Maid of the Mist

This is a fairly quick ride to the falls and back (about 20 mins). When you are close to the falls in the boat, you really don’t get great views because there is so much spray and/or it’s like being in a cloud. It’s fun if you want to get wet. Stay at the front on the bottom on the way out to get the most wet. Go to the back at the top to get the best views when heading back. Honestly We enjoyed the views from the Canadian side and above on the America side much better than from the boat but it was fun. It’s efficiently run. These lithium powered electric boats are new. There are only a few seats on the boat, but it’s so quick you don’t really need them unless you can’t stand 20 mins. The boat is remarkably stable even though there is so much water turbulence from the falls. I never felt unsteady. They provide you nice quality disposable ponchos. It cost $30 per person . There are many companies who sell you tours that include this but you can buy a ticket for just the boat .

The Maid of the Mist tour was the highlight of our Niagara Falls visit. My wife, our 6-year-old daughter, and I had been looking forward to it, and it lived up to the hype. The boat ride gets you as close as possible to the Falls, and the experience is hard to put into words—powerful, exciting, and unforgettable. Boarding was well organized, and even though the line was long, it moved quickly. Each passenger gets a poncho, which definitely helps, but you should expect to get wet—that’s part of the fun. We rode in the late afternoon, which turned out to be a great time. The light on the Falls was incredible, and the crowds felt manageable. Once the boat approaches Horseshoe Falls, the sound of the rushing water and the mist completely surrounding you make for an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime moment. Our daughter loved it and was laughing the whole time despite being soaked. The ride itself is only about 20 minutes, but it feels just right—not rushed, not too long. For the price, the experience is absolutely worth it. If you’re visiting Niagara Falls, the Maid of the Mist is the one attraction you can’t miss.

I must admit I was hesitant to go. That was a good amount of money for a short boat ride and to see the waterfalls from a different angle but my wife talked me into it. Must admit it was a great experience. One gets an appreciation of the falls and the amount of water falling continuously from above. The tour was handled efficiently and the crew obviously knew how to handle the crowds and were experienced in handling situations. The views were breathtaking and everyone well behaved for the most part. After the boat ride were went up on the observation deck for more photos and views.

Visited during the beginning of October (they don't operate year round so be sure to check the schedule). This is a must do experience if visiting the Niagara Falls state park. How else can you get so close to the majestic waterfalls? I mean there's also Cave of the Winds but that's a more intense experience. I decided to visit during late afternoon so there wasn't much of a crowd. They load the ships every 20 minutes or so as each trip takes about 20 minutes. Definitely wear waterproof clothing or clothing that easily dries if you can because from the knees down, it will get soaked and maybe the sleeves too. I put my phone into a waterproof bag to capture the ride and a good thing I did because otherwise it would've gotten drenched. Tickets can be pre-purchased online or day of. Check the hours before visiting as they change depending on the season. An elevator took me down to the bottom where I got my poncho and lined up to board the ship. Apparently these ponchos are thicker than the ones at Cave of the Winds (so the rumors say). I made sure to pull the hood on tight and secured it with the plastic strings and it definitely held up against the waterfall winds! I got a blue one when I visited but noticed the next day, they were handing out red ones (twinsies with the Canadian Hornblower). Top deck is the spot to be to get the best experience. The ship brings us by one of the falls that has a light mist blowing towards us with a gentle wind. Then as we got closer to Horseshoe Falls, boy could I feel the wind and mist blowing my poncho around. My sleeves, pants and shoes were drenched and the water was blowing so fast at me that I could barely see! It was actually so much fun to experience! How else can I get this close to the falls? Wearing sunglasses also helped to keep some of the water out of my eyes. The ship stayed there for quite a while before making a U turn to head back to land. It really felt like I was in the middle of a torrential downpour. Afterwards, take another elevator up to the observation deck to get another great view of the Niagara Falls. Honestly this was so much fun, I definitely want to try the Canadian version too next time! And maybe Cave of the Winds (on Goat Island).

Absolutely great experience getting up close to the falls, but you will get wet. A complementary poncho is provided (which is greatly appreciated), but your legs and shoes/feet will get soaked. Great view of the American Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls of Canada. Great staff that is a well run operation, with efficient load and unload procedures.

