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Maid of the Mist Boat Tour
Category: Event Planning & Services Boat Charters Boat Charters [Edit]
151 Buffalo AveNiagara Falls, NY 14303
(716) 284-8897
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
56 reviews for Maid of the Mist Boat Tour
56 reviews in English
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Review from Jasmine A.
Gallatin, TN
5/16/2012
Crossed out "see Niagara Falls" from my list. It was up close and invigorating. You forget for a few moments that you are in NY!
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Review from Vincent R.
5/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
Breathtaking . Amazing experience
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Review from Megan G.
Chicago, IL
9/5/2011
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG DO IT!!!!
If I could give this a hundred stars, I would. It's really not expensive and you get a super awesome disposable poncho (that I absolutely did not dispose of). Board from the NY or ON side.
If you go to Niagara Falls and you don't go on Maid of the Mist, you will have wasted a trip. -
Review from ana l.
Brookline, MA
8/28/2011
The thing to do for tourists and non-tourists alike (although is there anyone native to Niagara Falls?) The boat takes you very close to Horseshoe Falls, you may not realize how close until you get onto Goat Island and see the other Maid of the Mist boats.
Bring a waterproof camera, don't fix up your hair (because it will get wet), wait til you get on the boat to put on the blue poncho (otherwise you'll get hot quickly), and enjoy the ride (I promise you will!) -
Review from Matthew D.
Macomb, MI
8/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Perfect Experience, would do it again.
The operation is well run, every aspect was smooth from buying the ticket to getting down to the docks and boarding the boat. The ride offered many opportunities to get some great pictures. I was surprised how long it sat at the base of horseshoe falls. -
Review from Julia S.
10/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
A must do in Niagara Falls!
It doesn't matter if you catch this tour from the American side or the Canadian side, it leads to the same place.
The American side includes access to the Observation Tower, which gives the best view of all three falls. It also includes access to the gorge which puts you side by side with the American falls. The boat journey itself is about 10 minutes long.
We went in early Oct. It was overcast high 50's but to my surprise, even though we got misty wet, we didn't feel cold. And yes, you do get wet! As in everything, including your camera. I used my waterproof camera for this journey, it definitely came in handy! -
Review from Crissy H.
9/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Another tourist trap...it's absurd how much you pay to take a whopping 15 minute boat tour through the falls. But how can you come to Niagara Falls and not do the guided tour. It's a must do when you are here, so I guess that's why they figure they can charge you $16 a person. It's literally a dollar a minute for this tour, but (again) you have to do it and it's worth it. The view from the "inside" is breathtaking. It's amazing how rough and choppy the water is the closer you get to the actual falls. And who knew that they keep on moving. Crazy! I would never want to fall off the boat or one of the cliffs. I have no idea how people did and survived!
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Review from Mary M.
8/30/2011
Totally worth the $13 ticket. You get really close to the falls. You can avoid getting wet if you stay away from the sides of the boat. Make sure to keep the free ponchos to use for the Cavern of the Winds. The M of the M ponchos are much better than those at C of the W.
Listed in: Travel is Home for Me
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Review from helen f.
9/16/2010 1 photo
The view is great. When you broad on the boat, be sure to take the side that's facing the dock. It will have a closer to the Canada Niagara Fall.
I did this boat trip years ago, I remembered that it would get quite closer to the Fall and got totally wet even with the raincoat . This time it didn't feel that it got as close, so it was ok.
After experienced the overprice CN tower, this boat tour was a steal! -
Review from tinna h.
8/8/2010
This review is for the Canadian side!
Without the blue poncho, you would be soaked to the bone. The mist lasts for just a few moments before it becomes a torrential downpour. At one point, I could barely open my eyes, and I had to hold my breath from inhaling the magnificent Niagara.
It lasts for just a moment, but it's worth it. Maid of the Mist Boat Tour - this is how you truly experience the falls. -
Review from ABBY A.
