Is the Maid of the Mist boat ride worth your time in Niagara Falls? Here’s what my experience was like and I hope this review helps you decide to carve out a bit of time to ride the iconic Maid of the Mist.
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Intro
The Maid of the Mist is a historic boat tour that takes visitors right into the base of the Horseshoe Falls (the largest of the three Niagara Falls). It departs from the U.S. side of the Niagara Falls and is about a 20 minute adventure that offers fun, excitement, and heart-pounding moments! If you’re in Niagara Falls and wondering whether riding the Maid of the Mist is worth it, then this review goes over my experience so you can determine for yourself.
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Maid of the Mist Tickets
To pre-purchase Maid of the Mist tickets online, click here. Purchasing online does not let you reserve for a specific day or time, but the tickets can be used any day the Maid of the Mist is open.
Alternatively, you can purchase tickets at their ticket office on the day-of visit but it will only be valid for that day. Purchasing day-of does not guarantee that you’ll get to go on the boat that day, so it’s best to do this activity as early as possible.
My Experience on the Maid of the Mist
Finding the Entrance
To get to the Maid of the Mist dock, you actually have to go to the Observation Tower, where the elevator to get to the Maid of the Mist dock is located. The Observation Tower platform extends a bit farther out than the Niagara Gorge, providing amazing panoramic views of all three falls. I returned here after the boat ride too take some photos.
When I visited, there was a winding line, guided by rails, to get onto the elevator.
On the Dock
Once on the Maid of the Mist dock, the line continues towards the dock. Additionally, once at the bottom, you can also climb a series of stairs to Crows Nest where you can get up close to the American Falls. It’s best to check this out after the boat ride though!
Before boarding, you’ll also receive a free poncho that you can put over your clothes if you prefer to stay dry.
Boarding the Boat
Getting on the boat is on a first come, first serve basis, and a boat comes around about every 15 minutes. Even though the boats can hold a large capacity, the wait times can range from 15 to 60 minutes. However, if you come here early the wait times are much shorter, about 15-20 minutes!
From the moment I got in line on the observation tower to take the elevator down, to the point of boarding the boat, I had waited a total of 30 minutes. Even with the hoard of blue people, the wait didn’t seem too bad to me.
Line to board the Maid of the Mist boat • photo by Jeanie A
The Maid of the Mist Boat
The boat has an upper and a lower deck and you can move between them during the journey. The bottom deck will get less wet since the deck above will help block the water. The upper deck is where you want to be if you want to experience the action! When the boat gets close to the Horseshoe Falls (the largest of the Niagara Falls), you’ll get the wettest here and you’ll feel and hear the sheer powerof the Niagara River thundering down.
The Iconic Boat Ride to the Horseshoe Falls
On the ride we first pass by the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. We noticed a trail full of poncho’d people interestingly near the bottom of these falls. This experience is Cave of the Winds, another popular and fun Niagara Falls activity to do in the area!
Then as we approached the Horseshoe Falls, we felt the excitement grow. The falls were getting bigger, we were getting wetter, and the thundering water got even louder. Everyone was preparing to get drenched in their blue ponchos.
And then -bam! We were in the thick of it. The boat got close to the base of the falls where we could hardly see anything but white water misting all of it, and we couldn’t hear anything but loud crashing water and the screams of fellow boat-riders,
The power of the falls are incredible and overwhelming in a fun and exciting way! It’s one thing to see the Horseshoe Falls from an observation deck or lookout point, but actually being in the trajectory of the thundering falling water is a whole other experience. The boat ride was so much fun and such an iconic thing to do in Niagara Falls, that I think it’s worth it!
Passing the American and Bridal Veil Falls and into the Horseshoe Falls • photos by Jeanie A
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Final Words: Worth It!
If you’re visiting Niagara Falls, don’t skip experiencing Maid of the Mist! It’s one of the best way to appreciate the sheet power and beauty of the Niagara Falls. I hope this Maid of the Mist review encourages you to carve out some time and go on an unforgettable Niagara adventure. Bon Voyage!
Have you been on the Maid of the Mist?
What was your experience like – Let me know in the comments below!
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