Niagara City Cruises

Niagara Falls is one of those places that truly lives up to the hype. The first glimpse of the water rushing over the edge is unforgettable. The sheer size and power of the falls are hard to put into words — you can hear the roar before you even see them, and once you’re standing nearby, the mist and energy make the experience feel almost surreal. What makes Niagara Falls special isn’t just the view from a distance, but how close you can actually get. Walking along the observation areas gives you multiple angles of both the American and Horseshoe Falls, each one just as impressive as the last. On a sunny day, rainbows constantly form in the mist, which makes it even more incredible for photos. The surrounding park area is clean and well maintained, with plenty of space to walk, relax, and take everything in. Whether you’re visiting with friends, family, or on your own, it’s the kind of destination that feels exciting and memorable. At night, the falls are illuminated with colorful lights, giving the whole area a completely different vibe. It’s peaceful yet dramatic at the same time. Overall, Niagara Falls is more than just a quick stop — it’s an experience that leaves a lasting impression and is absolutely worth seeing at least once in your life.

This is a great experience. If you are here, you must experience it and be prepared to get totally wet. Once you are on board, you will have an incredible view of the Canadian and American Falls. Getting close to the waterfalls and feeling the power of the water was an incredible feeling. This was unforgettable and it is a memory you will keep forever.

We went on the Niagara City Cruise while visiting the Falls, and it was such an incredible experience from start to finish. The process was very organized — after getting our tickets, we walked down the ramp and took the elevators that lead to the boarding area, which already gives you some beautiful views of the river and the Falls. Everything was clearly marked, and the staff were friendly and helpful along the way. Before boarding, they hand out ponchos (which you’ll definitely need!), and once on the boat, the excitement builds up as you get closer to the Falls. The moment you reach the base is just breathtaking — the power of the water, the mist, and the sound all around you make it unforgettable. You’ll get soaked but it’s totally worth it. After the ride, getting back up is just as smooth, with plenty of signs guiding you to the elevators and exit area. Overall, the whole experience was super well organized, fun, and something everyone should try at least once when in Niagara Falls.

Niagara City Cruises offers an exhilarating experience that goes beyond imagination. There’s simply no comparison to witnessing the Falls from any other vantage point. While we’ve had other amazing views, this immersive experience is truly beyond words. My wife was in awe, and my son and I were incredibly excited. To get the best spot on the boat, head to the bottom front right corner. Be sure to wear the protective gear, as you’ll be entering the heart of the Horseshoe Falls. It may appear like a heavy mist, but it’s like stepping into a rainstorm as you approach the Falls. You might want to bring a second change of clothes, as we were thoroughly soaked! Despite the wetness, I would do it all over again. It was an unforgettable experience!

The Niagara Falls cruise was honestly such a rush but in the best way. I was a little nervous at first like what if something happened but the crew made everything feel super safe. They took all the necessary precautions and you could tell safety was a big deal. Once we got moving getting up close to the falls was absolutely amazing. The sound the mist and just being that close to such a massive waterfall was unreal. You feel the power of it in a way you can’t really describe. Overall it was thrilling memorable and completely worth doing even if you’re a little nervous at first.

A jaw-dropping experience! One of the must sees while visiting Niagara Falls, offering stunning close up views of the falls. You’ll get close enough to feel the cool spray of the falls on your face and will be completely drenched along the cruise! A well organized lineup system and a smooth experience all around. You’re given a disposable raincoat and I highly recommend brining a change of socks or even slippers to change into. Cover belongings and electronics that you don’t want to get wet. Definitely recommend this activity while at the Falls!

An unforgettable experience! Niagara City Cruises was absolutely incredible — seeing the falls up close is something I’ll never forget. The views were breathtaking, and you really feel the power of the water when you get near the Horseshoe Falls. The ponchos kept us mostly dry (though getting a little wet is part of the fun!). The staff was friendly, organized, and made everything run smoothly. A must-do if you’re visiting Niagara Falls!

