Maid of The Mist

A trip to Niagara Falls, New York is not complete without a ride on this classic cruise where you will be able to feel the refreshing mist on your skin. Departing from Niagara Falls, New York this cruise will take you up close to the American and Bridal Veil Falls and into the dense mist of the Horseshoe Falls (also known as the Canadian Falls). The tour passes briefly through Ontario before returning to the American side of Niagara Falls.

 

While on board you’ll be treated to amazing views, hear the thundering roar of the rushing water, and feel the mist on your skin as you get right up close and personal to the Falls. The Maid of the Mist is North America’s oldest tourist attraction. Its operation dates back to 1846. This iconic cruise has hosted many famous guests including celebrities, world leaders, and even royalty, such as Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana, Princes William and Harry, John Krasinski, and Jenna Fischer!

Best Time to Visit

Maid of the Mist boat tours are seasonal, running from mid-May to the end of October. But they are subject to change depending on the weather conditions, so it's recommended that you keep an eye out for the dates and times during which the cruise operates. Plan ahead to book your tour on a clear, sunny day to see the breathtaking views during your cruise!

 

What to Know 

The Maid of the Mist has the honor of being North America’s oldest tourist attraction. Departing from Niagara Falls, New York this water voyage will take you up close to the American and Bridal Veil Falls and into the thick mist of the Horseshoe Falls (also referred to as the Canadian Falls).

 

The ship ferries briefly through the Canadian side before returning to the American side of Niagara Falls. This classic Niagara Falls cruise takes you to the base of Niagara Falls through the Niagara River, starting and ending on the American side of the Falls.

 

How to Get There 

The cruise departs from the boarding docks of Niagara Reservation State Park at Prospect Point, Niagara Falls, NY. You'll spot the entrance to the nearest Niagara Falls State Park lot at the intersection of Prospect Street and Mayor Michael O’Laughlin Drive. The ferries start operating as early as 9:00 am and depart every 15 minutes until 8:00 pm. It's recommended that you book a guided tour that offers pick-up directly from your hotel!

 

Highlights

There's no better way to see the majestic views of American and Horseshoe Falls than by cruising on the Maid of the Mist! Hear the roar of the crashing Falls as they drench your skin! Be refreshed in the dense mist of the waters! Marvel at the historic rock formations and roiling whitewater of gorgeous waterfalls! Be one with mother nature!

 

Features

Boat rides in Niagara Falls are never a bad idea. And what better way to experience the surreal closeness to the Falls than by hopping on the original Niagara Falls boat tour? Maid of the Mist cruise has been enticing tourists for over 150 years, and will continue to do so due to its exceptional services! Before you hop on the double-deck ferry, the sightseers are offered a rain poncho to wear at the Observation Tower. Then the boat departs and crosses the base of the American Falls onto the basin of Horseshoe Falls wrapped in dense mist which will leave you more refreshed than ever! 

 

Feel the roar and thunder of waters crashing down around you as you get close to the Falls. Get up close and personal with mother nature as the mist drenches your skin! See the gorgeous rock formations and the roiling whitewater of waterfalls along your way! Be proud to cruise on the ferries that Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana, Princes William and Harry, Albert Edward, and more notable passengers rode on!

 

History 

Maid of the Mist started as a border-crossing ship in 1846 near Niagara Falls on the American side of the Niagara River. It set sail for the very first time on September 18, 1846. This 100-passenger ferry thrived until the construction of a suspension bridge between the United States and Canada diminishing the ferry traffic. This made the owners change the service plans of the ferry by turning the Maid of the Mist tour into a sightseeing trip that could take passengers closer to the Falls. 

 

The Maid of the Mist company which is active today was founded in 1884 by Captain R. F. Carter and Frank LaBlond. Since 1971, the ferry corporation has been owned and run by the Glynn family. Today, the fleet comprises two vessels, both of which started operating in 2020. One of the two all-electric ferries is named James V. Glynn to honor the chairman and CEO. The other vessel is referred to as the Nikola Tesla to honor the father of the alternating current motor. Maid of the Mist itself most likely takes its name from the Iroquois myth of LeLawala.