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Maid of the Mist - one of The Most Visited Niagara Falls Attractions



A must see attraction for the first time Visitors!

Maid of the Mist is among the best Niagara Falls Attractions and tourist attractions in Canada. Why?

Very simple. It is not only the boat ride. It is the most exciting thing you will ever see and live.

So much water (mist) in the air, the thunder of the Mighty waterfalls, the scenery, your excitement, and being soaked, is all what it makes this ride thrilled and life experienced.

Here is a great tip. Take the position on the upper deck of the starboard side of the boat (right hand side of the boat). Most of people will crowd on the other side, to see first American Falls. Don't worry you will see it on your way back. By taking this position, you will be the closest person to Niagara Falls, Canada, Horseshoe Falls.

maid of the mist
Upper deck-front: best view of Niagara Falls, Canada


The Maid of the Mist departures is from 5920 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, Canada.
Your reference should be the Rainbow Bridge, only few steps below Casino Niagara Falls, Sheraton Niagara Falls and where the famous tourist area, Clifton Hill, is. You cannot miss it.

As many of the great Niagara Falls Hotels and motels are in a neighborhood, where you will probably reside, this attraction will be on a short walking distance.

If you didn't book already, and you are on a budget, use our recommendations for best and affordable motels and cheap hotels. Or if you like Bed and Breakfast, again, we are here to assist you with advices and tips.

niagara falls attractions
Maid of the Mist-docked


This great Niagara Falls attraction operates from April to October. The boats depart every 15 minutes. If you are planning your trip during the summertime, go for a boat ride early morning (9a.m.) to avoid huge line-ups.

If you cannot come early, don’t be worried by the long line-ups, it goes fairly quickly. In order to avoid hassle and shorten your waiting time, be sure to buy Adventure pass, or book one of the many Niagara Falls Vacation Packages.

It doesn't matter where you will take the tour from, Niagara Falls, Canada or on the American side, you will have the same experience. Our recommendation is to use the Canadian side.

niagara falls rainbow bridgeThis attraction is guided so you will be directed from the start. You will hear a little about a ride,history and more.

The Maid of the Mist boats starts off near the Rainbow Bridge, passes the American and Bridal Veil Falls and goes straight inside the curve of the Horseshoe Falls.

Rainbow Bridge - Maid of the Mist


There is an elevator that takes you down to the tunnel.
The tunnel connects the elevator waiting area and docks. It is slippery, so be careful. As you are approaching the dock, you will be on the river level, and across are American and Bridal Veil Falls.

maid of mistThis boat that we took could accept few hundred people and was double decked.

For the best experience be sure to be on the top deck where you will have an adventure of a lifetime and the most authentic experience.


You can stay inside the boat as well, and that is our recommendation for families with kids.

Don’t forget to bring a camera. This is a life experience, and you have to record it. But, careful, there will be lots of the mist in the air, so buy disposable, waterproof one. It is expensive if you buy it in a local store, you will have a better deal somewhere else.

american falls
American Falls photo, taken from Maid of the Mist Boat


The ride itself is remarkable and there are seagulls flying everywhere. It is much better at water level than standing above them.

On your way to the Canadian waterfall, pay attention on great high raised hotels and Fallsview Casino Niagara Falls.

niagara falls hotels, casino resort, skylon tower
Best Niagara Falls Hotels, Fallsview Casino, Skylon Tower


This area is very popular, because the Best Hotels are situated there and some great attractions.

Minolta Tower and Skylon Tower offer unique experience that combines dining and magnificent view.

As you get closer to the Horseshoe Falls it gets really windy and the mist from the falls becomes very heavy - feels like you're standing in a big rainstorm!

horseshoe falls
Niagara Falls, Canada-Horseshoe Falls


During the ride you might hear some facts about Niagara Falls and Maid of the Mist. I said might, because it is noise down there, and plus you will be focused on the scenery. You will be trying to catch every moment off picturesque panorama, and playing with your cameras at the same time. Me personally, didn't hear anything.

Niagara Falls is miraculous attraction and $14.5 CAN is not much to pay... and the result is ... an unbelievable experience.

You will get a nylon poncho, and they are big enough to cover you backpack. But, be ready, you will get wet. If your kids are from 6 to 12 you will pay $ 8.9 CAN.

The poncho is definitely helpful, but I wasn’t wearing it, so I was wet to the skin. It was sooo cool. I liked it. It was refreshing, as it was very hot that day.

maid of the mist
This is where you gonna be


The sheer size and the thunder of the water rushing over the massive Horseshoe Falls is amazing.

The ride to the Falls was nice, and as we approached my excitement was skyrocketing. I was not afraid but there was a strange feeling inside me and I couldn’t breathe.

I wanted to record it so eagerly, that I didn’t pay attention on my camera. It was not waterproof.
Happily, everything was ok with the camera and my recordings. For your experience and convenience, I will share some photos and clips with you.

on the maid mist boat
We, soaked and thrilled


The mist is overwhelming and the thunder of the water is very intense that it looks like you are in the middle of torrential rain.
The boat ride lasts a little over 30min and the boat stay in the waterfall mist for about 10 min. It felt like an eternity.

If you are considering bringing you kids with you, as long as they are comfortable being wet, and not afraid of the boat, go for it.

tourist attractions in canadaMy goddaughter had a blast, and she was only 5 years old. And she had a free ride.

That was two years ago, and she is still talking about that experience. Probably, she will remember it for the rest of her life.

Everything is about memories. Please don’t miss to create them.
         Incredible experience for a little girl


The boat almost stopped at the base of the Horseshoe Falls. That gives us enough time to admire those mighty falls how they are plunging down with full power.

You can’t even breathe from all the moist, great water pressure and wind, created by the surrounding waterfall.

The view of the immense cascades and rocky gorge cliffs is breathtaking. The mist created by crashing torrent causes rainbows to arc brilliantly in the haze.

attractions in niagara falls canada
Rainbow over Maid of the Mist and Niagara Falls


On your way out, after incredible boat ride, you will have a chance to go through the gift shop and buy some presents, which will definitely remind you on your time spent here.

history of maid of the mist
Maid of the Mist back in history


Since 1846 Maid of the Mist was carrying passengers, hundreds of thousands, like Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Marilyn Monroe, Nikola Tesla, Soviet Premier, Princess Diana… and other celebrities, so why not you.

Here are some recommendations for your best experience:

  • Go early to avoid lines
  • Don’t carry to many accessories, clothes...
  • Girls, forget about wearing makeup, high hills, fancy outfit, hair
  • Wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting wet
  • Buy a waterproof camera, preferable in big retail store, for a better price
  • Be among first ones on the boat for the best spot, which is the front of the boat
  • Stand on the right side of the boat to be closer to the Falls

For Travel Tips and Directions to Niagara Falls Canada click here.







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