An amazing and unique experience provided by Niagara City Cruises. The best part is that the entire system of taking the cruise is extremely simple and straightforward. Parking close by is extremely overpriced at $24 per hour, however private parking near Skylon Tower is at $8 for an entire day and it’s only an 8 minute walk to this place but includes stairs through a forest. The tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket center exactly at this location. At this location you can either purchase at the ticket counter or through automated self serve machines which are super fast and have no queues. Would recommend buying tickets at the spot as the advance tickets are non refundable and neither you can reschedule without paying an additional amount and changes can only be made 48 hours in advance. Once you purchase the ticket, you walk towards the boat boarding point. Initially it’s a ramp that leads to an elevator. The staff queue up the guests and put them in elevators that bring the visitors down to the water level from where the boats are to be boarded. The boats leave every 30 minutes and are not timed specifically. Whenever you arrive at the loading point, you will be boarded on a boat. The boats leave every ride is exactly 20 minutes. The boat passes next to the rainbow fall, but the most amazing part is when it goes super close to the horse shoe falls. The ticket includes a plastic poncho that somewhat tries to protect from the mist, but it’s truly like you are caught in strong rain. That moment is majestic and not to be missed if you are there. Amazing staff from the beginning till the end, they are very respectful and polite.

After visiting the Cave of the Winds, the next adventure on our bucket list was the Niagara City Cruise. We took the cruise from the Canadian side and had purchased our tickets in advance for the afternoon slot. Fully aware there was no escaping the spray, we came prepared to get wet. We arrived 15 minutes before our scheduled time and joined the line. After our tickets were checked and photos were taken, we boarded an elevator to the deck. The boat was already waiting, and we were the first ones from our boarding group to get on. We picked an excellent spot on the top deck to enjoy the best views. Red ponchos were handed out, and we were all set before the cruise began. The journey toward Horseshoe Falls was absolutely exhilarating. You can feel the power of the waterfall as you approach it--the wind, the spray, and the sheer force. By the time we got close to the falls, we were completely soaked, but it was so much fun! We took tons of photos during the short trip, and the kids had a blast--they loved getting drenched and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. At less than $280 CAD for a group of eight, it was an incredible deal. That day left us with so many unforgettable memories, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. I highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Niagara Falls for the first time. It's an absolute must!

My sister, son, and I came during the Thanksgiving (US Holiday) week to visit Toronto. Since we were staying in Toronto and we weren't sure about the drive, we elected not to buy tickets online, and purchase once we arrived. Due to it being the off-season this was no issue as the cruises were not packed. We proceeded to the entrance and were lead down a path to an elevator which took us a few stories down. This lead right to the cafe area where you line up for the cruise. We had about at 15 minute wait for the boat. When it was time to board, we lined up, they scanned our tickets and handed us ponchos. We then lined up for about 10 more minutes while the boat docked and offloaded. Most people took this time to put on their ponchos. We then boarded and were off. The boat tour was quick, but I was able to get plenty of pictures. It was very wet and slippery on the boat. Due to it being the off season the boat was not too crowded and you could easily walk around the boat to get the pictures you wanted. I do wish there had been some reparation so we knew what part of the falls we were at. At some parts, there was so much spray, you really couldn't see much, so I just clicked my camera away on my phone hoping to get some good pictures. When we were all drenched and back at the dock, offloading was very quick and then it lead where you could look at your pictures and then a gift shop. My sister did purchase the pictures for my son and herself. I wish if they would charge so much for the pictures, they would help you pose a little more, like "you are tilting your head" or something. Oh well. The pictures were still fine. The gift shop had a lot of items, definitely something for everyone. We had a great time and I would like to come back in the summer as well. The winter was great due to the short lines and few people, but it was cold and wet.

When visiting the falls, doing a boat tour is a must! This experience was jaw-dropping. From a far, the falls are mesmerizing but being able to get this close is amazing. At the start, you take a photo with a green screen that shows the falls. I'm a sucker for those kinds of things and purchased it for the memory lol If I remember correctly, with the conversion of CAD to USD, it was about $20. The boat slowly takes you to the first fall where you get a gentle, subtle misting and then loops you around to the 2nd. The 2nd one, I'm not sure if it was the wind or how close the boat gets you, but I had to duck and hide for cover with the amount of water that was hitting us and the boat. They give you ponchos but it is not much protection - I got SOAKED! I had a friend who had visited before and told me the tip to roll up my sleeves and the bottom of my pants - if I didn't, I can only imagine how much wetter I would have ended up. The boat has areas all around where you can go to get close and take photos and a covered inside area. After a while, this is where I hid once I got all my photos. It really gets to the point where you have to opt to go inside for some coverage and protection from all of the water. Imagine a crazy downpour when it rains! They put a large amount of people on the boat which is maybe my only complaint. At times it was hard to get a good view of the falls, let alone are unable to take any photo - but that is just something to expect with this experience. Definitely hop on a boat tour if you are visiting the falls so you can get up close and personal with the beauty and power of the falls!

