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Weekend Getaway in Niagara Falls
Check this off your bucket list and fill your weekend with the wonder that is Niagara…
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Fun Things to Do
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Maid of the Mist
Category: Event Planning & Services Boat Charters Boat Charters [Edit]
5920 River RdNiagara Falls, ON L2E 6V6
(905) 358-5781
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
70 reviews for Maid of the Mist
70 reviews in English
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Review from Linh T.
North York, ON
1/24/2012
The Maid of the Mist is definitely a very fun and exciting tour, and no visit to Niagara Falls would be complete without it. Although the wait is quite long and the heat of the sun does get to you while you're waiting in long on a hot summer day, it is quite worth the wait! Just a tip though, don't put on the blue poncho while you're waiting in line, you'll sweat to death. You'll have plenty of time to put on the poncho when you're on the boat. Also try to get a spot closer to the edges of the boat because you'll get the best view there.
Once the boat starts to move and you are brought closer the falls, you'll start to cool down and of course you'll probably be soaked by the end of this tour. However you'll dry off almost immediately from the sun and it's actually quite enjoyable getting soaked on the boat while you experience the power of the falls up close. Another cool thing is that when you get closer to the falls you'll be able to see a rainbow.
This tour is definitely worth your time and money and is a must see destination while you're at Niagara Falls because there's just nothing like it! -
Review from Vic C.
1/29/2012
My fiance and I visited Niagara falls and decided to try the Maid of the Mist boat ride (it was my fiance's first time coming to Canada and seeing the Niagara Falls, so this was definitely a must). We waited in a semi long line (that didn't move too slow) to pay for our tickets and then we went down to the pier. We got our blue plastic ponchos (branded with the "Maid of the Mist" and doubles as a cheap souvenir to take back home) and waited in a very long line. But it seemed to move efficiently (and the long line is expected for tourist things like this anyway).
Once we finally got on the boat, we took out our cameras and started taking photos. Honestly the view of the falls is MUCH better here on the boat than anywhere else. The boat ride is shorter than the long wait we waited in to get on the boat but is worth the time and the money. You can hear the roar of the falls and feel the mist (you really can get quite wet...hence the poncho). It truly is amazing and really should not be missed. And if you get a nice spot on the boat, maybe you'll even get the best view of the rainbow, so pull out that camera.
After your ride, you can purchase a souvenir photo and buy more trinkets at the gift shop.
After doing this ride once, I would definitely do it again. -
Review from Annie K.
11/1/2011
Maid of the Mist was a true adventure. It was a memorable experience. Maid of the Mist - checked off my bucket list.
We walked down to the pier where staff members handed us these bright blue ponchos to shield us from the pouring rain of water. Niagara Fall was a life of its own. The fresh scent of energy greeted the boat of audience. The waterfall reached out to everyone and showered them with a mist of love. Every breath in front of the waterfall was filled with life. -
Review from Zoey R.
2/12/2012
A must do if you are at the falls. Yes, you will wait in a long line. Yes, you will feel like a used condom. Yes, you will have fun.
I usually get motion sickness on a boat but had no problems on this one. Make sure your camera can handle a little wetness! -
Review from JT W.
Calgary, AB
2/4/2012
I visited in Niagara Falls on summer last year. I really enjoyed hot weather and got nice tan also pretty nice heavy humid. I went on the boat with groups to see waterfalls and it's such gorgeous!!!!!! I loved it!!! I recommend you should go see there!!
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Review from Q H.
North York, ON
1/20/2012
It was cool to see the falls from down below. Very majestic view. And yes. You get wet too. It get pretty close to the falls, and it will definitely thrill you. But the ride is a bit too short compared to the long line.
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Review from katie j.
10/19/2011
Absolutely loved this fun tour.... a must-do when you visit Niagara Falls. Yes, you'll get wet. Just prepare for it! They'll provide generously sized ponchos. My husband and I wore boat shoes and received many compliments on the ziploc bags we put our cell phones in to take pictures/videos.
It's amazing how close you get to the Falls. At some points, there's water coming at you from so many different directions, you'll feel like you're in a storm (and if you wear contacts like us, you may even feel like they're going to fall out... it's that much water!). Very fun and worth it, even if it's colder out (we went in mid-October). -
Review from Rachel S.