The Maid of the Mist is an absolutely unforgettable experience and a true bucket-list adventure! From the moment the boat departs, you can feel the excitement build as you glide past the towering cliffs and approach the thunderous roar of Niagara Falls. The views are nothing short of spectacular, getting up close to the mighty Horseshoe Falls is both exhilarating and humbling. The mist, the roar, the sheer power of the water crashing down all around you, it’s an awe-inspiring moment that truly captures the majesty of nature. The ponchos do their job, but be ready to get joyfully soaked, it’s part of the thrill! The crew was professional and organized, making the whole experience smooth and safe. If you’re visiting Niagara Falls, the Maid of the Mist is an absolute must-do. You don’t just see the falls, you feel them. A breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime ride!

What an amazing experience riding the Maid of the Mist! I was not sure what to expect but was absolutely loving it! Seeing the falls up close is really stunning. It will get a little crazy between the wind and water so prepare for it! Overall was a really fun and surreal experience! Would do again!

Great time. Not crazy expensive and a time your family will never forget. To hear the power of the falls is simply amazing. You will get a little wet but they do provide ponchos. Multiple options for parking with short walks. Handicap accessible. Great for everyone young to old. Boat does rock a little bit not to the point where you would lose your balance. If you don't do anything else while at Niagara Falls or if your driving by the area do yourself a favor and check this attraction out.

If you're visiting Niagara Falls, the Maid of the Mist is an absolute must! The ticketing process is seamless, and the boarding and exiting are quick and easy. For the best views--and a guaranteed soaking--the roof level is definitely the place to be! The proximity to the falls is nothing short of breathtaking, and the mist from the falls adds an exhilarating touch to the adventure. The staff was incredibly friendly and professional, ensuring everything went smoothly. Overall, this ride is absolutely worth the price--an unforgettable experience that brings you up close to one of nature's most awe-inspiring wonders!

I think the price is high for a 20 minute boat ride, but it is a one-of-a-kind boat ride so I think it's worth it. The boat goes much closer to the falls than I expected it could safely do, and it was exciting to see it from this alternative view. They provide a poncho in case you choose to get wet. My kids and I went on the bottom deck on the side closest to the falls, and everything below our knees were soaking, so we were glad we chose to wear flipflops and shorts. We went at 4:15PM on a Friday in early October, which was an off-peak time, and we enjoyed a relatively uncrowded boat with about 20 people on the whole boat. We noticed that the morning boats were jam packed with over 100 people. I noticed that the NY-based Maid of the Mist seemed less crowded than the Canada-based Hornblower, and I think that's because with the current exchange rate, it's cheaper to take the Hornblower. However, the Maid of Mist is free for kids age 5 and under, so if you have kids in that age group, you may find that it's a better price to go on the Maid of the Mist.

Great time on this short electric boat trip. Expect to get wet and enjoy the views of the falls. They have chairs for sitting on top but they get filled up fast. To view the falls the boat does a 360 so everyone can get wonderful pictures. Love the experience and it was a warm day out so it was wonderful.

The Maid of the Mist is an incredible experience like no other. I've lived here for most my life and regret not experiencing this sooner. How close it gets to the Falls is truly incredible! The ponchos worked surprisingly well and everyone only left with wet feet (because the ponchos don't cover your feet). The boat ride is quick (about 20 minutes) but the views from both the boat and from the observation deck are incredible. Highly recommend!

Such a unique experience. The entire ride lasts about 20 minutes. Experiencing the power and beauty of the falls from the bottom of horseshoe falls is something you don't do everyday. There is no bad seat on the boat. You first cruise past the American falls and bridal veil falls so lots of good photo ops. Feel the wind pick up. Hear the roar of the water. Be among the splashing and mist of the bottom of the falls. The boat hangs in the middle of horseshoe falls for quite a while for you to enjoy its splendor. Turning around and heading back will take you to a complete 360 of the boat in front of American falls. There really is no bad seat. The staff was wonderful. We chatted with several folks as we waited. They can put a large number of people on a boat and there are two boats so waits were minimal at end of Sept. It was also a Monday when we visited so crowds were light. We bought tickets at the booth outside the ride, which went smoothly. Be aware that it can be hard to take pics at the horseshoe falls because of all the water and wind in the air.