Took the night fireworks cruise and the day cruise in November on the Hornblower and loved them both. We got very wet but still took amazing pictures. The cost is very reasonable as well. Definitely take the Hornblower from the Canada side and/or the Maid of the Mist from the US side during the day and the night time fireworks cruise if possible.

I've been on both cruises the NY side and the Canadian side. I will say there's a lot more walking on the Canadian side and several elevator rides however, the boats on the Canadian side weren't as crowded as my last experience on the NY side. I also got soaked on the Canadian side so I'm thankful for the cheap red poncho they gave us. My feet still got wet but otherwise was able to stay dry. They have a couple of food and drink options (adult drinks too) before you grab your poncho and get on the boat. They also have smaller ponchos for the kiddos although the drawstrings break easily and some people left them on the ground for them to eventually to blow into the water (no bueno). The boat only comes every 15 minutes which doesn't seem like a long time unless you have impatient kids lol. Everyone tries to take the top deck first around the edges so the prime spaces go quickly. Exiting is easier from the bottom floor because they let that door go first (if you're trying to beat the crowds). The waters near the boats are full of grim and some floating debris. Not the best look but the views from the boat are beautiful once you get past the dock. Overall a great experience and a little over $100 USD for two adults and two kids. Pricey but a core memory experience for sure.

The hubs and I were debating about this ride. I could have been okay with not being on another boat ride. The getting wet part was so so. But it was a fun experience to feel the force of the Niagara Falls. When planning the time to go, remember that you will get wet. They do of course provide ponchos, but your arms and legs will get sprayed with water. Your shoes will also get soaked so bring another pair of shoes to change into. Also consider the time of day when booking tickets. Do you want to see the sun set or get sprayed with more water. And it really doesn't matter if you're doing the Maid of the Mist (American side) or this one. The destination is one in the same. I would say to consider the currency exchange rate if you're able to cross over the border. The U.S. side is more sparse in activities and entertainment though so keep that in mind as well.

Cruising from the Canada side, past the beautiful American Falls and into the Horseshoe Falls, this is a half hour ride of which you'll spend ten or more minutes getting absolutely drenched by the river. And that's not a complaint, there are lots of great words to describe it but I'll just go with tremendous. I bought my ticket the evening before for the first departure of the day. It starts at 8:30 and I arrived at 8:10 or so. Easy to get through the queue, down the elevator and ramp and out into the Sun to wait for boarding. Boarding started exactly on time and we were on our way. A safety announcement or two, and before you know it, the ship is fighting the current and sitting underneath the Falls. Yes, you'll get a poncho. It helps some but not enough. It kept my backpack dry but the rest of me from tshirt to shorts to sneakers? Soaked through like I'd gone for a swim in the pool. Which was fine because I really enjoyed it. Note that regulations don't permit the Full Mist Experience after dusk. And the decks of the ship will be completely covered in water, so pick a spot with a handrail and stay there so that you don't lose your footing. Hopefully you have a waterproof camera. [Round number review 1500 of 2024 - 176 in Ontario - 22523 overall]

Absolute must do when visiting Niagara Falls. You cannot put into words the feeling of the wind and the water as you get closer to the falls. EVERYTHING BELOW YOUR KNEES WILL GET WET!!! So make sure you wear a windbreaker, shorts, and flip flops/ crocs if it's warm. If it's cooler, wear leather shoes/ boots and bottoms that will dry fast. There's also a lower level on the boat that has a glass area that you can stand behind and not get wet at all. The entire trip was about 20 minutes. **Don't forget to tie your poncho into a knot, near your legs. Otherwise, the wind will blow it up**

Great way to see the falls (NY/Canada), whole operation is run very well...efficient and quick, staff is friendly and views were fantastic.

If you're going to the falls, you're going to want to go on a boat ride close to them. It's a great view of both the NY and Canada falls. There is an audio playing, but I found it too difficult to hear most of the time. There are so many people, that they do a good job getting you down an elevator, give you a poncho, and get you on the next boat, regardless of scheduled time. The boat can hold a ton of people. Sure you will get wet, but I am surprised of difficult it was to see with being sprayed in the face. Keep your mouth closed! There's a lot of calcium and stuff in it (not deadly, but seeing the foamy calcium piles in the water was inspiration to not intake any) Still, the boat gets really close and you stay mostly kinda dry. The shoes are dependent on if you get up close to the railing or not. It's still best to wear sandals or have a change of shoes handy. Then there's a small gift shop if desired. It's not something one may need to do a lot, and it's a little expensive, but it is the thing you need to do when visiting, so it was fun for that. I was too nervous to have phone out, but you can but make sure your eyes soak it in too.

