Niagara Falls Boat Ride: Open For Adventure

is niagara falls boat ride open

There are several boat tours operating in and around Niagara Falls, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the majestic waterfalls up close. The most popular of these boat tours include the Maid of the Mist, Niagara City Cruises, and Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours. Each of these tours provides a unique perspective of the falls, allowing visitors to witness the power and beauty of the rushing waters. The Maid of the Mist, an all-electric boat tour, takes passengers past the American Falls and into the basin of Horseshoe Falls. Niagara City Cruises offers a 20-minute voyage to the falls, providing breathtaking views of the Niagara Gorge, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, culminating in an encounter with the iconic Canadian Horseshoe Falls. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours offers adrenaline-filled wet tours, where passengers can get soaked by the rapids, or dry tours, which provide the same thrill without the water. These tours are typically operational during the warmer months, with specific dates varying from year to year.

Characteristics Values
Boat Tour Name Maid of the Mist, Niagara City Cruises, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
Location Niagara Falls, NY, USA; Niagara Falls, ON, Canada; Lewiston, NY, USA; Queenston, ON, Canada
Seasonality Open from April to November; Closed for the season as of January 2025
Schedule Weekdays: 10 am-5 pm; Weekends: 9 am-6 pm; Hours may vary by date
Duration 20-minute Voyage to the Falls boat tour; 40-minute Falls Fireworks Cruise; 45-minute Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour
Price Starting from CA$33.50/US$24.25; Youth (Ages 6-12): US$19.75; Ages 5 and under: Free
Features All-electric boat; Souvenir rain poncho; Audio commentary; Night illumination; Fireworks

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The Maid of the Mist boat tour is open from April to November

The Maid of the Mist typically operates during the warmer months, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to witness the majestic beauty of Niagara Falls. The opening and closing dates may vary slightly each year, depending on factors such as weather conditions and demand. It is always a good idea to check the official website for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit.

During the off-season, from December to March, the Maid of the Mist is typically closed. However, this period allows for maintenance and preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors when the tour resumes in April. The closure also aligns with the colder months when there is generally less tourism in the area.

The spring and fall seasons offer a quieter atmosphere for those who prefer to avoid the crowds and long lines of the peak summer season. Niagara Falls itself presents a breathtaking spectacle during these seasons, with the surrounding nature transforming through different colours and moods.

The Maid of the Mist boat tour is just one of the many attractions that draw people to Niagara Falls. Other experiences include helicopter tours, the Niagara SkyWheel, walking across the Rainbow Bridge, and, of course, witnessing the beauty of the falls themselves from various viewpoints along the Niagara River Recreational Trail. Each season offers a unique perspective on the falls, making it a year-round destination worth exploring.

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The Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours are open in the summer

The Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours offer two types of experiences: the Wet Tour and the Dry Tour. The Wet Tour is an open-topped boat ride that guarantees you will get soaked by the rapids and mist of the falls. It is an exhilarating and wild ride, perfect for those seeking an adrenaline-filled adventure. The Dry Tour takes place inside an enclosed boat, allowing you to stay dry while still enjoying the thrill of the rapids. This option is ideal for those who want to capture photographs without the risk of water damage.

The Wet Tour is what Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours is famous for. Prepare to get completely drenched as you speed through the rapids and whitewater of the Niagara Gorge. The talented boat captains navigate the powerful waters with precision, ensuring a safe yet exhilarating experience. The Dry Tour, on the other hand, offers the same thrill without the soak. It is an excellent option for those who want to stay dry while still enjoying the breathtaking views and heart-pounding excitement of the rapids.

The Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours are a popular choice for tourists seeking an unforgettable summer experience at Niagara Falls. With daily departures, you can easily include this adventure in your summer itinerary. The tours offer a unique perspective of the falls, combining the thrill of speeding through rapids with the beauty of the surrounding landscape. So, if you're seeking a summer adventure, the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours are an excellent choice to consider.

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The Niagara City Cruises Voyage to the Falls boat tour is 20 minutes long

The Niagara Falls are a popular tourist destination in Niagara Falls State Park, attracting millions of visitors each year. The natural wonder straddles the border between Canada and the United States, with the Canadian side offering a plethora of boat tours for visitors to get up close and personal with the falls. One such tour is the Niagara City Cruises Voyage to the Falls, a 20-minute boat tour that promises breathtaking views and an unforgettable journey.

