Maid of the Mist was a "must do" on our list. It was a great experience but you will get wet. It was a fun ride and a great way to experience the falls!
Be prepared to get wet: the Maid of the Mist practically dunks you under the falls, but rain gear is provided and many say that this is one of the best ways to experience the splendor of Niagara Falls. In fact, it's one of the region's best guided tours.
As far as time of year, July to August are our busiest times, so the end of April to the end of May or during the fall would be the best time because it's a bit quieter. That's when the crowds are smaller, but we've got lots of room on the boat so you're always going to have a spot.
North America's oldest tourist attraction, millions of visitors have enjoyed the boat tours since 1846. Maid of the Mist boats will take you from the docks past the base of the American Falls, then into the basin of the magnificent Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
You are supplied with a Maid of Mist poncho, but you will be soaked. We recommend wearing shoes that dry quickly, or even flip flops if you have them.
Yes, it is safe to bring your camera on the Maid of the Mist boat. You will get some excellent photographs from that vantage point.
Large backpacks can be difficult to fit under your poncho, so pack lightly with a small day pack. If you do not want to get as wet, find a spot on the lower deck. Allow yourself extra time to take in the views from the Observation Tower before or after your ride on Maid of the Mist.
Which side of Niagara Falls is better? The Canadian Side: There is no doubt that the view is better on the Canadian side. This is where you can get the iconic view of the Horseshoe Falls, as well as the best view of the American Falls from across the river.
Maid of the Mist V gives passengers the thrill of their lives. It's all steel, 72 feet long, weighs 74 tons and powered by two 335-horsepower diesel engines to safely carry 300 passengers.
The Best Place to Stand on The Maid of the Mist
“Middle front,” she exclaimed, ushering him to keep the line moving. Strolling up the ramp onto the boat, we beelined it for the middle front. In less than 5 minutes, the pink swarm of sardines were packed in and detached from the dock, scooting off into the river.
The best time to visit Niagara Falls is June to August. Summer is peak season, and with good reason: Average highs rest in the low 80s. Mists and breezes from the waterfalls can make the area feel cooler.
Are there any age restrictions to ride the boat? There are no age restrictions.
The first ships were steam powered; these were replaced by diesel-powered vessels from 1955 until 2019, and later replaced with the current two boats powered by lithium-ion battery-powered electric motors. The name, Maid of the Mist, could be a reference to the Iroquois myth of Lelawala.
A. Running Shoes – For getting around Niagara Falls, running shoes or comfortable walking shoes are ideal. Many of the sights to see are within walking distance of one another, and you won't want to be wearing your best dress shoes for anything involving water.
We had our 9 month and 2 year old with us and they loved the experience. Baby wear if you can as it makes life easier, especially if you're on the top deck. Strollers can be brought on and they have stroller parking but things can get wet so be aware.
Without a passport, you can only view Niagara Falls, Canada from afar. You can also hop on a Maid of Mist and get an up & [relatively] close encounter with the Horseshoe Falls (the only one of the three falls that make up Niagara Falls on the Canadian side).
It's always free to walk into Niagara Falls State Park to see the Falls, and it's open 365 days a year! What many people are happy to discover, however, is that along with this majestic natural wonder, the Niagara Falls tours and activities that you can enjoy inside the park provide hours of added fun!
While the American side of Niagara Falls is less developed, the Canadian side is more urban and glamorous. In Canada, you'll experience the best views of all of the falls, from seeing the macro-view of the American side as well as the astonishing Horseshoe Falls.
You can view the falls from both the American side and the Canadian side but, in our humble opinion, the best way to see them is from the Canadian side. This is where you can get up close and personal with Horseshoe Falls, the most impressive of the three falls that make up Niagara Falls.
With so much to see and do, one day is never enough. Plan to stay 2-3 nights to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Falls, exciting attractions, nature, parks and hiking trails. Visit local wineries, breweries, distilleries, and eat and drink like a local.
Avoid a long line for the Maid of the Mist tour by arriving before 11am, though you won't usually wait longer than 20 minutes (except on U.S. holidays like Independence Day and Labor Day). If you plan to visit both sides of the border, there are advantages to taking the tour on the U.S. side.
Standing on the lower observation deck will get you wet from the waterfall's spray. Visitors to both the attractions get waterproof ponchos which do a fair job of protecting against the spray. Enjoy your Niagara Falls tour by visiting these popular attractions.
Exposure. It may be tempting to use just a fast shutter speed and hand-hold the camera, but with a tripod, you have the option of using a slower shutter speed too. Mist moves slowly, so a long exposure can be used to capture its movement and create a striking contrast of blurred and static elements.