Wallenda High Wire Walk Puts Niagara Parks On Global Stage

This post submitted by the Niagara Parks Commission 

Walk pays tribute to the Niagara’s daredevil traditionwhile showcasing the national treasure of the Falls and Niagara Parks 

NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario– With his high wire walk across the Niagara Gorge (this June 15), Nik Wallenda has helped showcase Niagara Parks and remind people around the world of the many reasons to visit, according to Janice Thomson, Chair of The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC).

These cranes at Table Rock in Niagara Falls, Ontario hold the wire Nik Wallenda walked on. To the left, in the distance, cranes at Terrapin Point on the U.S. side of the Falls hoist the wire where the walk began. Photo by Doug Draper

“The Commission congratulates Mr. Wallenda on a thrilling performance. It captured the imagination of millions and allowed Niagara Parks to showcase its beauty and put our national treasure – The Falls – on display for the entire world to see,” Thomson said.

In tonight’s walk, Wallenda became the first person in more than 100 years to cross the Niagara Gorge on a high wire and the first person ever to walk across on a wire so close to the Horseshoe Falls. Part of the walk was over the Horseshoe Falls itself. Wirewalkers in the past have performed downstream from the Falls.

More than 80 accredited media agencies from the United States, China, Australia, and other countries as well as Canada covered the walk from Niagara Parks. The walk was carried live by the ABC and CTV Television networks.

In addition to covering the walk itself, international media took the opportunity to talk about the authentic Parks’ experience while visiting NPC, including its natural attractions such as the Journey Behind the Falls, White Water Walk, and the Whirlpool Aero Car. Media also had the opportunity to experience the Parks unique natural environment, gardens and horticultural displays, as well as several War of 1812 historical sites, on this the eve of the Bicentennial celebrations of the War of 1812.

In 2012, NPC gave approval to a request by professional tightrope walker Nik Wallenda to cross the Niagara Gorge on a wire. This one-time permission was made in part to recognize the role that daredevil performances and stunting have played in the rich history and promotion of Niagara Falls.

At the same time, the Commission has taken steps to ensure that such feats will not come at the expense of public safety and protecting the natural and cultural heritage that millions of visitors every year enjoy on the Canadian side of the river. Under the motion approved by the Commission, examination of a proposal submitted by a stunting professional will be considered no more than once in a generation, or approximately every 20 years, as a way to pay tribute to the stunting history.

The establishment of The Niagara Parks Commission and the focus on the natural wonder of the Falls, has been a catalyst for the growth of Niagara Falls as a global tourism destination.

NPC is committed to a vision of Ontario’s Niagara Parks as one that preserves a rich heritage, conserves natural wonders and inspires people world-wide. Founded in 1885, The Niagara
Parks Commission is an Operational Enterprise Agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and
Sport. Its mission is to protect the natural and cultural heritage along the Niagara River for the
enjoyment of visitors while maintaining financial self-sufficiency. www.niagaraparks.com . 

(Niagara At Large invites you to share your views on this post below.)