Maid of the Mist, Niagara Falls

4 more images

Get your rain gear on and board the MAID OF THE MIST. Feel the mist of the Falls spray your face - hear the rumble of the water and sense the vast power as the boat makes its way to the base of the American Falls. The boat then heads to the basin of the Horsehoe Falls.
We have been on the Maid of the Mist so many times. Everyone who comes to visit us has to see the Falls/ It's an awesome boat trip - one that I never tire of.
From the boat is the only way to know the true beauty of one of the world's natural wonders.
In operation since 1846, Maid of the Mist has both Canadian and American boarding points.

Sure, you want to go see Niagara Falls and get a nice picture. As you look at these falls you cant help but get a sense of the incredible power behind these falls. A good way to get more up close and personal is to get a ride on the Maid of the Mist. You are equipped with ponchos and you told very strictly that your camera and all of you will get wet during the journey. Conveniently they do sell disposable cameras that are waterproof if you have an irresistible urge to have a picture of yourself taken (all wet) with the rushing falls right behind you.

Trips depart every 15 minutes and the journey takes about a half hour. Lines can be very long!

It was a LOT of fun though!

We nearly didn't bother with the Maid of the Mist as Rod didn't want to line up for it and he thought we'd seen the Falls from all angles. Luckily for him I am the "Holiday Gestapo" and made him come on with us as it was a brilliant experience to be at the bottom of the Falls. The boat nearly busts a gut trying to chug towards the Falls but the force of the water keeps pushing it away. Prepare to be soaked

1 more image

Yes, it is truly a thrilling experience when you come to Canada and try the Maid of the Mist in Niagara Falls. It is amazing! The photos I posted here will give you an idea on what to expect.

Prices and Schedules
Boarding Docks
Niagara Falls, U.S.A. / At the entrance to the Observation Tower
Niagara Falls, Canada / Maid of the Mist Landing at the bottom of Clifton Hill
Canadian and U.S. landings are accessible for physically challenged persons.

2009 Rates : Retail Rates
Canada: Adult $14.50 Child (6-12 years old) $8.90
United States; Adult $13.50 Child (6-12 years old) $7.85

Please note that the last day of operation of the Maid of the Mist for 2009 season will be on October 24, 2009. For more detailed information, visit the web I provided below.

It's like taking a shower all over again. What am I talking about? Made Of The Mist. What's that? That is the boat which will take you right underneath the falls. This way you can see the American side of the falls from very close up. I've taken all pictures personally. Did not take any pictures on the boat. My camera is not water-proof. :)

The tickets are about $10- / person and the wait is not too long. Don't get intimidated by the hundreds of people lining up. The line goes relatively fast and the boat carries many people at once. They have several boats and those leave every 10, 15 minutes. They also provide you with a vinyl coat to protect you from the splashing water.

Once the boat is up close to the main falls, you can't even breathe from the tremendous water pressure and wind it creates. Not to mention the noise. You gotta try Made of the Mist. Check the web site below for the history of this boat ride.
.
.

The Maid of Mist continues to Horseshoe Falls after passing American Falls. The tiny boat will slowly edge to the Maid of the Mist pool at the foot of the falls. The water here rushes around you, the sound of the falls is overwhelming, and the mist obscures everything. Be sure to be up on the upper deck, where the experience is a thrill of a lifetime. The Maid of the Mist takes you face to face with the falls and lets you feel their power more than any other tour/activity at the falls. Definitely not to be missed.

Do it on a sunny day... our day was warm and fabulous but with as wet as you get, it's hard to imagine doing it on a windy, chilly day. Probably wouldn't be as fun.
It's a fun boat trek into the falls....well, close to anyway. They get close enough for you to get wet from the mist (even with the provided blue raincoats) to feel the intensity, hear the thunderous roar. Riding Maid of the Mist truly is the only way to understand the power of the falls.
Boats leave the dock every 30 minutes.
maid of the mist

The Maid of the Mist has been in operation since 1846. For over 150 years now, visitors have embarked on the boats to get a close-up look of the falls. Don't be scared by the long line-ups, it goes by fairly quickly and it's totally worth the wait. Plus, tickets are only $13 for adults, which is surprising low for such a popular attraction. And don't forget that you get to keep the, well, not-so-cool blue poncho!

2 more images

The purpose of our visit was to view the Niagara Falls, both falls in fact the American Falls and the Canadian horseshoe falls.

We had viewed the falls from the land based observation decks which give an excellent view, you experience the "roar" and the spray but you generally only receive the aspect from above.

The Maid of The Mist tour takes you to the bottom of the falls, you approach from a kilometre away and as you get closer the excitement increases, the waters are getting rough, you are getting very wet and cameras are flashing as you come within 100 metres of the waterfall.

This is a memorable experience . Cost: Adult $14.50 Child (under 12) $8.50 Under 5 Free

2 more images

This is a part of the history of the falls. If you haven't done it, try it! They give you blue raincoat to protect your clothing. You can also stay inside the boat for a dryer look...hehe..

The children loved it, and would definately recommend it to families.