So fun. Great experience. Definitely worth it. I wouldn't recommend it for very young children. Especially children that hate getting wet or getting water in their face. They do provide child size ponchos though. If you go, go early to beat the crowd because it can get pretty packed. You can save some time and buy the tickets online which we didn't even think of doing beforehand but it worked out just fine for us. We got the QR code and just paid for it on our walk to the Journey Behind the Falls tour. We went on the side of the boat in the first level right in the middle. I didn't feel jam-packed on the boat which was nice. We had plenty of room to move around if we wanted to. We got plenty wet. Don't bother wearing makeup or doing your hair....it's a shower. My pants and shoes didn't get wet like I thought. The upper body is what really gets wet, but you have the poncho to protect you. I'm short, so the poncho probably covered me more than the average person. Just bring a change of clothes just in case. Also, if you plan on taking pics or video, take something waterproof - camera / GoPro OR get a waterproof phone case with a lanyard from Amazon like we did. They had a four pack multicolored one that worked out perfectly for my group of 4. Enjoy the cruise!

If you come to Niagara Falls and don't experience this or that USA one, then you're missing out. Just do one. They are basically the same except the poncho colors are different. You will get wet unless you stay inside. I brought sandals and threw my socks and shoes inside my backpack. Be smart like me. Would I come here again? No because it's definitely worth experience once but I'm not sure if I would do it multiple times.

The Voyage to the Falls Niagara Falls experience is definitely worth it. It's a boat that takes you along the American Falls and then right up to Horseshoe falls. CA$33.50 per person. It's a 20 minute boat ride. You get a poncho but you are going to get wet, unless you stay in the middle of the bottom level of the boat. It's a very nice shower. Everyone screams and has a good time. You can take really nice selfies, but hopefully your phone is at least semi-waterproof. The port (left) side of the boat (the side that is facing the American falls to begin with) is the side of the boat to be on. You would think that the boat would turn around to make it fair. But once the boat turns around it goes back. All of the good views are on the port side of the boat. It's very efficient and organized. There are a lot of people, but you are not waiting around for too long. We got there at 5:35 pm and were at our dinner reservation at Table Rock by 6:30 pm.

I wanted to ride into the falls, so we did. Fast, efficient and not a bad price for an amazing experience! I got to feel power of Mother Nature and the sound that the water makes as it goes over the falls. Total boat ride time was maybe 30 minutes total.... They really get you in and out pretty quickly. Great experience on the Horn-blower.

We purchased advance tickets on the internet for Thursday at the 3:30. It was a beautiful day and this trip was glorious. Loved it so much I wanted to go again! We got wet but it wasn't bad as the weather was beautiful. Needed to wear the raincoat :) Will definitely do this again if we ever find ourselves in the area during a nice warm day.

if you do one thing in Niagara, take the boat tour. It can be a bit overwhelming to figure out where to go but just follow the people and you'll be fine. We went THREE times and each was unique and worth going. The entire point is to see the majesty of the falls and this is the best way to do that as fully as possible. Other than the evening fireworks, don't worry about the timing on your tickets. Everyone just flows in and out and you'll get on the boat or the next boat. I did dislike the shuffle through the hot photo shop (you can walk through and not get a picture but still hot and time taking) and the very very long gift shop up some steps (I get the desire for the money but it is cramped). But they have this down to a science and it's a glorious experience. You will get wet but the poncho really keeps most of you dry if you keep the hood on and tied. Great spots to take pictures OFF the boat on safe dry land also. I recommend the back mid level to not get soaked and have amazing views. The fireworks cruise is a bit longer to view and you will get great open views of the lights, but I think the daytime is better to see and hear the roaring of the falls so close. Must do!

We came here on a super rainy day and got close to the falls. We got a pancho and stood in the rain to get on the boat. The ride was impressive and the staff helpful but the heavy rain made it less enjoyable.

