Cave of the Winds vs. Maid of the Mist: Which Experience Should You Choose?

Comparing Two Iconic Experiences at Niagara Falls, New York (U.S.)

Planning your (U.S. side) Niagara Falls trip? I’ll help you decide whether to add the Maid of the Mist boat ride, Cave of the Winds experience, or both, to your Niagara Falls itinerary.

Intro

If you’re planning a trip to Niagara Falls (on the U.S. side), then chances are that two popular attractions are in the running to be added to your itinerary: Cave of the Winds and Maid of the Mist. Both of these attractions offer unforgettable close-up views of the Niagara Falls, but they are two different experiences. If you’re wondering which of the two to do, then this post will help you decide!

But if I’m being honest, if you have time and budget, definitely do both! But in case you can’t then I’ll break down the two attractions so you can make an informed decision and choose the one that will best fit your Niagara Falls adventure.

Recommended Niagara Falls Tours & Activities

Book unforgettable experiences and check out the below recommended Niagara Falls tours, activities and attractions:

Maid of the Mist: The Classic Niagara Boat Ride

What Is It

A boat ride that will take you right into the thunderous base of Horseshoe Falls (the biggest waterfall of the three Niagara Falls). Riding towards the Horseshoe Falls’ mist and sheer power offers an unforgettable experience.

What You’ll Experience

• Board a two-deck boat
• Ride into the base of the Horseshoe Falls and get drenched in its mist
• Experience the thunderous power of the largest Niagara waterfall
• Pass by the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls
• Views of all three Niagara Falls from the water
• A free blue poncho is provided
• About a 20-minute boat ride

Best For

Visitors who want a relaxing (yet exciting) ride towards the falls and get amazing views on the way. Visitors who want to experience the thunderous mist and power of a mighty waterfall, and get a bit wet but not showered on.

Cave of the Winds: Walk Into the Falls

What Is It

A unique adventure walking towards the base of the Bridal Veil Falls. You’ll get to feel the rushing water against you, and at the Hurricane Deck, feel the powerful pressure of a waterfall literally showering you.

What You’ll Experience

• Walk along wooden boardwalks towards the Bridal Veil Falls
• Stand just feet away from rushing water
• Showered and drenched by water on the Hurricane Deck
• True immersion being under a waterfall
• Yellow poncho and waterproof sandal are provided
• About a 30-45 minute experience going at your own pace

Best For

Visitors who like adventure and thrilling experiences. Visitors who don’t mind getting wet since this is a more “hands-on” experience where you can literally feel the crashing water against you.

So… Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Maid of the Mist if you want:

• Breathtaking panoramic views of the Niagara Falls from the water
• Bucket-list boat ride experience towards the Horseshoe Falls
• Less intense and less wet

Choose Cave of the Winds if you want:

• A thrilling and adventurous experience at Bridal Veil Falls
• Bucket-list interactive experience being up-close and soaked by a Niagara Fall
• More intense and more wet

Or better yet—do both!

The Cave of the Wind and Maid of the Mist attractions complement each other. You can get the amazing Niagara Falls views from the Maid of the Mist boat ride, and then get to interact with a powerful waterfall with Cave of the Winds.

Plus both these attractions are a short walking distance between each other, so you can easily do these two back to back on a single day!

Final Words

If you’re choosing between Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds for your Niagara Falls adventure, then you really can’t go wrong with either! They each offer unique yet unforgettable experiences where you’ll get to check off a bucket list item either way. But if you can, definitely do both and you won’t regret it! Bon Voyage!