10/9/2011
Definitely the highlight of our trip to Niagara Falls. Tickets were $16.50 for adults, including tax. Once you get your ticket you head on down to the boat. While, it's a bit of a cattle call, they're very efficient, which is needed with so many people.
For the most part, stayed dry with the ponchos they gave us, although socks and shoes tended to get pretty wet. Definitely bring a camera with you!Listed in: My Adventures as a Tourist
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Review from Peter L.
10/15/2011 8 photos
What a blast! A tourist attraction NOT to be missed!
1. Be prepared to get soaked! The blue plastic garbage bag with holes :P doesn't help much, but what fun would it be to stay dry?!?
2. Take a ton of pictures or videos...do it early before the mist BECOMES a heavy down poar! Also pray your camera/video recorder doesn't breadown!!!
3, Lastly, marvel at the falls upclose...it's a sight not to be missed!
Get a good spot and hope that you are on the rail. We were at the front rail and folks behind us kept trying to take photos above and around us!
Try and do it early in the morning when the lines aren't long and the tour groups haven't arrived to save time!
Current prices are: CANADA side $16.50 and USA side $13.50 ... not sure why there is a difference when the experience is the same.
Final thoughts, take shampoo with you and wash your hair! hehe! -
Review from Donald Y.
12/14/2011
Although relatively short, this boat ride is really cool and great fun. It's one thing to walk around the lip at the top of the falls, but an entirely another to feel its sheer power and force at the base of it.
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Review from Keola A.
10/12/2011
Awesome and worth every penny. $11 bucks per person is well worth it.
Takes you within feet of the bottom of Niagara "Horse Shoe" Falls.
Must see and do when visiting Niagara Falls. -
Review from Joe M.
12/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
This was the highlight of our visit to Niagara Falls. A must do. Very affordable $14 per person. About a 40 minute tour. You will get soaked so dress accordingly. If you plan on taking pictures bring a zip lock bag for your camera.
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Review from Lisa C.
7/30/2011
I went on the Maid of the Mist for the first time earlier this month. This is a MUST do when visiting Niagara Falls on the Canada side!
Once you purchase your ticket, you make your way down to the elevators. (As youre walking down the winding pathway, right before where the elevators are located, there is an opening that has a good shot of the falls from afar.) After your descent and exit, they'll take your picture in front of a blue screen (which of course you can pick up/purchase from the gift shop once you exit) and hand you a blue poncho. Before you get herded into the line for boarding the ship, make sure you take the opportunity to use the restroom. The wait can be a long one. Also, when they suggest you not to put on the blue poncho until it's nearly time to board the ship, it would be wise to take that advice. It's hot underneath those things! So many people were sweating with those things on. It's like as if they were wearing a sauna suit!
After boarding, you have a choice of upper or lower deck. Doesnt matter where you pick, youre going to get wet. As for that blue poncho that was given to you, if you think just loosely tossing it over yourself will do the trick, you think wrong. Tie the strings of the hood tightly and clamp part of the poncho between your knees if you dont want the wind to blow up your poncho and get you soaked. And definitely bring a water proof camera if youre planning on taking any photos while the ship is going from one fall to another.
PHOTO TIP: After the boat has docked and everyone is disembarking, stay behind. That way, you'll be able to get a clear shot of you with the falls without having any strangers in the background.
Only the Maid of the Mist can bring you this close to the falls. The view is just amazing. Not only is getting soaked by the falls refreshing on a summer day, it's also great fun for the kids as well. Definitely a MUST see! -
Review from GRACE A.
9/8/2011
I really enjoyed the Maid of the Mist boat tour. We were on the Canada side and since they don't pre-sell tickets, you have to stand in line at the ticket booth to buy your ticket. We went on a holiday weekend, but earlier in the day (around 10AM), so we didn't have to wait for long. You receive a free blue poncho that does a decent job of keeping you from getting drenched.
It was an amazing experience and we were able to get some pretty fantastic pictures. I don't know if there's any other boat that takes you as close to the falls. We were able to hear and feel the roar of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and it was really an incomparable experience.
TIP: Make sure you bring a water proof camera. Or, be ghetto like me and put your camera in a zip lock/sandwich bag. Our pictures still turned out fine. Just hold on tight! -
Review from Hector M.
6/14/2011 5 photos
Do you like wearing a blue garbage bag?
Do you like taking a shower with perfect strangers?