After visiting Maple Leaf Place for the Zoom Tour I was on, we arrived at Niagara City Cruises on a Friday around 6:30pm for a boat tour of the Niagara Falls! First, they give everyone a red poncho since we were touring the falls from the Canadian side, while the people who get a blue poncho are touring from the American side, but I didn't see anyone with a blue poncho that day on the other boats. Ok, so since I was touring from the Canadian side, all of us lined up to get on the cruise boat. The cruise boat has multiple levels so there's a level indoors on the cruise boat and also a level outside at the top of the boat. I think most people chose to stand out at the top deck for the tour since the view is better. Anyways, once the boat tour of Niagara Falls started, it was ok and not too windy. Later, it got super windy and wet! Luckily, I can prepared and wore waterproof clothes and brought a waterproof phone case with a lanyard which a few other people did too, but most were not prepared for how wet and windy this cruise can get! I'd recommend this boat tour cruise of Niagara Falls! It was lots of fun where I chose to view the falls from the outside deck even though everyone got super wet there! You also get very up close to the falls and view multiple parts and waterfalls when on the lake. I'm also glad they provided everyone with a poncho since it can get VERY wet during the cruise. If you decide to do this boat tour cruise, I would definitely recommend bringing a waterproof phone case with a lanyard to keep your phone safe while taking pictures or videos AND also wear waterproof clothing.

So much fun! It is worth the long lines and waiting in the heat. It was the highlight of our Niagara Falls tour day for sure. Tip: water, sunscreen and comfortable shoes are key here. We went out on the Hornblower boat and it takes you right into the mist up close to the falls on both the US and Canada sides. You hang out in the mist for about 15 minutes. Outdoor decks if you want to get sprayed (you do)! A once in a lifetime experience.

The horn blower is quite the adventure to the base of the falls. Be prepared to be SOAKED!! This isn't the mild mist or shower that you get when you go to journey of the falls or when you're standing by the observation decks, no this is like a crazy amount of water hitting you. So as long as you go into it realizing that then you'll have fun. The ship does Rock a bit too so don't hold anything loosely or it may fall from your hands. So we figured out the hard way that you can't show up last minute and board one of these. The walk alone to get there isn't that close to most of the hotels, and the walk from the point of buying the ticket to actually board the ship is also a bit of a walk. So I suggest allowing 45 minutes to an hour to get on the ship and 20-30 minutes of being on the ship itself. All in all, we got a fantastic view and experience on the horn blower and it was a nice compliment to our experience at journey behind the falls.

Be prepared to get wet! [Niagara Falls, ON Canada] Our 4-hour tour package included the expertly guided walking tour with Philip (our tour guide), City Cruises Boat, and the Journey Behind the Falls. Hassle-free! Philip took care of getting all the tickets included in this tour package. The entire tour experience was on the Canada side. We had exclusive first-on-the-boat experience on the Hornblower Niagara City Cruise. Philip showed us where to go on the boat to get the best experience (second level, left side of the front part of the boat). This classic tour took us on a journey through the rapids, first on the American side then up close to the base of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls where we felt the power and majesty of the falls. Wheee! what an amazing experience I will forever remember. The boat tour lasted about 20-30 mins. We were given ponchos before boarding the Hornblower City Cruise Boat. You will get close to the waterfall so be prepared to get wet. Water shoes are highly recommended. Review #3047

A must do when visiting Canada! You get very close to the falls and very wet! The ponchos they provide definitely keep you from getting too wet but you do get wet. But the views are truly great taking. I am so glad we did this and we got some wonderful pictures! A must do in Canada!

Weekend Adventure awaits! Niagara City Cruises is a tourist spot that provide tours to the Niagara falls on Canadian and American side. Booking a ticket was fast and easy. Getting into the docking area takes a while but worth the walk. Ship staff were competent and professional. I have been a few times visiting Niagara falls but never booked the cruise line. I did the Tunnel view but it's not the same as getting up close and personal in the cruise ship. Be prepared to get soaked even with a red plastic poncho. It's a very short tour but worth it. Price was $35. Overall, I'm glad we get to experience it. I recommend you take the tour at least once in your life.

A must do if you come to Niagara, shocking and hilarious every time. Amazing to be that close to such a huge waterfall

An absolute must! Wait was reasonable and price is good! Canadian side rocks!! Crew was super friendly.

Canada side and I was astonished how quick the experience was . Got our tickets outside on an automated terminal. And off we went ... there were 5 elevators to take passengers down . And in the next 10 minutes we were in the boat ! Unbelievable when u compare it with US side . Boat experience was awesome . Even with rain coats , u will get wet . Amazing view of Niagara Falls ... really loved it . Only issue we had is - the cruise doesn't have restrooms (atleast when we went) .. kids were struggling for the boat ride to get over , so they can go out for restrooms . Also , wish they sold some refreshments / water/ drinks on board . If not for these 2 negatives , it's always a 5/5 experience ... thumbs up..