$14.50 is all it'll cost you for an experience of a lifetime! The only other way you will get closer to Niagara Falls, is by swimming or jumping off the ledge. Once you purchase your tickets, you grab your complimentary RECYCLED;) blue ponchos and await your turn to feel the powerful mists of the breathtaking falls. Warning: YOU WILL GET WET! The ride to the falls is a short one and you can't really see the largest of the two major falls (Horseshoe & American) as you pass by because you are too busy getting blasted in the face with water! However, if you have kids, or if you sometimes act like one, you will absolutely LOVE it!
Note: My iPhone took some surprisingly clear pictures through the poncho!
Other than the water ride, the best part about the falls is being able to see them illuminated at night from the Canadian side. Every color of the rainbow shines on the falls for several hours until midnight. Definitely try to make it out here at night for amazing pictures.
Abby A. loves Niagara Falls! -
Review from Bailey Z.
9/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
I think I already set my mind on doing this since I saw it on The Office. Don't be too discouraged by the long line of people stretching all the way to the top because it moves relatively quick. You get a disposable, commemorative poncho, which turns out to be a funny sight with a line of people entering a shack and exiting as blue smurfs. Anyway, you will stay relatively dry within the poncho, but it's pretty difficult to take pictures with all the mist. I'm not sure how it is on a sunny day, but with overcast, everything in the falls area washes out as white anyway. It's a fun ride and gives you an idea of just how powerful the falls are from a different perspective. In my opinion, if you're coming to visit Niagara Falls, this tour is a must.
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Review from Peggy R.
Sioux Falls, SD
7/12/2010
WAY COOL! If you come to Niagara Falls you just have to do this. Get over the fact that you will get a little wet. It gives you such a different view of the falls and what an awesome force.
By the way, take heed and protect your electronics. -
Review from Donna P.
7/30/2011 1 photo
If you are anywhere near Niagara Falls please take the Maid of the Mist tour. You can board on the U.S. or Canadian side and get the same view. The ride was enchanting and I don't believe it was completely because I was in mushy squishy anniversary mode. Please remember to bring a zip lock baggie for your camera or phone because you are going to want to pull that bad boy out and snag some fantastic shots of the falls. You will get WET and there will be many people crammed together on a boat but you will enjoy every moment of it.
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Review from Sarah G.
9/29/2009
Only $13.50 for looking like a giant blue smurf while you look at one of the world's natural wonders?? Yes, Please!
Maid of the Mist is a must if you go to Niagara Falls. There are tons of tours everywhere (this city is basically one giant tourist trap) but you won't find a cheaper tour option that takes you literally up to the edge of the falls. And they even let you borrow a poncho, a bright blue one, so you don't have to worry about bringing your own! But this poncho will not really protect your camera if you have it out, so once you get close enough to the falls, beware for your electronics! And sadly the poncho is so blue you can't take a photo through it very well either (ha ha yes, that does mean that I tried ha ha)
You take a fake picture in front of the falls first before you get all wet, and beware for your shoes too. My brother's tennis shoes were absolutely SOAKED after the mist attacked us on the boat, so I would say wear sandals only!! And then you experience one of the most memorably $13 rides of your life. It is amazing to feel how hard the boat has to work in order to sit stationary so close to the falls. Just amazing.
And after we were done, my brother and I wanted to go again. Too bad it is cheap, but not that cheap ha ha -
Review from Mike P.
Broadview Heights, OH
7/7/2009 1 photo
Besides The Cave of the Winds, Maid of The Mist is another adventure that will knock your socks (and possibly other pieces of clothing) off!
The admission covers the boat tour, as well as hanging out on the observation deck, which is on the American Side. The observation deck is fun and provides nice scenery, though you still don't get the best view of both American and Canadian Falls (more on that in a few reviews). On a warm day, the strong breezes are welcoming.