Do you like recreating that tight NYC packed subway feeling?
If you answered "Yes" to any of the above, than the Maid of the Mist is for you. Despite looking ridiculous in a blue disposable poncho, getting wet, and it being crowded on deck, its the best excursion at Niagara Falls. You really get an appreciation for the falls from the boat's vantage point of both the American and Canadian Falls.Listed in: Fun Things to Do
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Review from Catherine H.
9/16/2011
Soooo touristy.....but SOOOOO worth it! Wait in line (it moves quickly), put on that poncho (lookin' good!), and get soaked (hope you didn't spend too much time on your hair this morning).
If you're only going to do one thing in Niagara Falls, make sure this is it! -
Review from Wang Treecy E.
8/12/2011
This is a really great experience, you get to be up-close and inside the waterfalls! But beware: you will get wet! Unless you are a professional like me, wrapping myself inside the rain coat.
I came here twice, first with my boyfriend (better experience because less people june 2010) and with my family (july 2011). I guess it gets extremely busy when the weather is HOT! They stuff so many people into one boat, sometimes you don't get a good view because people are hovering over the edges. Oh also, the last time I went some guy proposed on the boat! How romantic, congrats! -
Review from Donna P.
7/1/2011
Gorgeous views of the falls and rainbow bridge. If your going to Niagara Falls the Maid of the Mist is a must.
You do feel somewhat like cattle being led to the boat but the ride is worth it.
Make sure you bring a plastic baggie for your camera because you will get soaked. -
Review from Chon Q.
8/22/2011
AWESOME!
Niagara Falls is so powerful and majestic and this boat take you up so close that your senses are experiencing the sound, the feel, the smell of the natural wonder. NO LINES AT ALL when we went in Sept. Just hopped right on. -
Review from Robin L.
8/21/2011
Everyone should ride the Maid of the Mist!
The lines are long, but they move quickly. You will get very wet. Bring a waterproof camera. -
Review from Jenny M.
6/15/2011
It is so great that such an awesome attraction is easily affordable for the public! This excursion was the best money I spent on my whole vacation. My dad was being a total wuss so we saw the falls from the lower deck.... Still gorgeous! Still amazing! Still SOAKED! The boat stays at the foot of the Falls for a really long time, you totally get so much bang for your buck! I brought a ziplock baggie for my phone and it was a lifesaver! :)
I know Maid of the Mist pretty much has a lock on the whole "Niagra Falls Boat Tour" demographic... Even though they are pretty much your only option for seeing the Falls up close & personal, the way they operate is so damn easy, I am very appreciative! You're always moving, and hardly have to wait in line for very long. There's a line to buy tickets, to get onto the dock, to take your picture, to get a poncho, to get on the boat, to get off the boat, to get on the elevator, to buy something in the gift shop.... but it's a constant go go go, and everyone works really well and efficiently. Thanks MotM! :) -
Review from Julie R.
2/18/2011
Hello free shower and blue panchos!!!
So if your standing above the falls, this looks like a fun little ride, a boat filled with little blue people getting up close and personal with the falls. Well its a different story when you are actually on the boat. Its even more amazing. Glad they give you the panchos but trust me, you will get soaked. So smart thing to do is to get a water prof camera first and then hang out to a railing on the boat. First they give you a tour of the American falls and then they take you to the actual falls or the Canada side. The falls are so strong and it will feel like there is wind trying to blow you off the boat... but the experience is mind blowing. And again, included in the activity package conveniently available on expedia :) -
Review from Lawrence L.
9/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Niagara Falls is definitely an awe striking sight... It is even more cool to be right in the thick of it, on a boat riding into the mist where the water hits the base. I've been to Niagara in the past and have seen the Maid of the Mist in action, but never had a chance until now. I did not regret it... It was a fun experience. If you are not afraid of getting drenched (you will have no troubles drying off - it helped that there was a heat wave going through Toronto that week), then this is a must try if you are in the area. Something that you will probably tell all your grand kids that you have done. Check it off your list of things to do...
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Review from Monica M.
10/12/2011
This is the best tourist attraction in Niagara Falls, ON. I came here Labor Day weekend and we decided to do the Maid of the Mist in the morning. We didn't have to wait long. You can always take pictures while you wait! They give you ponchos for the boat tour. As long as you keep your hood up, you'll stay dry. The view is absolutely spectacular! You get the same boat tour on the U.S. side. Definitely a must see for tourists!