We had another great trip aboard the Maid of the Mist on our most recent visit. We were especially intrigued to check out the newer all-electric fleet. The tour was just as neat as on our previous visit. It's amazing to get so close to the power of the falls, and the point when you're in the U-shape of the falls is amazing. They provide ponchos, which is very helpful! We were fortunate to make it on a not-completely-full early ride of the day, which made it easy to move around the boat. The trip is not long, but when you are back on land, you have the option of heading up to the Crow's Nest to get in closer proximity to the falls on-land, before you head back up. The observation deck provides a great view of the falls, as well, when you reach it.

MUST DO when visiting Niagara Falls on the NY side (Canada side has their own version). Pricing as of 19-MAY-24 $28.25 each adult The lines are long but numerous people fit on each electric boat, so the wait is not really that long. They will provide you with a disposable, commemorative Maid of the Mist poncho, which keeps you relatively dry. Keep your purse and valuables in your backpack or zipped pockets as the sheer force of the falls will almost blow the poncho off. This noted, it is somewhat difficult to take clear pictures with sheets of water spraying you . Take plenty of photos on your way to the falls. The ship captain tells you some of the history and how they are now eco friendly electric ships. Thank you, Maid of the Mist for letting us appreciate the raw POWER of Niagara Falls up close and personal. Tip 1: Bring a towel so you can dry off afterwards (hair, face, legs and arms will be dripping). Tip 2: For better pics, walk behind the stairs and snap some pics without all of the mist.

OMG, we had a ball on the boat tour of Niagra Falls. However, we visited on a hot and humid Sunday, and it was jam-packed. We waited in the humidity for an hour and half to get on the boat. However, the wait is worth it and it didn't disappoint. We were in the front of line when we started boarding, so we were able to secure a spot by the rail. lol The falls were gorgeous and the water felt amazing since the weather was so hot. This attraction is very affordable and exciting. I went years ago on the Canadian side, so I knew what to expect. My excitement was just the same as the first time I went. Dress comfortable and wear stuff you don't mind getting wet because you will get wet.

I spent yesterday playing tourist/tour guide in Niagara Falls. First tourist because I never tire going there. Then tour guide since I had family in from out of town, 2 who had never been to the Falls. We had fun all day exploring, checking out Goat Island, and finally finishing the day with a ride of the Maid of the Mist. To me, this is an absolute must do when visiting here. You can see the beautiful of the falls from many different spots both on the US and Canadian side, but this gives you a totally different view. This is where you can actually 'feel' the power of the falls. An absolute indescribable experience! Please don't miss this on your next visit to the falls. Or if you've already done it, do it again! Plus going with someone who hasn't been before is magical seeing the looks of wonderment and smiles on their faces. Can you tell I'm a fan? 2024-58

Obviously a must go when you go to Niagara... Tips: make sure you wear short pants or a dress. Bring a small bag/purse or nothing at all. You need both arms free. One for the camera and one to hold on. It is very choppy. Sandals or shoes that can get soaked, because you will be. No matter how well you wear the poncho you will be soaked. It's totally worth it. I wear glasses so it makes it harder to see, the wind and pouring water are so hard but you still see it all! You always see a rainbow so make sure you keep your camera. Have fun!

Amazing boat tour to view the Niagara Falls up close! The boats were spacious for the number of people, and they were able to get us close to view (and feel!) the falls up close! Definitely a must go experience for any tourist in the area. They have a pretty good system setup, with many guides and clear instructions. They also provide you with ponchos so don't bother packing your own. Depending on where you are on the boat, your shoes might still get wet though! You can buy the tickets online, but it's still the same line to exchange the online tickets for the physical tickets required, so I would say to not bother. We had some technical difficulties with the bridge when boarding the ship, but they were able to resolve that fairly quickly. The staff was very nice, and maneuvered the boat into the shade while waiting for the next boat to leave the dock - definitely a nice touch! Would highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't visited before!

My first time seeing the falls and the Maid of The Mist came highly recommended to do! The boys leave every 15 minutes, reasonably priced, and an amazing view of the falls! You can't go wrong !!!! You be disappointed if you come all of this way and don't see it through! The memories are unforgettable and it's a super great time! PRO TIP: Wear your poncho or you will regret it lol!!!!

