WATCH: Peter Kim takes a look at why tourism in Niagara Falls is heating up, despite it typically being low season.
TORONTO – People from all over are flocking to Niagara Falls to get a glimpse of the ice formations created by Ontario’s extreme cold temperatures this winter.
Both the American and Canadian sides are seeing a steady stream of tourists for the second straight year.
Rene Huessy, the operations manager at Niagara Helicopter, takes people up for flights 1900 feet above the falls. He said there’s been 280 rides since January – far busier than usual.
“The winter’s usually pretty slow for us,” he said. “We’re surprised we actually got as busy as we are right now. Usually we’re ramping up for the new season, but I guess it’s already here.”
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The ice formations come as the area’s temperature is expected to hit an overnight low of -19.
“It’s beautiful, the winter especially because the air is crystal clear,” Huessy said. “The views are great. Obviously with the ice bridge we have right now, it’s unbelievable to see that.”
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However, don’t let the images fool you — the water hasn’t completely frozen over.
According to Niagara Park officials, the Falls has only stopped flowing once and that was back in 1848.
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