Guest Author - Kimberly Button

One of the classic attractions when visiting Niagara Falls, either on the New York or the Canada side, is to take a ride on the Maid of the Mist. As one of the oldest tourist attractions in the U.S. and Canada, operating since 1846, Maid of the Mist boats are the only way that you can get close to the thundering crash of Niagara Falls at the point where it falls into the Niagara River.

If you’ve never been to Niagara Falls, you might think that a trip aboard the Maid of the Mist is just one of those cliché things that tourists do when visiting this popular tourist destination. Sure, it’s cliché, but after you’ve experienced the trip, you won’t care. The chance to get this close to one of the wonders of nature is just too good to pass up.

Maid of the Mist tours leave the dock every 15 minutes for a half hour journey to the base of the American Falls and the basin around Horseshoe Falls. The newest boats can accommodate up to 600 guests who all clamber for a strategic viewing point near the outer rails on the two decks. Don’t worry, though. No matter where you stand, you can’t escape the powerful force and stunning beauty of Niagara Falls.

As you sail towards the base of the falls, the heavy mist will soon feel like falling rain as you’re soaked with the spray coming off of these historic waterfalls. Though you’ll be captivated by the roar of the falls, be sure to look around at the skyline, too. You might be rewarded with a magnificent rainbow peeking through the mist. You’ll also be amazed at the swarm of birds who have taken up residency in the clouds of mist at the base of the falls which is a prime fishing spot.

Visitors on both sides of the U.S./Canada border can experience the same Maid of the Mist boat tour. Budget travelers might have heard that it’s cheaper on the Canadian side because of the currency exchange. Maid of the Mist has thought of that, too, and contrary to popular belief it’s about the same price on both sides. An adult ticket on the U.S. side is $11.50 and in Canada it’s $14.00 to compensate for the currency adjustment.

You’ll be given a plastic rain poncho to wear during the boat ride and trust me, you’ll need it. This is not an attraction to bring your expensive digital camera or video recorder on and if you do, be sure to have a secure, waterproof place to store it when you get close to the falls. Leave the cell phone in your pocket, too. Buy a disposable camera or waterproof camera if you plan on taking pictures.

Maid of the Mist is easily accessible for the physically challenged. Tours are scheduled from April to October, weather permitting. You can save money by purchasing an attractions pass which includes other popular area attractions. For more information, visit www.niagara-usa.com or www.niagarafallstourism.com (Canadian side) for information on packages currently available.

For more information on the Maid of the Mist, visit www.maidofthemist.com.


Planning on visiting Niagara Falls? Check out these books:

Niagara Falls: An Intimate Portrait

Niagara Falls: A Guide for Tourists

Western New York, an Explorer’s Guide


Niagara Falls photo courtesy of the Niagara Parks. Maid of the Mist photos courtesy of Maid of the Mist.

- Kimberly Button