with a new Historical Freedom Tour.
John Kinney serves as the President and Owner/Operator of Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours.
“With our operation out of Queenston, we are certainly in the hotbed of the War of 1812 and the settlement of (Canada and the United States),” Kinney shared in a recent sit-down with The Niagara Independent. “We literally work on the land where General Isaac Brock and his forces turned back the Americans.”
Kinney further reflected on the rich history that creates such an engaging and unique atmosphere for leading boat tours through the Niagara River and into the Gorge.
“[The area] lends itself to developing history based tours they cover from the American Revolution to the War of 1812, to the slave trade and Underground Railroad, to the role that the Niagara River, as well as Niagara-on-the-lake played to Canada-US commerce,” Kinney explained. “We have seen how the history of the area has been increasingly coming into focus, thinking about, for example, the recapturing of the name Tesla, and the discovery of the alternating current, the advent of hydro-electric power, etc.”
“All of these things are happening, which are different yet similar to what we do, and we wanted to develop a history based tour for the lower river.”
The Historical Freedom Tour can be enjoyed in either wet or dry conditions on the Freedom Jet Boat.
“We have different tours, different boats in different locations,” Kinney shared. “We’re always trying to diversify our offerings to people. We started with one boat and one tour, and we have continuously added more specialized options, as we seek to provide our customers with the most memorable experience and best possible service.”
Kinney says that the Historical Freedom Tour, specifically, has been designed to accommodate the widest variety of demographics, including seniors, those with physical limitations that may prevent them from taking part in more traditional tours, as well as those who are looking to learn more about the history of the region. Focusing on a relaxed pace, the tour is 45-60 minutes in total length.
“While we are proud of our presence in the Ontario tourism industry, there were still a few demographics we wanted to reach,” Kinney said. “We believe this tour is the perfect solution to connect with those audiences.”
The Historical Freedom Tour departs from both the American dock in Lewiston as well as the Canadian dock in Niagara Falls. Those who are interested in learning more about the Historical Freedom Tour and/or booking a visit are invited to do so at the following link: Historical Freedom Tour
Nick Redekop completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labour Studies at Brock University. He has previously served in municipal and federal politics. In his free time, Nick enjoys following sports, taking part in outdoor activities, and reading biographies. Nick resides in Niagara Falls
