Maid of the Mist, Niagara Falls, NY

NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK

​Address:​ 1 Prospect St, Niagara Falls, NY 14303
​Phone: 716-284-8897

Offering the best way to experience the power and force of Niagara Falls, the Maid of the Mist boat tour  brings you right up to the base of the waterfalls.  Experience the rush of 600,000 gallons of water falling per second as you sail through the falls aboard the Maid of the Mist, one of Niagara's most legendary tours.

The Maid of the Mist Tour

The Niagara Falls tour operator offers trips every day of the week. Now with a small fleet of electric Maid of the Mist boats, tours are able to leave every 15 minutes throughout the day. Many ask us, "How long is the Maid of the Mist tour?" The tour is approximately 20 minutes, offering plenty of time to get up close to the soaring mists and thundering roar of the waterfalls. You'll travel along the base of American Falls before heading towards the Canadian Horseshoe Falls -- the largest and most famous of the three Niagara waterfalls. Maid of the Mist Niagara Falls tickets are affordable, even coming with a souvenir poncho, and available for purchase through their website.

History of Niagara Falls' Maid of the Mist

Their boats have been taking visitors to see the breathtaking views since 1846, when they took their maiden voyage. The original idea behind it was to ferry passengers and goods across the Niagara River. ​

The first vessel was large enough to carry a stagecoach and horses.  In 1848, they had to change up the way they did business due to the construction of a suspension bridge.  That’s when they rebranded themselves as the Maid of the Mist operating a side wheel steamboat ferry with twin smokestacks. 

Sailing Toward the Future

Fast forward a couple of centuries later when it became crucial to protect the beauty of this natural wonder.  They opted to operate a fleet of new all-electric catamaran style boats.  These are some of the first of their kind in North America.  They produce zero emissions and operate almost silently with very little vibration so they greatly enhance the experience while protecting the environment.

Experience the Wonder of Niagara Falls

The water in Niagara Falls comes from four of the five Great Lakes:  Superior, Erie, Michigan, and Huron.  Over 5.5 billion gallons of water originally flowed over the falls.  However, nowadays, half that amount is diverted and used for power by Canada and the United States.  The average depth of the water is 170 feet which is actually the same height of the Niagara Gorge’s banks.  The name Niagara Falls is the umbrella name for the 3 falls that feed it, Bridal Veil, Horsehoe Falls, and American Falls.  Oddly enough, fish migrate over the falls with around 90% of those surviving do to the foam from the rushing waters which provides a cushion for their fall.

Please note: ​A valid passport, enhanced driver’s license or trusted traveler program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST) is required to cross the border from Canada into the United States.

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Tour Details

Standard Maid of the Mist Hours:

Open Daily (Hours are subject to change based on season)
Monday thru Friday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
​Saturday thru Sunday | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Maid of the Mist Departures:

Boats depart from Niagara Reservation State Park at Prospect Point.

​For more details and to purchase tickets, visit the Maid of the Mist website.

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Updated 9/22/21 BB