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.
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.
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.
 This
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.
 This
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 photo, taken from Maid of the Mist Boat
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!
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.
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.
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.
 My
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.
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.
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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