Maid of the MistNIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK
There is no better wav to experience Niagara Falls power and force than by boat. The rush of 600,000 gallons of water falling per second is exactly what you can expect to see at the falls when you climb aboard the 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- OPEN DAILY -
- Monday - Thursday | 10:00 am - 5:00 pm | Friday & Saturday | 9:00am - 6:00pm -
- Boats depart from Niagara Reservation State Park at Prospect Point -
- Tickets available for sale on-line -
- Please check website for more details -
- Monday - Thursday | 10:00 am - 5:00 pm | Friday & Saturday | 9:00am - 6:00pm -
- Boats depart from Niagara Reservation State Park at Prospect Point -
- Tickets available for sale on-line -
- Please check website for more details -
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Learn more about the Maid of the Mist by visiting their website.
Address: 1 Prospect St, Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Phone: 716-284-8897
Address: 1 Prospect St, Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Phone: 716-284-8897
Updated 10/19/20- LLS
