The Mystery Of Niagara Falls' Famous Boat's Name

There are boat tours on both sides of the Niagara River, in the USA and Canada. In Niagara Falls, New York, USA, the boat ride is called Maid of the Mist, while in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, it is called Hornblower Niagara City Cruises. The Maid of the Mist is the original Niagara Falls boat tour, first carrying passengers across the river in 1846. The Hornblower Niagara Cruises, on the other hand, have only been offering cruises on the Niagara River since 2014.

History of the Maid of the Mist

The Maid of the Mist is a sightseeing boat tour of Niagara Falls, starting and ending on the American side and briefly crossing into Canada during the trip.

There has been a Maid of the Mist boat tour since 1846, when the first boat was christened as a border-crossing ferry. The two-stage, barge-like steamer was designed to carry up to 100 passengers between New York City and Toronto. The original Maid of the Mist was successful until 1848, when the opening of a suspension bridge cut into ferry traffic. The owners then decided to rebrand the journey as a sightseeing trip, taking passengers closer to the Falls.

The second Maid of the Mist was launched in 1854 and was much larger than the first. It was a steam-propelled paddle wheeler with a single smoke stack. The third Maid of the Mist was launched in 1885, an elegant, 70-foot-long vessel. In 1892, the Maid of the Mist IV was launched on the American side.

In 1955, a fire destroyed two of the Maid of the Mist boats at the Canadian docks. The last of the wooden-hulled steamers was replaced by a steel-hulled, diesel-powered ferry, the Maid of the Mist V, which was built entirely of steel. The Maid of the Mist VI was launched in 1990, an all-steel double-decker boat capable of carrying 600 passengers.

The Maid of the Mist VII was launched in 1997, weighing 145 tons and capable of carrying 582 passengers. In 2019, the Maid of the Mist announced the construction of two new emission-free vessels, which were launched in 2020. These were the first electric-powered boats in the Maid of the Mist fleet, with a similar size and capacity to the diesel-powered vessels.

Niagara Falls Boat Rides in Canada

Niagara Falls is a majestic waterfall straddling the border between Canada and the United States, attracting millions of tourists each year. One of the most popular ways to experience the falls is by boat, with several boat tours available that offer breathtaking views and an unforgettable journey into the mist.

Niagara City Cruises

Niagara City Cruises is the official supplier to Niagara Parks, providing Canada's only Niagara Falls boat tour experience. The 20-minute "Voyage to the Falls" boat tour takes passengers on a thrilling journey through the Niagara Gorge, past the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, and finally, face-to-face with the iconic Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The power of the falls is felt through the thunderous roar and the refreshing mist, with complimentary recyclable ponchos provided for each guest. The evening tour offers a magical twist, with the falls illuminated and a gentler mist experience.

The "Falls Fireworks Cruise" is another option offered by Niagara City Cruises, providing a 40-minute sailing under the night sky with panoramic views of the fireworks over Niagara Falls. This cruise offers a memorable experience, combining the beauty of starry skies and stunning illuminations with the excitement of fireworks.

Maid of the Mist

The Maid of the Mist is a sightseeing boat tour that starts and ends on the American side of Niagara Falls, briefly crossing into Canada during the trip. It is the original Niagara Falls boat tour, with a rich history dating back to 1846. The all-electric boats provide a quiet and smooth ride, allowing passengers to focus on the mighty power of nature. The Maid of the Mist operates from April through the first Sunday in November, offering an electric experience at an affordable price of $30.25.

Other Boat Tour Options

In addition to the popular Niagara City Cruises and Maid of the Mist, there are other boat tour options available at Niagara Falls. Local companies offer sightseeing tours, and visitors can also opt for themed tours such as Niagara wine tours, double-decker bus tours, or adventure tours that showcase the area's most exciting attractions.

Niagara Falls Boat Rides in the USA

Niagara Falls has been a popular tourist attraction since the 19th century, and boat rides have been a key part of the experience since 1846. There are several boat tours available at Niagara Falls, with some operating exclusively in the USA and others crossing the border into Canada.

Maid of the Mist

The Maid of the Mist is an all-electric boat tour that operates on the American side of Niagara Falls, with a brief portion of the trip crossing into Canada. It is the original Niagara Falls boat tour, dating back to 1846 when it was first used as a border-crossing ferry. The current tour offers stunning views of the falls, with the opportunity to hear the roar and feel the mist of 600,000 gallons of water crashing down per second. The boats are quiet and smooth, allowing visitors to appreciate the sheer power of nature. The Maid of the Mist runs from April through to the first Sunday in November and costs $30.25.

Niagara City Cruises

Niagara City Cruises offers a 20-minute voyage to the falls, departing from the Lower Landing in the Great Gorge on the Canadian side. The tour offers views of the Niagara Gorge, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, culminating in an up-close encounter with the iconic Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Visitors can experience the thundering roar, power, and refreshing mist of the falls, with a complimentary recyclable poncho provided for protection. The evening tour offers a magical twist, with illuminated falls and a gentle mist experience.

Other Boat Tours

In addition to the Maid of the Mist and Niagara City Cruises, there are other boat tour options available at Niagara Falls. The Whirlpool Adventure Course and the Zipline to the Falls offer unique and exciting ways to experience the falls from the water. For a more relaxed experience, the Niagara Parks website also lists dining cruise options, including the Whirlpool Pub & Lounge and the Queenston Heights Restaurant.

