Maid of the Mist Tours and Activities

Maid of the Mist featuring a cascade and views
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Take a voyage past American Falls into the basin of Horseshoe Falls on this famous ferry service.

The Maid of the Mist boat tour is the second-most popular attraction of its kind across North America, with visitors coming from all over the world to board on either the US or the Canadian side and explore the waters for themselves. The ride takes you on an exciting trip around the American and Bridal Veil Falls, all the way into the mist and spray at Horseshoe Falls.

This boat tour has a long and rich heritage, originating as a ferry service connecting Canada with the US as far back as 1846. It became a major attraction for tourists when in 1848, the first suspension bridge crossing the Niagara River Gorge was opened.

Two Maid of the Mist boats operate on the American and the Canadian shores, which you’ll find just to the south of Rainbow Bridge. No seating is available on the boat and you won’t find any toilet facilities either. You will however be offered a plastic poncho to keep you dry. The upper and lower decks are both flat, so if you’re not very tall you’re advised to get on board early to get a spot closer to the railing for the best view of the water.

If you’re arriving on the American side of the water then you will find the entrance taking you to the boat ride within the Niagara Falls State Park. If however you’re arriving on Canadian soil, you will have to drive down through Queen Victoria Park to the Maid of the Mist Plaza when you get there you will be able to park your car and buy tickets. On both sides, the service is on a first come, first served basis – at the height of peak season, you may end up waiting for up to three hours to get on board. Both sides are of course wheelchair accessible.

Consult the website to find out when the service is operating and to check departure times. The Maid of the Mist usually starts operating in April but sometimes not until early May, depending on when the ice melts on the river. It then runs until the end of October.

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Top Maid of the Mist Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Quality Hotel & Suites At The Falls
Quality Hotel & Suites At The Falls
2.5 out of 5
240 1st Street, Niagara Falls, NY
Quality Hotel & Suites At The Falls
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
4 out of 5
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Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
Hyatt Place Niagara Falls
Hyatt Place Niagara Falls
3 out of 5
310 Rainbow Blvd S, Niagara Falls, NY
Hyatt Place Niagara Falls
Comfort Inn The Pointe
Comfort Inn The Pointe
3 out of 5
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The Giacomo, Ascend Hotel Collection
The Giacomo, Ascend Hotel Collection
3 out of 5
222 First Street, Niagara Falls, NY
The Giacomo, Ascend Hotel Collection
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York
4 out of 5
401 Buffalo Ave, Niagara Falls, NY
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York
Courtyard by Marriott Niagara Falls USA
Courtyard by Marriott Niagara Falls USA
3 out of 5
900 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY
Courtyard by Marriott Niagara Falls USA
Holiday Inn Niagara Falls Scenic Downtown, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Niagara Falls Scenic Downtown, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
114 Buffalo Ave, Niagara Falls, NY
Holiday Inn Niagara Falls Scenic Downtown, an IHG Hotel
The Red Coach Inn
The Red Coach Inn
3 out of 5
2 Buffalo Ave, Niagara Falls, NY
The Red Coach Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.