Maid of the Mist, Niagara Falls

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We were very surprised by the little time it took to get on the MAID OF THE MIST boat. It was August and as you can imagine, it was really crowded. The line was very long so one would think that it would take us hours to board the boat. However, we were pleased to see that the Canadians are so well-organised that it is really not irritating to walk the line and wait. It was an amazing experience! Getting so close to the Falls was fantastic! Despite the potcho, you get wet if you try to take pictures!
It was an unforgetable sight and I would highly recommend doing the Maid of the Mist boat trip.

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It was a pleasant surprise the short lines to enter the boat "Maid of the Mist" that approaches the fall. In our way I understood why: there are at least 3 boats with the same name, switching positions in the short trip, making it almost continuous.

It really allows us to feel the power of the waters, but it's a big and safe boat, without the sensations felt in Iguacu.

If you are only going to do one thing that is Falls related while in Niagara Falls, this would be it. You can take the Maid of the Mist from either the US side or the Canadian side, the lines actually looked to be about the same if not a few more people on the American side. The ride is virtually the same from either side so no need to do it twice.

We got to the Maid of the Mist at around 9:30am on Saturday morning and walked right onto a boat, waits later in the day didn't seem to be too much longer although you might have to wait for 15-20 minutes.

We stood at the bow of the boat which seemed to be the best spot for a view of the Falls, they get you up close and personal with the Horseshoe Falls, you will get wet which is why they give you that attractive blue plastic garbage bag to put over you.

Maid of the Mist is part of the Adventure Pass which was $39.95CA for 4 attractions.

If you are going to Niagara Falls to SEE Niagara Falls, then you are set the moment you get there. But to be in it and to feel it is altogether a different slice of pie. As a young child, there was no better moment than putting on a big, black poncho and feeing the humid wind turn into misty droplets of water as we sailed closer and closer to The Falls. I went back to Niagara Falls for a field trip in grade school and as I remember the one thing that changed was the poncho: from heavy and black to a lightweight and transparent blue. In a matter of 10 years, the Maid of the Mist brought me just as much joy as when I was 3. I think this is one of those things to do that literally is "family fun for all ages." :D

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One of the favourite ways to experience Niagara Falls would be to take the Maid of the Mist. This enables visitors to get closer to the falls, and enjoy getting sprayed. On the day that I went it was raining, so we actually got pretty soaked! I also read about helicopter rides which would offer a bird's-eye view, but didn't get to do it this time round, which's a pity.
Adult fare for the Maid of the Mist is 14.5 CAD, with discounts for kids and groups, and free for kids below 5 years old who're accompanied by parents.
Note that the Maid of the Mist doesn't run year-round, Check with their official website for the schedule.

If you are planning to visit Niagara falls....you must take 'Maid of the mist' boat ride. It is MUST! What an experience....my god, when you stand exactly under that majestic waterfall....it feels, the whole world becomes stand still...speechless!....I guess, one should just experience it once in a lifetime!

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Great fun!

$14.50 Adults (13+ years), $8.90 Children (6 to 12 years). Children 5 and under are FREE!

Operating from late April/early May (weather dependent) to October 24 each year, the Maid departs every 15 minutes.

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If like us you do not have a canadian visa then this is the best look you will get of the falls- both American & Horseshoe as otherwise you will never get a frontal view of the falls. So for a little under $24 you get to ride on this boat right to the heart of the falls. Get ready for a complete shower despite the rain sheets they give you as complimentary and also brace yourself to the fact that while you see these wonderful falls you will not get a photo as there's just too much 'mist'- spray from the force of the falls!
Once you pay up they take you down to the deck in an elevator, the boat can take on board 300 people so just remember to take a place on the lower deck (less water and equally good sites) to the left in the front of the boat. It gives you the best views!