If you could only do one experience in Niagara Falls this is what you need to do. The poncho they give you doesn't help with how soak you will get. You'll be pack here like sardines but it will be worth it. If you want good photos with no people in it. Try to leave the boat last. You can get good photo with the American falls

Tour was so worth it plus more. To visit such an iconic and beautiful spot up close and personal was awesome. It's about a 20 min ride and they explain everything as you are approaching the falls. After even just seeing the falls from the top and taking photos and then having the opportunity to come into a boat for a closer look is soooooo different. You are litérally showering in the water, it's very wet but can be a great and fun experience if your out with a little water lol. They do provide you with pretty cool ponchos with drawstrings to keep you dry for the most part but be prepared to get wet if your on the outside of the boat because the speed of the water coming down creates a huge gust of wind and next thing you know it your poncho is half way up blowing in the wind and

They were organized, clean, and efficient. We didn't buy ticket in advance so just paid there. Even with lot of people, the lines moved smoothly. There was a scroller parking right next to where we were supposed to get on the cruise. I'm just glad that they are located 5 mins away from the hotel. There was a large eating area where you can order food and restrooms once you exited the cruise in case you needed to change any wet clothes.

Niagara falls Canadá.. una vista maravillosa..una experiencia única compartiendo con mi hijo...se ve limpio la ciudad.

A classic. Spectacular view, attentive staff, lines moved quickly even on a holiday weekend. The only thing I'd change if I did it again would be to try to pace out our time to be at the beginning of a group so we had better choice of where to stand on deck. Was warmer (and drier!) than expected because of the sunny day. Probably even more epic on a stormy one when the wind is really whipping, if you want to go for the full spray experience.

The Voyage to the Falls cruise could very well be the best attraction Niagara Falls has to offer. While many attractions overcharge for an often disappointing experience, it's absolutely worth it to spend the money on this attraction. Why? If you take the cruise I mentioned above, you hop on a boat that takes you right up close to Horseshoe Falls, in fact, the closest you'll ever get in an attraction. How epic is that!! Beware, though: you WILL get wet, and if you happen to go on a particularly windy day, you will get drenched in water even if you wear your poncho provided by the park staff! Therefore, I highly recommend you bring an extra change of clothes to change into following the cruise. Don't let that scare you, though - the boat ride is LOTS of fun, especially when you're up close to the Falls. You don't realize how powerful they are until the boat drives you right up close to them. Also, make sure to wave to the Americans taking the Maid of the Mist boat! That's such a cool activity people often do on this tour given the cruise takes place right on the border. Since I was here as part of a family reunion, my extended family loved the cruise so much that they decided to go on it a second time on another occasion. Take that as a sign that this is an attraction not to miss while in Niagara Falls!

Me & my boyfriend decided we wanted to get wet again lol so we went on the horn blower because we were staying on the Canadian side. This one was just as fun, we got just as wet again. We loved every minute of it. You can't beat the views.

Great experience! We did the Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour and would recommend to all visiting Niagara Falls! We were on the boat for the full mist experience and we definitely got the full experience as we were drenched with water from the waterfall. We were able to get so close to the falls that the water from the splashing from the falls felt like it was raining. I would recommend bringing water shoes and waterproof clothing for the full mist experience. My socks and gloves were drenched even though they gave us conplimentary ponchos. Would recommend bringing your own poncho as well to stay dry. Bring a change of socks too if you don't have water proof shoes.

Quick check in procedure. The people guiding you to the boat were super friendly. I found that most of them smiled at the guests and looked like they wanted to be there. The ride was awesome. We choose the bottom of the boat since the top would be soaked lol. Great views and great audio!

This is by far one of my favorite memories and a check off my bucket list. They take you so close to the falls and you definitely get soaked even with the ponchos, but we got a gazillion pictures of the falls and it was such an incredible experience. The falls are breathtaking and this is a bucket list moment. Book this boat ride!!