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Review from cliff s.
9/21/2011
Visited Niagara falls last Saturday afternoon. We were in town for the Raiders/Bills football game. Since we were there in mid-September, the lines were short. I hear the lines are well over an hour in the summer.
We found free street parking near Buffalo Avenue and 1st Street. There are also several pay lots in the same area. From there, it's about 5-10 walk through the park to the ticket booth.
This was my fourth time on this tour, but my first time from the US side. This is one of my favorite tours in the world. Taking this tour on the US side also allows you to experience the observation tower. You can get nice pictures from above the falls from the observation tower.
Next, you take an elevator down to ground level. They take your ticket for the tour, hand you a blue pancho, then you get in line for the boat.
Recommend getting on the top level of the boat for the best view. The boat passes the American Falls then the Canadian Falls on the port (left) side of the boat. Once at the Canadian Falls, the boat turns around, and you see both falls again from the starboard (right) side. The boat is actually closer during the return trip, so the starboard side get you a little closer and more mist.
If you are careful, you can use a digital camera for the American Falls during the approach, but you have to watch the mist carefully. I wouldn't risk using a nice camera near the Canadian Falls because the mist is continuous. (Bring a disposable waterproof camera for the Canadian Falls.)
The blue panchos only cover you down to your knees. Recommend wearing shorts, and sandals/slippers because your pants, shoes, and socks will get soaked.
If you are also planning to visit the Cave of the Winds, I would do the Maiden of the Mist first. Then walk to the Cave of the Winds. -
Review from Paul J.
7/4/2011 2 photos
Be prepared to get there as soon as it opens (9 a.m.), as they pack you in pretty tight and the lines become considerable. The price is about $16.50 per person and kids under 6 are free. They will probably not enjoy it much though, as the herds end up crushing the little ones fighting for a good view. Our daughter's toes were trodden on.
Also, it can get pretty ripe the later in the day you leave it with the smell of strong aftershave and BO!
You are given a free plastic poncho to help protect you that come in 3 sizes, they are about as much use as an ash tray on a motorcycle though.
The ride is very short, but a great way to feel the power of the falls and fun.
Be warned, you will get wet! -
Review from Lura M.
10/2/2011
This was one of the best tours at the Falls. I would definately recommend a waterproof camera to get some extra great shots. Expect to get wet! They do give complimentary ponchos, but a change of shoes or pants in the car would be a good idea if you do this early in the day. I did this second to last for the day and it turned out wonderful! Worth every penny. Also, I bought the Discovery Pass which includes 5 activites and a trolley tour.
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Review from Matthew A.
10/28/2010
If you do only 1 touristy thing in on your trip to Niagara Falls THIS IS IT!
Thanks for all the 5 star yelps to convince me cuz they are all true and this is the event I will remember forever.
The excitement, the FURY, of the falls is in your FACE.
Fun, wet, exciting, scary, funny, this sounds like sex but no Niagara has the POWER that will work you over.
Just go. -
Review from Tony T.
3/1/2011
Okay, the tour to the mist at horseshoe is exciting. But the boat ride was boring as people just do whatever they want to do to get themselve into the position. Once we got there, they immediately turned back. We didn't even have good pictures nearby the waterfall.
I was hoping that they should made the trip longer for us to experience the mist. -
Review from Kevin C.
10/4/2010 1 Check-in Here
Wet, wild, and wicked!
I love how there is no line to get tickets and no line to get on the boat. The complimentary ponchos do their job - keep you dry as possible. And the boat ride is short, but sweet. I happened to be one of the last joiners on the boat, so the rails were all filled. My sister and I were relegated to the 2nd row - taking pictures over people's heads and what-not. However, as we got close under the horseshoe falls, people fled to the bottom deck for cover. Laughing like wild hyenas, my sister and I braved the storm and had the railing all to ourselves by the time it was all said and done. Fun times!
This activity is a MUST if you visit Niagara Falls. -
Review from Batman M.
1/9/2011
5 star review if I ever saw one.
Put on a raincoat.
Get on boat.
Niagara Falls all up in yo personal space. -
Review from Megan E.