From the top of the observation tower, you take an elevator which takes you to the bottom of the Niagara Gorge and where the Maid of the Mist boats are docked. They also give you a rain poncho, which is a good idea to wear. More on that in a moment.
The waits in line are not long, and the boat ride is about 30 minutes long. These are double decker boats, and I recommend going to the upper level, especially at one of the ends.
The boat leaves the dock, with a tour guide explaining the sights in English and French. Remember, you'll be going into Canadian waters, though they don't require a passport.
The boat slows down in front of the American Falls. This is a GREAT photo and video opportunity because it provides a great view of the Falls. You wont get wet, though you'll feel the mist.
After that, the boat approaches the Horseshoe, or Canadian Falls. From a reasonable distance, you have a great photo or video opportunity of these Falls. As you get closer to the powerful Falls, the mist turns into rain, the calm Niagara Rivers gets rough, and pretty soon you think you're going through a tropical storm! This part of the ride, you will get wet, but not soaked. Good idea to put the cameras and video recorders away, unless they're waterproof.
In my opinion, the boat operator should've gotten a little closer to the Horseshoe Falls. That's just my adventurous side yelling out though.
The only downside- daffy tourists who are rude, have no manners and no sense of American and Canadian culture. Then again, many American and Canadian tourists were the same way. Don't let these bastards ruin your day. I didn't.
Oh yes, and you have the option of keeping the rain poncho, or having it recycled. Recycling bins are all over the exhibit.Listed in: Niagara Falls, USA and Canada
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Review from Catherine J.
New York, NY
6/29/2010
Totally worth $14.50. Gets you deep into the majesty and moisture of the falls, which are truly spectacular, even if you're a slightly cynical tourist, as is this humble reviewer.
It's about a 30-minute adventure, and the boats run constantly so there's never more than a 10-minute wait or so. At least not on a busy summer Sunday. -
Review from Dane K.
7/14/2009 2 photos
I've been to Niagara Falls a number of times but have never done Maid of the Mist... we decided to go finally this time around. Glad we did... it really is a "must do"
Typically your best view of the falls is from the Canadian side, but if you take the Maid, you'll get a better view than anyone standing on either side would have. (So if you're not crossing the border, you HAVE to do it!).
The boat ride itself leaves every 15 minutes or so... You are provided a recyclable rain poncho (basically a trash bag)... put that on and board the boat. The boat when we went was probably at capacity, but it didn't feel crowded.
They take you by the US falls, then eventually you reach the Canadian. You really can't appreciate how tall Niagara Falls are from the top--when you're at the bottom of them though you really realize how magnificent they are. You do get a bit wet, but I had my camera out pretty much the entire time snapping photos.
They built the new cantilevered observation deck a year or two ago. That to me wasn't all that exciting of a view, barely better than just standing on the edge. But I think when they did that they allowed for an easy Americanized elevator ride up and down (it was previously stairs--remember those Thompson's water seal commercials about they protect the stairs at Niagara Falls...? :]). We went in high season and the hardest part was figuring out which damn parking lot to use. Getting tickets and boarding the boat was no fuss, no wait (we did have to wait 5 or 10 minutes in line to get an elevator back up to the top after everyone gets off at the same time)
The plastic ponchos are a complete disgrace to the environment, but there are plenty of recycling bins provided for them on your way out.
$13.50/adult... that covers your boat ride as well as access to the cantilevered observation deck. Well worth it at least once. -
Review from Renee E.
6/21/2010
We just loved this portion of our Niagara Falls experience! As others have pointed out, if you've made it this far, you may as well get on a boat that takes you right up to the Horseshoe Falls.
It was just amazing and incredibly wet. The ponchos provide some coverage, but it just got to the point where we were so drenched, that it just didn't matter. My advice for the ladies is, WEAR WATERPROOF MASCARA. I didn't enjoy wiping black stuff out of my eyes for the next hour or so. We were at the frontmost part of the boat, so that may have had something to do with our getting drenched.
It was totally worth it, though! -
Review from Sarah S.
