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.