I would sum it up as an expensive experience that was kinda overrated and short, but it is worth experiencing at least once. The winds are strong enough to blow your poncho right off, so be sure to hang on tight! You also get access to the observation deck way high up afterwards which is pretty cool too. It's a cash grab of course but one worth doing at least once if you're visiting for the first time.

Seeing the falls is amazing, but taking the boat tour is breathtaking, exhilarating, unforgettable! Plus, did you really visit the Falls if you didn't take the boat tour? It makes you feel "one with nature" and even though it's cold, wet, and windy, it's the best feeling! Grab the poncho, wear the poncho, and fully expect to still get wet! I would assume that a hot summer day visit would allow for the freedom to experience it all without a poncho, but on a more chilly day, the thin plastic definitely saved us from walking around with wet, freezing clothes. We started the tour on the upper deck but later opted to move down and close to the edge so we could experience a little of both worlds. Some protection from the the elements but also a chance to be drenched if even for a couple minutes.

While planning in going to Niagara Falls, everybody said the same thing "the have to go to the maid of the mist". It seemed a little crazy to me that anybody would want to go wet but it was defiantly refreshing! They give you a poncho to wear and the ponchos do get recycled. The ship goes right to the bottom of the falls where you can get a great an up close view of the falls and feel the power.

Must do when in Niagara Falls! I asked the staff where to stand on the boat to get the most wet and they suggested the front of the boat on the bottom level. The falls did not disappoint! We were drenched and it was everything I hoped for! Wear sandals to avoid wet socks and shoes!

Absolutely fantastic! I recommend purchasing tickets online prior to arrival as it will save you money and allow you to access the boat quickly. All the staff was super friendly and helpful. The boat seemed clean and the line moved quickly. The boat gets right into the mist and I'm so happy to share the same memories with my children that I experienced as a small child. Worth every penny! Highly recommend!!

Amazing experience. Highly recommend. First level is the best. Go early... anything past 10:30 will be a long line in the heat.

No matter the time or weather, always a good time - you're gonna get wet but the provided poncho works fine

This was a great boat tour! The tour is only 20 minutes long and cost $28 per person. They also provide complimentary ponchos. FYI- You will get soaked! Make sure to wear fop flops or shoes that are water proof! I would recommend not going on the boat ride if you want to stay dry. Overall it was a great tour with awesome views of the falls.

Wow! I wasn't planning on doing this tour it just seemed cheesy BUT it's the end of the season and the large crowds weren't there so I gave it a go. The $28.00 was very very reasonable. Yes the tour is short but phenomenal. You pay - wait - get your rain plastic. Be sure to protect your phone. The ponchos are good and give great coverage but any parts that is exposed will get SOAKED! Consider bringing a change of shoes or flip flops if the weather permits. I got a bit of motion sickness but that's just me. They have a history lesson playing but no one is listening. We are all taking pictures. There is both down and up stair seating and view points. You may get less wet if you are downstairs. How close we got to the falls was amazing and you get up close and personal for all 3 before the boat loops around the horseshoe. It gets very windy and you are in a downpour of water. The sound and power of the falls left me soooo happy and appreciative of nature. Skip the helicopter it's expensive especially when you can get up close and personal. There are several options to view the falls for free anyway. Hi at the end of the season! Fall or early spring. Minimal wait time if any.

This tour, Maid of the Mist uSA, takes the traveler right up to the Falls and prepare to get soaked ! It's fabulous, absolutely stunning experience! Well worth the ticket . Don't miss it ! Takes the person up to Canada's Horseshoe Falls, and the uSA falls. No passport needed.

This is all it's cracked up to be. You will get soaked. And there's few pet peeves higher than wet socks in my book. There's literally no safe place on either deck of the boat once they get to the mist. But it's a fun time. It's the safest way to enjoy nature in one of its most dangerous forms. Imagine being caught in that waterfall in a kayak? Forget it. I'm glad I knocked this one off my bucket list. It's an experience I'll remember for the rest of my life. And I was fortunate enough to share the experience with the love of my life as well. Thanks for the memories...