Niagara Falls Night Cruise

The Niagara Falls Night Cruise is a breathtaking voyage that takes passengers to the base of Niagara Falls. The cruise offers spectacular views of the Niagara Gorge, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, culminating in an up-close encounter with the iconic Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The night cruise is offered by Hornblower Niagara Cruises, also known as Niagara City Cruises, on the Canadian side of the falls, while the Maid of the Mist operates on the American side.

The night cruise with Hornblower is a magical experience, allowing passengers to enjoy the illuminated falls and a gentle mist experience. The evening cruises, lasting 40 minutes, are available from the beginning of May until the end of October and usually sell out quickly, so advance booking is recommended. These extended cruises feature a cash bar, light snacks for purchase, and music. While the evening cruises are described as a "light mist experience," passengers are still advised to expect some level of moisture and are provided with complimentary recyclable ponchos.

The Niagara Falls boat rides are a popular attraction, offering an unforgettable journey to the base of the falls. The cruise takes passengers up close to the cascades, providing a thrilling and intense experience. The average tour lasts around 15 to 20 minutes, with boats running frequently and carrying hundreds of passengers. The rides are available on both sides of the Niagara River, in the USA and Canada, with the Hornblower cruise operating from April to October and the Maid of the Mist from April to early November.

The Hornblower and Maid of the Mist cruises offer similar experiences, taking passengers on the same route and providing breathtaking views of the waterfalls. The main difference lies in their history, with the Maid of the Mist being the older of the two, first carrying passengers across the river in 1846. The Hornblower cruises, on the other hand, have been operating on the Niagara River since 2014.

The boat rides are a must-do when visiting Niagara Falls, providing an intense and memorable experience. Passengers are advised to wear appropriate clothing and waterproof gear, as the mist and wind can be powerful. Overall, the Niagara Falls Night Cruise is a unique and romantic way to experience the beauty and power of the falls.

Tips for your Niagara Falls Boat Tour

The boat tour at Niagara Falls, Canada, is called Niagara City Cruises. Previously, it was operated by Maid of the Mist, which now only exists on the American side of the falls.

Insider tips

• The best time to book is early in the morning, as soon as the tour opens, to avoid crowds and get the best photo opportunities.
• Avoid weekends and Tuesdays, as these tend to be the busiest days for the tour. Less busy days include Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (excluding holiday Mondays).
• To get great photos, move to the back of the boat when it turns around and heads away from the Horseshoe Falls. This area is usually empty because everyone crowds around the front at the start of the tour.
• Protect your phone and camera with a waterproof case or Ziploc bag. Dry bags are also handy for DSLR cameras.
• Bring a small cloth or towel to wipe the mist from your face and your phone/camera when taking photos.
• Remember to bring sunglasses to protect your eyes from the mist.
• The company provides a poncho that covers the upper half of your body, but your legs (from the knee down) and feet will get wet. The poncho has a hood, but your head and hair will likely still get wet.
• Wear quick-drying water shoes, waterproof sandals with straps and good traction, or non-slip silicone shoe covers. Choose footwear with decent traction as the boat's deck can get slippery.
• If you're visiting during spring or fall, add extra layers to stay warm. Bring a waterproof jacket, quick-drying or water-resistant bottoms, and closed-toe shoes (with waterproof shoe covers if needed).
• You can recycle the poncho after the tour if you don't want to keep it as a souvenir.
• Don't worry about rain—you're going to get wet anyway, and it's still warm outside during the summer rain.

Practical information

• The Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour is the most popular option and offers a classic falls experience. It is a 20-minute boat ride that takes you up close to the Horseshoe Falls during the daytime.
• The Falls Fireworks Cruise is a 40-minute trip that departs in the evening at 9:30 p.m. You don't get as close to the falls on this tour, but you'll have a front-row view of the fireworks and falls illumination.
• Ticket prices for adults and children vary between the two tours, with the Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour costing $33.50 CAD for adults and $23.50 CAD for children, while the Falls Fireworks Cruise is $38.50 CAD for adults and $25.50 CAD for children. Infants (2 and under) are free on both tours.
• The best time of year to visit depends on your preference. If you want fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons (April to early June or mid-September to November) are best. For hotter weather, visit during the peak tourism season from June to September (Labour Day).
• The earlier you go on the tour, the better. Peak hours start around 11 a.m., so aim for 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. to beat the crowds. It's also quieter after 6 p.m.
• Weekends and holidays tend to be significantly busier, especially during the summer months.
• The tour operates between April and mid-to-late November, with exact opening and closing dates depending on the weather and changing yearly.
• The Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour is roughly 20 minutes long, but you should allot an hour or so for your visit, especially during peak periods when you may encounter lineups for boarding.
• The Niagara City Cruises boats are wheelchair accessible.
• You can purchase tickets on the official website, cityexperiences.com, or in person at the Niagara City Cruises Ticket Plaza (5920 Niagara Parkway).
• If you're visiting during the busy summer months, it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line.
• There is no parking lot specifically for Niagara City Cruises, but there are several paid parking lot options throughout the Niagara Falls tourist hub.

Frequently asked questions