6/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
We got advice to go to the American side for Maid of the Mist and we weren't disappointed! We liked walking in the state forest there and seeing the rapids at the top of the falls. The observation deck is also great to be on. We got a lot of unique views from both sides, however. We had a short wait and got on the top level of the boat. We decided to stand on the side farther from the falls on the first pass, so we could get a better view on the way back. We watched the falls go by and were amazed by how soaked we got parked right below the Horseshoe (Canadian) Falls. DO NOT wear socks! They will get soaked. On the way back we got great views and shots, and I also got a huge shove from a tourist who thought being rude was the best way to get a good shot. Expect those rude tourists everywhere in the Niagara area. But it didn't dampen the mood. This was more than worth it and a must do!
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Review from I X.
Boston, MA
9/4/2011
A must do if you visit the falls! It's such a cool experience to go right up to the falls and feel all that mist in your face. You get a much better sense of how powerful nature is when you're down at water level.
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Review from Payal D.
5/28/2009
How can I NOT rate this 5 stars?? Where can you get this close to the falls, and that too for only $13.50 per person??
Plus you get a free souveneir poncho type thingy and postcard to mail home/brag to your friends about. Of all the attractions available to do around Niagara, this is probably the most visited, and reasonably so.
If you are ever in the region, you MUST do this.....try to get there before 4pm for two reasons 1. most days it closes by 5ish, 2. its too cold to be under that kinda water if there is no sun...unless you didnt' shower the morning and are looking forward to a wash!
oh and if you're not a fan of getting sprayed on, you can always stay underneath in the covered areas of the boat..but then you're missing on all of the fun! Heart Niagara Falls - I have done this tour over 5 times now, and can go again in a heartbeat. A MUST DO! -
Review from Ivy W.
Los Angeles, CA
11/15/2008 2 photos
Before getting on the boat, I really wasn't expecting much excitement. I mean, come on, Maid of the MIST? How wet can you possibly get?
However, I was blown away. Figuratively and literally. Okay, maybe not really blown away-blown away, but pretty close. After being given a raincoat poncho (with hood), I had doubts whether or not I should take out my D60 to take pictures, so I hid i t underneath my poncho.
Being so close to the falls is absolutely amazing. It is THE BEST attraction at Niagara Falls. My sister decided that she was too cool to wear the hood of the poncho, so that resulted in her face and hair getting drenched with Niagara's love. It seriously feels like you're in a monsoon, hurricane, tornado, all at once. Of course its fun 'cause you know you're in no real danger. Excessive wind and water in your face (I suggest you bring sunglasses to cover your eyes), and the boat rocks like crazy from the being so near the falls. I only wish my boyfriend could rock MY boat that hard. Heheh, just kidding.
If you haven't been, definitely go! -
Review from Patrick R.
Stratford, CT
6/30/2008 4 photos
You must be kidding!!!
No review on this business yet!?
Ridiculous...
When you visit Niagara Falls, a must see on your 'bucket list', you should not refuse to participate in the Maid of the Mist Boat Tour .
The Falls are impressive itself, standing save on the American or Canadian side and seeing gallons of water fall down, as the sound of the falls almost hypnotizes you with its monotone and consistent sound.
What better than to step on board and let the Skipper take you even closer. With the elevator down to the docks, stewards handing you a poncho to wear, you are getting ready for an experience you will never forget. Pure nature at its best as you can take a tour on the American -and on the Canadian side.
As you come closer you understand why it's called Maid of the Mist, as thousands gallons of water crash down on the water surface, a mist of water surrounds you. It's mist but has the ability to make you soaking wet. That's why you need to secure your poncho, cause the mist will finds it's way in any tiny opening.
It's amazing as you get closer and closer to the falls, the sound of the Niagara Falls gets louder and louder, it is literally breathtaking, all fear fades away and you are only in awe of this world wonder.