Iconic boat ride under Niagara Falls. Our guide told us to go the front of the boat, on the lower level (left side is better if you want to get drenched). We got better pictures in the right side

Always the best memories made here while being encased in plastic rain gear and smushed together like cattle to cram into the boat. The ride and the views are obviously second to none it is a wonder of the world in fact but the comfort or lack there of still smushing thru lines getting right on top of people and in many cases tourists who do not understand English in which that them has us moving past them (where they get mad) or people yelling at them to move in and move down...it gives I don't know rude vibes? Pretty still and an iconic trip however next trip I think I will just do the free observation deck for our family of 5.

Definitely worth the $28. We bought tix online before we got there. Saves a lot of time. Walked right up and got on board. Definitely wear the poncho and put on the hood. Wear sandals if you can. They do not allow backpacks or large bags on board. We were on top deck. Best experience, but you will get soaked. We came from the Canada side. Our tip would be to walk across the Rainbow Bridge so you don't sit in traffic for over an hour to get across the border.

Great experience!! Quick boat ride but what a beautiful view. Also the staff for the boat was extremely friendly which made the experience more enjoyable.

Very well organized tour. Clear instructions upon entrance to park and ticket Booth for boat tours. Boats are scheduled to depart every 15 minutes. Tickets for adults are $28.25 and children $16.50. First boat is at 9 am and last boat 8 pm (ticket booth closes at 7:45 pm) They do provide ponchos, tour is about 15 minutes, and you do see the Canada side. Boat has an upstairs and downstairs depending on your preference of comfortability Tips: bring a waterproof phone case pouch because your phone will get wet trying to capture the memories.

Good time. Tricked my friend into going to front of boat for a dry look at the falls Second time in two decades to take the adventure.

This is the official boat tour for Niagara Falls. I've been on this tour twice before. Believe it or not, this company has been around for over 170 years. The boat themselves are dated and are nothing special but the tour is amazing. Besides seeing the American side of the waterfalls, you will also be taken to the Canadian side for Horseshoe Falls section (the largest of the three waterfalls that form Niagara Falls). This is the highlight of the tour. They give you rain ponchos to wear, but you will still get wet as pass the waterfall. I recommend you wear sandals for this boat ride, as your shoes will get wet.

I had a wonderful time with this boat tour on May 13th with my family. We bought tickets at the window and proceeded to the boat that runs every few minutes. Nice and organized way of letting people in and out when it was over and worth the cost of ticket! Wear slip resistant shoes is suggested!

Well organized, quick tour with a lot of adventure. Definitely go to the front of the boat and be prepared to get wet with or without ponchos.

A must do experience. It's amazing how strong and how loud the falls are. Yes it's pricey but it's worth it to get so close. We stayed outside and definitely got wet. Wear shorts and river sandals. You'll be glad you did.

Maid of the mist was awesome. Luckily, we had waterproof pants and a jacket on along with their plastic cape that they give you. Plan on getting wet the boat was only 25% full if that so we had great views and movability around the whole boat. we were on the top deck the whole time. I highly recommend this fun boat ride.

It's a little pricey but an incredible experience Did my shoes get wet? Yes Did my undercrackers get wet? No So in my mind it was manageable

You can't go to Niagara Falls without doing this one. It's such a unique experience that you can get pretty close to the falls. Well worth the admission.

This adventure is a must do whether you are visiting or live local! It feels like you're in the falls. Completely immersive experience

Me and my boyfriend had so much fun! We got totally soaked which we expected, the sights of Niagara Falls were absolutely breathtaking!

Awesome tour ride and fun for the whole family. When in Niagara Falls this boat ride is part of the attraction and the wonder of the fall. Amazing view of the falls and can actually taste the water as it splashes on the face. And yes, the lovely attraction of wearing the blue plastic rain jacket- I love it all. So glad I spent this trip and especially this tour with my family; my daughter may not remember much of this trip when she grows older; but it will be perfectly instill in my core memory of the happiness I felt being able to spend time with my family. Enough of my sappy emotions; overall, a wonderful tourist attraction

$29pp can buy tickets in advance (for no scheduled time) or buy your tickets at the booth. We went in Oct so was not super crowded and bought our tickets at the booth. Before descending 200 ft down to the river via elevator you're walked out to an observatory where you can view the US falls and horseshoe falls in the distance. There's also binoculars to use for 25 cents. Two boats were operation (which we learned are electric!) and go out about every 30 minutes. You're given a complimentary poncho (you're gonna needed it) and you can choose your spot on deck. The boat traveled by the US falls and parked for a few minutes at the base of Horseshoe Falls to give everyone a proper soak! The boat ride did have facts playing over the speaker but the falls were too loud to hear. We had a great time, something I haven't done since I was about 10

Phenomenal experience. The water thunders down and thank goodness the ship captains know how to handle these vessels because I would not want to fall in. Mother Nature is incredible but she is not one to play with. I was surprised by the number of babies and small children on the boat and no one wears life jackets but it all worked out and I would highly suggest it!