SO MUCH FUN. Honestly. Niagara Falls is filled with money grabs and tourist traps but man was this such a blast! It was worth every penny. I only wish it had lasted longer. You can buy your tickets ahead of time online or purchase at the self purchase kiosk or box office. From there, you go down the elevator. You'll receive your stand out red poncho and get in line. The wait was minimal and we quickly made it on the boat. There's a top deck as well as a lower level. The top allows you to get an obstructed view. We were on the side of the boat closest to bridal veil falls. This gave us an awesome view of bridal veil falls on the way in. Once we got into the horseshoe, I think the people on the other side had a better view as the mist was more thick on the US side but I'm not sure if that's always the case. Be prepared to get pelted!! There's a point in the ride where you're getting straight dumped on but it is so so fun! I was surprised the boat wasn't as rocky as I thought it'd be. It was a smooth ride. Pro tip: find yourself a group to swap picture taking duties with so you can get a great group shot!

First time going to the falls and heard you have to do the boat tours and they're not wrong! After lots of research we heard this place is a solid option. We got there 15 min prior to taking off and it was a super smooth easy process. When you get on the boat, everyone went to the side closest to the waterfall. However, the opposite side of that was better because we were so close to the main waterfall once we got closer to it.

If it's the one thing you do in Niagara Falls, take the boat tour to the falls. We boarded their second boat immediately at 9am (even though we had a 9:30am reservation) and then starting moving 5 minutes later. Head straight up to the top front for the best photo ops. The boat headed straight for the Canadian horseshoe falls where the boat gets right up close so you expect lots of wind and you will get really wet so make sure you've got your complimentary rain poncho is on! We also put our cell phones in ziplocs to keep them dry but still able to take photos (poor man's waterproof casing). You'll be there for a good 5 minutes. Then the boat will head towards the American falls and the Rainbow Bridge before heading back to the dock. Returned 9:25am. So the actual time on the water is 20 minutes but you'll need to add some time for boarding and de-boarding. We took 30 minutes so I would estimate even later on a busy day it might be longers but will be less than 1 hour. Next group there were some folks lined up. They have 2 boats so they fill them up and then take off in rotation. You will be standing the whole time (I'm not even sure there are seats on the boat). You are allowed to bring a small bag but you aren't going to want much with you as it's going to get wet unless you can keep it under the poncho. We received red rain ponchos - Maid of the Mist from the US side had blue rain ponchos. Boats sail rain or shine. We made reservations online ahead of time (4 days in advance). They were selling tickets at the window when we arrived and I believe for our 9:30am boat ride. But an afternoon ride might be sold out so I'd recommend to buy your tickets at least 1-2 days in advance. We also bought assurance for a minimal fee (10% of ticket costs not including taxes so if your adult ticket is C$32.75 then your fee is C$3.28). Assurance ensures that you can reschedule at any time up to w hours before your cruise, or cancel at any time up to 2 hours before your cruise and receive a full refund, minus the Ticket Assurance fee (otherwise all sales are final). We had previously done the full adventure package purchased in person at the Table Rock Welcome Center the day before use. It included the Hornblower Niagara Boat Cruise (but now it's called Voyage to the Falls and is a separate ticket with a standalone company City Experiences), Niagara's Fury, Journey Behind the Falls and the WEGO bus. The Fury is a short movie about the history of the falls. They give you a complimentary rain poncho (blue back then) because you will get pelted with water at the end of the movie. Then you head to Journey Behind the Falls and walk down a corridor to a spot are you are behind the actual falls with a small opening and then further down to an outside landing next to the falls for a great photo op. Both are worth it if it's your first time to Niagara Falls.

We got into Niagara Falls around 6pm and decided to go ahead and do the cruise that evening so that we could head back to our hotel afterwards. We decided to wait just a little bit in hopes of having fewer people on our boat and possibly being on the boat when the falls lights turned on. We ended up on the second to last boat prior to the fireworks cruise. It was definitely less crowded than the people boats. If we would have waited until the last cruise, it would have been practically empty. But we had no issues moving around the boat to different sides to get different views. The ride goes get a little rocky while under the falls. The ponchos kept most of my clothes dry except for the bottom part of my sleeves. We all got pretty wet but it was a blast. Thankfully, it was nice and warm outside, so we were never cold. This was the highlight of our trip and must do.

This is the cruise from the Canadian side. Such a cool experience. Couldn't get my phone to scan for our tickets-but the woman scanning was so nice-she just needed my confirmation number. Everyone else that guided us through was really pleasant also. The ponchos came in handy as you will get soaked. As youre on the boat approaching the Falls-there's a recording over loud speaker providing some impressive facts about the different waterfalls in front of you. We spent a nice amount of time in front of the Horseshoe Falls. This is where you'll get soaked. Got some pretty cool footage and selfies. 10/10 a must do item to do if youre in the area.