It's hard to describe the feelings and thoughts that you have while you stare into the Niagara Falls, just a few feet away from a force that has the ability to destroy, but also the power to create.
One thing I guarantee when the boat turns to return to the dock, you look back and it looks like the falls are calling you back one more time for an encounter. -
Review from Denis K.
Parsippany, NJ
8/7/2008
Standing on the edge of the railing and looking down at the Falls, it's hard to imagine getting any closer, but there is a way! The Maid of the Mist boat tour takes you to near the very base of the Falls. Decked out in one of their blue rain ponchos, we could feel the spray of the Falls as the water continued to thunder down. Scary and awesome at the same time. A must when visiting Niagara Falls. Get ready to get soaked!
review 8/7/2008
I.M.Y. -
Review from Tina C.
3/15/2010
Ponchos are provided to visitors as the mist from the falls will soak visitors. I've been to Niagara Falls twice in my lifetime, but Maid of the Mist puts visitors up close and personal where you'll feel the roar and energy. I've snapped a few photos where a rainbow appeared with the sun's reflection crashing with the mist. The Horseshoe Falls is one of the major falls not to be missed.
Visitors beware of your cameras and electronic equipment as it's going to be a misty ride! -
Review from Amy S.
Dayton, OH
1/28/2010 3 photos
I've been to Niagara Falls so many times but have never been brave enough to ride the Maid of the Mist. It was wet and hard to see at some points but I'm definitely glad I did it!
I loved the blue ponchos and how silly they made you look and would have totally kept mine if I didn't want to have to carry around a wet and partially ripped plastic bag throughout the town the rest of the day!
It is a decent price and the line is deceptively long as it moves fast. I just wish that the ride was longer. It seems as though it was over before it began and while there was quite a bit of commentary going out, there didn't seem to be as much coming back. -
Review from Brad C.
East Lansing, MI
7/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
It is very fun for all ages. Not cheap, but a blast.
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Review from Nick F.
Fort Rucker, AL
7/29/2011
Awesome way to see the Falls a must see/do when at Niagara.
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Review from Jim M.
Bryan, OH
7/16/2011
Other then the massive groups of foreign tourists this was a perfect way to view the falls. Any idiot that says you can only get a good view from Canada is completely off. I opted out of the stupid blue poncho but my wife and kid enjoyed theirs. We were on the first boat out that morning was a pleasant maybe 30 min out to the horseshoe falls and back. We stood away from the dock and if I hadn't been on a few hundred boats prior to this woulda got soaked. If you ar on the dock side you get the brunt of the falls but as you turn to return to the dock everyone gets wet. Also the park around the maid of the mist is very nice and would be a great place to spend the day if we weren't traveling to CT.
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Review from Mark T.
Brooklyn, NY
2/24/2009
The best in town, amazing you can think its really raining when u get under the mist of the mega falls.
A must do to complete a trip to Niagara Falls. -
Review from Matthew W.
Aurora, IL
6/18/2010
BEST part of the Falls, either on the US or Canadian side.....soooo much fun and the KIDS LOVE it.
The lines move quickly and the there are plenty of boats so the wait doesn't take long....be sure to wear the poncho they give you because you WILL get wet....great spot for pictures....
2 Adult 27.00
2 Child 15.70
Total - $42.70 -
Review from Nicole L.
5/26/2009
This was a great tour. You get pretty close to the falls so that any small gust of wind will spray you with a good amount of water. The views are great and the power of the waterfall really hits you. This ride is a must if you are planning to visit Niagara Falls.
When we first got in line at 2 pm on Saturday afternoon (during Memorial Day Weekend) we were told that the wait for the ride was going to be at least 3 hours. We decided not to wait. I recommend getting up early and arriving at the parks by 8:00 a.m. (which is what we did the next morning). The first boat left at 9:15, but it takes a bit of time to walk down to the boat and put the ponchos on. Getting in line that early also allows you to get a front seat (figuratively) on the boat. I'm told that the top deck at the front of the ship is best, but by the time we got on, a lot of people had already moved to the top of the ship, so we decided to get to the front of the ship on the bottom deck. The view was just fine and it was an amazing ride. I would personally have liked to get closer to the falls. Water-proof disposable cameras are a must!