8/1/2010
So I tried not to go on this, I didn't want to pay for my millionth tourist trap but I'm so glad that I decided to go on this boat. The view was absolutely breathtaking in a way that you can't really get with out getting on a boat and becoming that close. You also get pretty wet, I guess I didn't think about it but obviously mist=rain in huge quantities and the part of the falls that you boat into it is constantly raining. It was really amazing I'd have to recommend this to EVERYONE even if they think its a little touristy... well sorry but everything in Niagara falls is.
Also I was REALLY impressed with how well flowing the whole processes is, you hardly stand in line at all. This was a well oiled machine to get you on the boat and off the boat in no time. So don't be weary of the wait, it looks like a big one but its really not. -
Review from Katie R.
8/20/2010
his was my second time doing the maid of the mist, it is worth the money. If you had to pick one touristy thing to do while in Niagara Falls I recommend this one. It is the best and most unique way to view the falls plus it is fun. Especially in the summer when it is hot.
YOU WILL GET DRENCHED.
Go early or the line will be insane. The line does move pretty fast and it is mostly not in the sun which was nice. Great for kids. -
Review from Jennifer P.
6/17/2010
This was not the spa experience I was looking for.
Sure they gave use trash bags to wear over our clothes, but I had no idea I was going to get a dousing. I felt like I was going through a human car wash!
That said I loved it. It was a ton of fun and a great view of the falls. No trip to Niagara would be complete without taking a ride on the Maid of the Mist!Listed in: The 7 Wonders of Niagara Falls
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Review from Jonathan C.
8/15/2010
There are plenty of tourist traps in the Niagara Falls but this one was the only one I was willing to spend money on. Considering that an IMAX movie ticket in NYC costs more than a ride on the Maid of Mist, I think it was completely worth it.
I went on a weekday in mid-August and waited about an hour, which was better than I'd expected. The boats are packed but they come in every 10-15 minutes. We were lucky to be among the first on our boat to board so we got a pretty good spot along the edge of the upper deck.
You can get great pictures without going on the boat, but it's a completely different experience being on the water and close to the falls. -
Review from Brandon B.
8/21/2011
Such a classic thing to do here, you can't go wrong. Did it as part of a package tour (Magnificent Tours). Got on pretty quickly, got on my plastic blue garbage baggy, and got out to the falls. Compared to my experience at Iguazu falls in Argentina this was just a light shower (the former left me soaked head to toe) but it was nice to feel the cool water spray. Amazing picture opportunity if you can keep your lens clean! Fun to see the reactions of the crowd.
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Review from Matthew W.
7/7/2010
This is a classic.....kids love...parents love it.....be prepared to GET WET if you go to the top level. We headed over the day after Canada Day around 10:30 am, reasonably short line (maybe 20 minutes) and were one of the first on the boat. Kids ran up top by the pilot house and boat quickly filled up.
Great views of American Falls, and excellent view of Canadian Falls - wind was blowing and it was a good thing we had the raincoats - I even put my hood on.
Tons of fun and a family tradition! -
Review from Linda K.
7/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
We had an AMAZING time! Be prepared to get wet and to have a blast.
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Review from leena k.
7/29/2010
I had always heard people raving about Niagara Falls and the boat ride, and I always thought, psh, probably one of those overrated tourist things. And perhaps it is, in that I'm sure there are spectacular falls in many parts of the world that fail to get their due hype. But I still had a great time spending two nights in the Canadian side of Niagara Falls and experiencing the Maid of the Mist.
"Mist" really is an understatement, as you will get drenched, at least on the top deck. I even kind of had a hard time breathing for a minute. But it was fun. And such a beautiful view from the base of the falls.
The staff is totally on top of it -- they hook you up with these weird cult-looking raincoat hoodie things and channel you through the line in an orderly fashion. No need to get advance tickets or anything -- just buy them outside and get in line. They're just US $16.50, and totally worth it. And yeah, they'll take a photo before you go in and then try to make you buy it for $25, but just say no.Listed in: Natural Beauty
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Review from Angry A.
8/3/2010
Oh yeah, the Maid of The Mist. What's not to like?
Yes, it's a tourist trap
Yes, it's expensive
Yes, the line seems long
Yes, it's cheesy
Yes, you'll talk about it for longer that the entire vacation
But man, once you get going and get that transparent garbage bag on and head towards the American Falls with 200 other garbage bag wearing folks you don't care. And then as you go into the mist at the Rainbow Falls: totally worth it.
PS - Don't get the photo. It's a little lame
