Marineland, Niagara Falls

By: Toronto4Kids

Marineland - one of Niagara's popular destination spots - features a distinctive line up of attractions, marine mammal shows, amusement rides and interactive animal displays, delivering tons of thrills and pure fun for all.

One of the unique experiences at Marineland is the chance to interact with its animals. Arctic Cove is home to the beluga whales and it's the largest facility of its kind where you can feed and touch these fascinating white whales. The pools have been designed to recreate their ocean environment and the many surrounding walkways allow visitors to see these unique creatures from different vantage points. Underwater viewing panels provide a breathtaking look into the underwater world of these white whales. At Friendship Cove, you can observe killer whales from very close during the "Jump and Splash Sessions". Be prepared to get soaked in this playful interaction with these incredibly intelligent and friendly giants as they soar both in and out of the water.

Marineland is also best known for it's dynamic animal shows! The King Waldorf Stadium presents programmes at regular intervals throughout the day. Audiences will delight in watching the hilarious sea lions and seals clowning around as they show off tail-walks, spinning jumps and back-flips, while bottlenose dolphins demonstrate their speed and agility in performing various acrobatic high jumps. Mingling with the animals is not just limited to marine life as visitors can also connect with other animals such as elk, buffalo and black bears. You can feed and even touch the deer that roam freely in Deer Park.

Marineland features a variety of exciting family-rides and more challenging high-tech rides for thrill-seekers. Among the favourites are - the Sky Screamer - the world's highest triple tower ride, taking you over 137.2 metres (450 feet) skyward and launching you up and down at speeds of up to 96 km/h (60 mph). If you're not too busy screaming, you can enjoy the spectacular view of the Falls and surrounding Niagara landscape. Dragon Mountain, the world's largest non-stop steel roller coaster, is spread over 30 acres of land and features more travel through tunnels than any other coaster - 1,163 feet! Other attractions to check out while at the park include the aquariums and exhibits in the Aquarium Dome, or the video and arcade games at King Waldorf's Palace.

What's in the future for Marineland? The park has embarked on an ambitious expansion project. Currently underway is the construction of Terrors of the Sea, an exhibit that will house various types of sharks, stingrays and other ocean creatures. Future developments include the development of the world's largest Aquarium complex. Discovery Reef will contain an ocean reef to showcase exotic marine species found in Caribbean Reefs. Rainforest Lagoon will feature fresh water fish from around the world. Friends of the Sea will house an interactive dolphin habitat. All four facilities will allow for above water viewing and for under water viewing through large acrylic panels. Special contact points will allow visitors to personally interact with some of the sea life such as: dolphins, stingrays, starfish, etc. Educational information about each species will be found throughout the aquarium complex.

Marineland provides a day's adventure with many attractions, shows, amusement rides, and exciting animal interaction programs where visitors experience the thrill of getting up close with animals from both land and sea. Marineland operates from May until October. For more info, visit: www.marinelandcanada.com.

Note for 2008: With Marineland's Fun Card Season's Pass, you can enjoy unlimited admission to the park's great attractions. Purchase an admission ticket to the park and for just $5.00 more you can come back the next day, the next week - in fact, you can visit as many times as you want throughout the season until October 12, 2008. No doubt about it, Marineland's Fun Card Season's Pass is one terrific deal!
*Fun Card Season's Pass offer subject to change without notice.