We decided to buy the $33 ride combo. This was the best deal ever. Not so much monetarily because it came with access to features that we were not interested in such as the discovery center and the trolley scenic tour (avoid at all costs because it takes you 4 times as long to take the trolley than it does to walk). The deal was the fact that you did not have to wait in the long lines where people were trying to buy individual tickets. That saved a LOT of time and not having to wait in those long lines made it all worth while. -
Review from pamela l.
Irvine, CA
9/5/2009
If you visit Niagara Falls you HAVE TO do the Maid of the Mist Tour. I mean, come on, you're already there!
It's only $13.50 & a boat leaves every 15 minutes so there's hardly a wait. Before the ride you're able to go to the observation deck & get a super great view of the falls.
The ride itself is awesome but be prepared to get wet! The boat takes you up close to the falls & it is just an amazing experience all together. -
Review from Julie D.
11/14/2010
In all of life, I have had no desire to do this tour. I did not know what I was missing! It's so amazing how close they take you to the falls! And the roar of the water and the tossing of the boat is down right scary! We love, love, loved it! I would recommend this tour to everyone! Plus, everyone looks hot in the blue poncho!
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Review from janet k.
Chatsworth, CA
7/7/2009
If you are visiting Niagara Falls and only have a chance to do one activity, this would be it IMHO. We took the Mist Boat Tour from the Canadian side around 10:00 a.m. on a Saturday morning in late June. We thought we would need to get in line and wait, maybe an hour? Not true. We got our tickets and then walked through getting our group picture taken and getting ponchos before going on board. No waiting involved at all. The ride was smooth considering we were literally up against all the power of the Falls. The views were spectacular! Even with the ponchos faces and cameras could get very wet. I think the ride took about 30 minutes. We got right up next to both the American Falls, and the Canadian Falls(Horseshoe.)
It looked to me that the ride was basically the same from either side, Canadian or American. The view of the Falls from shore though, is much better of both Falls from the Canadian side. But if you don't have a passport and can't get to the Canadian side, this boat ride would give you the Canadian view. -
Review from Rose C.
New York, NY
4/12/2010
If you're going to be visiting the Niagara Falls State Park, PUHLEASEE do me a favor and buy yourself a $13.50 ticket for the Maid of the Mist Boat Tour!
I mean you got this far. If you're going to come to see THE Niagara Falls, you have to get the full experience of it. Because really, there's not much to do here otherwise.
Make sure you go to their website to see their hours because depending on the season, their hours vary.
Blue ponchos will be provided prior to boarding. Put it on because YOU WILL get wet. The boat will go around both the falls and get pretty near them so you can hear the roar. Try to go on a sunny day to get the best pictures. I unluckily went on a gloomy day so it was cold and the pictures weren't as blue as I wanted it to be.
Overall, GREAT EXPERIENCE and worth every penny. -
Review from Derrick C.
Buffalo, NY
2/15/2011
A must for Falls visitors - $13.50 gets you the boat ride + access to the observation tower. Be careful of water damage to your camera/phone though. I feel like they could charge a lot more and get away with it. Best way to experience Niagara Falls - Jim & Pam did it, so should you.
Listed in: 24 Hours in Buffalo
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Review from Miko L.
Torrance, CA
5/31/2011 1 photo
Though not as fun as the cave of the winds in my opinion, It's still a must try when you're in niagara falls. The best part is when you're right at the horseshoe and you're surrounded by waterfalls. Pretty fun!
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Review from Michael E.
Rocky Hill, CT
10/27/2010 1 Check-in Here
You havent seen the falls until you ride this thing. Hotties are required to wear white T-shirts!
