After 25 years of using the docks in Niagara-on-the-Lake as its main station, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours is moving its primary operations to Queenston.

NOTL will remain one of the company’s three locations, as well as its location in Lewiston, NY.

Whirlpool said the Queenston location provides better parking, more on-site amenities, access via the popular Niagara Falls WEGO bus service and a free shuttle from the Floral Clock in Niagara Falls.

The company said it made “significant improvements” to its three docking locations during the winter, including a completely renovated New Orleans-style paddle wheeler boat — the Niagara Belle — which will be permanently parked at the Queenston dock and serve as a passenger centre. 

The world-famous jet boats will hit the rapids of the Niagara River for the 26th season on April 28, with the first departures beginning in Queenston. Departures from Niagara-on- the-Lake are set to begin June 23 and tours on the U.S. side of the river will begin May 11.

As well, later this season, Whirlpool expects to introduce a new hybrid jet boat that includes indoor seating for passengers who want to stay dry and outdoor seats for those who want to “soak up the experience.”

“We’ve put a lot of thought and effort into making the passenger experience we offer even better,” says Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours president John Kinney.

“We can’t wait to get back out on the water for another great season. There’s nowhere else in the world you can experience this kind of adventure on such an amazing river.”

Whirlpool opened its doors to the public in 1992 with a single boat and now has a fleet of eight 50-passenger jet boats.