To beat the crowds, some visitors suggest getting to the attraction first thing in the morning (trips begin at 9 a.m.). The Maid of the Mist docks on the U.S. side of the falls; tours depart every 15 minutes.
The best time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon. If you are visiting during the winter months all attractions are open with the exception of the Boat Rides below the Falls, Whirlpool Jetboat, Whirlpool Aero Car and the White Water Walk.
Large backpacks can be difficult to fit under your poncho, so pack lightly with a small day pack. If you do not want to get as wet, find a spot on the lower deck. Allow yourself extra time to take in the views from the Observation Tower before or after your ride on Maid of the Mist.
It was an amazing experience that was very much worth the price of admission. Since we couldn't travel into Canada easily during the recent pandemic, we wanted to see Niagara Falls up close. The Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls certainly helped us to do that! These are the smiles after our ride on Maid of the Mist.
The best time to go for the Niagara Falls boat ride is early in the morning as soon as it is open. The crowds are fewer and the wait time is less. Midday to late afternoon, you might have to wait for more than an hour to board the boat. The waiting time is also less towards closing time.
Is it safe to bring your fancy camera? The answer is yes! While you do get wet, you do not get soaked. Mist is the key word here!
Will I get wet on the tour? Even while wearing the complimentary hooded rain poncho we provide you with, you may still get wet on the tour. It's part of truly experiencing Niagara Falls. Please dress accordingly.
2023 Rates
All passengers, including those with online tickets, will be boarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets purchased in person at our ticket office are only valid on the day they are purchased.
The Maid of the Mist goes alongside the American Falls before bringing you into the mist of the Horseshoe Falls. It does not go behind Niagara Falls, but the boat travels to the bedrock of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
Ideally, parking lots should be rectangular with parking on both sides of access aisles. For two-way traffic flow, parking spaces perpendicular (90 degrees) to the aisles provide the most efficient design. The efficiency decreases as the parking angle decreases.
This photo of the Anenue D'lena in Paris, France, comes from a presentation by urban planner Victor Dover. He calls it “the most beautiful parking lot in the world,” because there are six lanes of parking in the photo, providing spaces for a large number of cars. That the street is beautiful is self-evident.
Best place or direction for vehicle parking area
Vastu experts say that if the parking slot is being constructed in south, then the south west corner should be empty. It is best if the parking slot is constructed in the north or east, but parking the car facing the south are considered bad.
Niagara Falls by day is a breathtaking wonder, but by night it is spectacular. Niagara Falls at night is well-known for the illumination on the falls with coloured lights coming from the Illumination Tower, located on the roof of the Table Rock Centre.
Based on this plan of the day, you should be spending anywhere between 8 to 10 hours at Niagara Falls and surrounding area. And you will have covered all the key areas around the Falls, that we believe are worth a visit!
Six hours is a solid amount of time to take in much of what Niagara Falls has to offer. With this length of day trip, you should have enough time to try everything listed on the popular Niagara Parks Adventure Pass: a Niagara Falls boat tour, the Journey Behind the Falls, White Water Walk, and Niagara's Fury.
The short answer is yes. The Maid of the Mist tour takes you to the base of Niagara Falls. The mist from the falling water mixing with the lower river ensures that everyone gets wet! The ponchos help keep clothes dry, but feet get wet — which is why I recommend waterproof shoes!
Reservations are not necessary and tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the NY State Observation Tower within Niagara Falls State Park. After purchasing your ticket you will then take an elevator ride to our boarding docks at the river. The Maid of the Mist is accessible for physically challenged persons.
Unfortunately, you won't find a Maid of the Mist of the Canadian Side of Niagara Falls because of two reasons: firstly, Canadian side has Hornblower Niagara City Cruise, an equivalent of Maid of the Mist; and secondly, Maid of the Mist happens to be on the US side only since 2014.
The best time to visit Niagara Falls is June to August. Summer is peak season, and with good reason: Average highs rest in the low 80s. Mists and breezes from the waterfalls can make the area feel cooler.
Maid of the Mist V gives passengers the thrill of their lives. It's all steel, 72 feet long, weighs 74 tons and powered by two 335-horsepower diesel engines to safely carry 300 passengers.
Which side of Niagara Falls is better? The Canadian Side: There is no doubt that the view is better on the Canadian side. This is where you can get the iconic view of the Horseshoe Falls, as well as the best view of the American Falls from across the river.
We had our 9 month and 2 year old with us and they loved the experience. Baby wear if you can as it makes life easier, especially if you're on the top deck. Strollers can be brought on and they have stroller parking but things can get wet so be aware.
It's always free to walk into Niagara Falls State Park to see the Falls, and it's open 365 days a year! What many people are happy to discover, however, is that along with this majestic natural wonder, the Niagara Falls tours and activities that you can enjoy inside the park provide hours of added fun!
All in all, the Maid of the Mist ride is as thrilling for kids as it is for adults. Don't deprive your children of this great experience while you're here. Make sure you take all the precautions and Voila! You're safe to enjoy with kids!