I cannot recommend this enough! I think out of everything we did at Niagra Falls, this is the one I would tell others they must do! And we did this first- we arrived and went to the falls, we peeked our side view of the American falls and headed right down to the Maid of the Mist Boat and we were off. Tip- don't put the poncho on until you're on the boat, you'll get overheated. The American falls are stunning, you'll get misted for sure, but the horseshoe falls, the turbulent waters will rock the boat, the spray from the falls is like standing in the pouring rain. Needless to say, I took plenty of pictures of the American Falls, and left my camera protected under my poncho for the basin of the horseshoe falls! What a wonderful way to first really see the falls, feel the falls!

Over the Falls Tour by Viator was remarkable. Brian shuttled approx 25 of us. He was great ! So much interesting information. Maid of the Mist, caves, toured Canada. Beautiful views, you have to go with this guy, good voice too. Don't try to eat, it's so-so and very rushed.

HIGHLY recommend everyone take this tour! It's the most affordable option with the most flexibility, as most other tours are 4-5 hours and at least twice the price. We were stopping by on a road trip so got to New York pretty late in the afternoon so opted for Maid of the Mist since it was only 20 minutes and had rolling entrance. We bought the tickets online and took the elevator down and waited maybe 15 minutes or so to get onto the next boat. Recommend getting a spot in one of the corners at the top!! Also, you WILL get soaked, my poncho did not survive, but that's just the way of the mist. My dad and I both had so much fun, and I've never seen him laugh so hard and it truly made the road trip so memorable for me.

Since this was our first time visiting the Falls, we decided to do it on a tour. Found the Maid of the Mist tour company via Yelp and based on their reviews decided to go with them. Also, a little TV trivia...they were the boat tour Jim & Pam took to the Falls on one of the most famous episodes of the sitcom "The Office". They picked us up in a surrey-type bus close to our hotel. They were prompt and our tour guide Serena was wonderful. She did an excellent job communicating each step of the tour and she was very knowledgeable. of the local area and the Falls history. Since it was a warm Summer day, she waited in line for the tickets, allowing us the freedom to walk around. Serena was great with providing us tips on the best place to position ourselves for the best photos of the Falls while we were on the boat or the Caves. She definitely gave us an enjoyable time and she is highly recommended to be the tour guide of choice! We choose to stand on the lower level in front of the wheelhouse and just right of the bow. (Same spot as Jim & Pam...LoL) The water did not bother, since it was a warm summer day it felt great and its nothing to compare to the Cave of the Winds! Without a doubt, I would use them again and ask for Serena to be the guide.

The wait was maybe about an hour or two from standing in line for tickets till we got to the boat. I will say if you come on a weekend, be prepared for a wait to people shoving you. I will say go to the restroom before and bring sun wear like hats, eyeglasses, etc. They do provide a poncho, and you can recycle it afterward.

My family and i had a great time. We got a good glimpse and experience under the horseshoe falls. We did not go to the canada side where they get a better view of the falls. Some members of our party got wet shoes but they said it was worth it we would go again if we had the chance

Terrific experience. There is nothing like the awesome power of Niagara Falls, and being able to get so close to the falls. We had a great time. I would highly recommend this experience. It is beautiful.

We must have picked the wrong time of the day. (Saturday at 1pm) We stood in line for 1.5 hour to get on boat and 1.5 after boat. It was extremely hot, people were getting sick on the observation area. The employees were not friendly. We had one young lady who was extremely nice and we told her that she was the nicest worker they had that day. There was only 2 elevators working up and down. The boat ride was fun , no complaints at all about that. We were upfront bottom level. Amazing. But honesty not worth the 3 hour wait.