This is a must do when you are in Niagara Falls. B and I took the Niagara City Cruise and I have to say I loved it. Note that you will get extremely wet and uncomfortable. I would recommend to bring a change of clothes. It cost around $37 per person to take the Niagara City Cruise. The cruise takes you up close to the Niagara Fall/Horseshoe Fall. When boarding the cruise, you will receive a poncho. Do not think that this poncho would protect you from getting wet. You will soon realize that when you are on the cruise, it is super windy and the cruise ship is super rocky. Hold on to your phone and camera tight. You will definitely be able to get some awesome photos. This I can guarantee you. The mist spray from the water fall will make you super uncomfortable and drenched from head to toe. Well at least the poncho protects your chest and maybe your hips dry as long the poncho doesn't start flying around. B tucked his poncho in and I didn't so yes just my chest, back and stomach areas were dry. Anyways, it was fun and we had a great time. We expected to get wet. So this was not a surprise for us.

I'd never been on one of these boat tours before even though I'd visited Niagara Falls numerous time with people from out-of-town. I finally got to go this past weekend and it was so much fun and definitely worth the cost of the ticket (currently $36.16 including tax). Purchasing tickets was either with someone in a booth or behind them there were self-serve machines. Choose a time and you're good to go. It turns out we chose a later time but when we asked we were told they weren't busy so we could get on the next boat out instead of waiting until the time that we had chosen. We walked back and forth down a long ramp and into elevators that took us even further down. Then we exited into a tunnel and made it out past a food and beverage tent where an employee was handing out adult or youth sized red ponchos. When we got on the boat we found the top deck filled with people along the edge. However, there weren't that many people below and we had a lot of space to ourselves there. We passed by the American Falls and then got a closer look at the Canadian Falls. I didn't think that we'd get very wet but the poncho was absolutely a necessity. Basically you're pelted with water from the waterfalls while going through whitewater rapids. One person in the group had likened the experience to being in a car wash. First, we got close to the mist from the waterfall, then even closer and pelted with water, then there was wind that dried us off. A couple of people in our group had on long sleeves that weren't covered by the poncho and found their sleeves quite damp afterward.

Happy 900th Review!! I needed to review something monumental for my 900th review and what better option than the cruise around Niagara Falls! Yes, we went in March on opening weekend. Yes, it was cold. Yes, it was snowing. But do we regret it, heck NO! The tent at the bottom of the Falls was a nice warming station before and after. My 2 year old would NOT have enjoyed the ride, so my parents stayed with her in the tent and had some food. I can't wait to come back in warmer weather months to enjoy this experience again!

When you have the Falls of Niagara how can you fail!? They stay in the rapids for a LONG time - to where you yin see when they are going to relieve you of the spray & wind!! What a riot. A must do activity - but don't miss the Tunnel, Aero Car & Walk of Wind

I booked our tickets the night before and we came on a Monday morning at 10am. It was the perfect time to go on the boat tour to Niagara Falls since the boat wasn't packed and we didn't have to wait too long to get on the boat. The tickets were around $32 for adults and your ticket comes a poncho for the boat ride which lasts 20 minutes. If you're in Niagara Falls this is a staple and be sure to add to your to do list. The boat really takes up and close to the falls! They take you to the falls on the American side and then the big falls and you get soaked! I suggest wearing flip flops since you do get soaked and in order to not get your shirt wet I would tie the top of your poncho just right in order to not let any water in. I truly enjoyed the boat ride and would do it again! I highly suggest going on it when visiting Niagara Falls!

Definitely recommend doing this - even if it's cold! We came the first week they were open this year, and while cold (it was still snowing / sleeting on us), it was worth it. It is a tremendous experience, and I don't regret it at all. They do have a food and drink tent, along with a warming station near the boat. You get to experience the Falls up close and personal, and it's simply breathtaking. The whole trip lasts maybe twenty to thirty minutes. You're given a poncho, which you can keep afterwards. If you want to stay dry, you may also want to wear a rainjacket underneath it. If at all possible / time allows - this is a must experience when in the area.

Nice and smooth process to get board, helpful staff , Captain of the boat was nice and friendly

This was so much fun! Definitely buy your ticket in advance you save so much time. You will cut your wait time and you will get wet. We did the 10:30 to 11:30 time slot. Which was perfect. There wasn't a lot of people we got to walk around. Which is tough to do once you get closer to the falls.