The Voyage to the Falls boat tour takes passengers on a thrilling journey to the base of the falls, offering spectacular sights and an immersive experience of the falls' power. The tour begins at the Lower Landing in the Great Gorge, with boarding located at the Niagara City Cruises Ticket Plaza. For just CA$33.50, passengers can marvel at the beauty of the Niagara Gorge, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, before coming face-to-face with the iconic Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

The tour provides a complimentary recyclable mist poncho to protect passengers from the mist and roar of the falls. The boat's audio commentary also educates passengers about the incredible story of the falls. For a magical twist, passengers can opt for an evening tour to witness the illuminated falls and enjoy a gentle mist experience. This tour is perfect for groups of all sizes and offers timed ticketing options for added convenience.

The Niagara City Cruises are the official supplier to Niagara Parks, providing Canada's only Niagara Falls boat tour experience. The cruises are committed to respecting their crew, guests, and the natural environment, ensuring that visitors have an enriching and sustainable experience. The Voyage to the Falls boat tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Niagara Falls, offering a unique perspective of the falls and an unforgettable adventure.

In addition to the Voyage to the Falls boat tour, Niagara Falls offers a range of other boat tours and attractions. The Maid of the Mist, an iconic boat tour, takes passengers past the American Falls and into the basin of Horseshoe Falls. Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours offer an adrenaline-filled experience, with open-topped wet jets and enclosed dry jets for those who want to stay dry. Niagara Falls truly comes alive with boat tour options, providing visitors with unforgettable memories and experiences.

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The Falls Fireworks Cruise offers views of fireworks over Niagara Falls

The Falls Fireworks Cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of Niagara Falls illuminated by a dazzling display of fireworks. This unforgettable journey promises an explosion of colour and light, set against the majestic backdrop of the falls themselves.

Niagara City Cruises, the official and only boat tour operator in Niagara Falls, Canada, offers this magical experience. The cruise sets sail from Niagara Falls, Canada, inviting passengers to embark on a 40-minute voyage that showcases the natural wonder in all its evening glory. As the boat departs, passengers are treated to panoramic views of the starry skies and illuminated skyline, creating a truly atmospheric experience.

The main attraction, of course, is the fireworks display, which lights up the night sky above the falls. This unique perspective, with the fireworks exploding over the brink of the falls, is a memorable and breathtaking sight. The cruise offers front-row seats to this spectacular show, ensuring that passengers can fully appreciate the beauty and grandeur of the falls in a whole new light.

In addition to the fireworks, passengers can also enjoy stunning views of the Niagara Gorge, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls during the cruise. As the boat approaches the iconic Canadian Horseshoe Falls, guests will feel the thundering roar and experience the refreshing mist that comes with this powerful natural wonder. A complimentary recyclable mist poncho is provided to ensure a comfortable and dry experience.

The Falls Fireworks Cruise is a perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or simply indulge in the magic of Niagara Falls. With tickets available for purchase online or on-site, this cruise promises an unforgettable evening of breathtaking views, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

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The Hornblower boat tour offers an up-close encounter with the Canadian Horseshoe Falls

The 20-minute boat tour, operated by Hornblower Niagara City Cruises, is located at 5920 Niagara Parkway in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. The cruise takes place aboard a state-of-the-art catamaran, providing breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience. A complimentary recyclable mist poncho is provided to keep you dry as you journey into the heart of the falls.

The Hornblower boat tour is typically open from April through November, with extended hours during the summer months. The boat ride lasts between 15 and 20 minutes, and tickets can be purchased at the attraction ticket window. Reservations are not necessary. Visitors can expect to spend around 40-60 minutes at this attraction, which includes the time spent on the boat tour as well as the opportunity to explore the gift shop and restrooms available on-site.

For an even more magical experience, opt for the evening tour. The evening cruise offers a gentle mist experience and the chance to see the illuminated falls. The nightly Niagara Falls Illumination light show transforms the falls into a multi-coloured masterpiece, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for visitors.

Frequently asked questions

You will be provided with a disposable plastic poncho to keep you dry. You may get slightly damp, so avoid wearing anything you wouldn't want to get wet.

The boat tour lasts around 15-20 minutes.

In summer, wear shorts and t-shirts with beach shoes or sneakers. In spring and fall, dress according to the local weather and expect to get a little damp.

Tickets are available at the ticket window near the entrance to the boat ride. In Niagara Falls, New York, the boat ride is called "The Maid of the Mist", and in Niagara Falls, Canada, it's called "Hornblower Niagara City Cruises".

For "The Maid of the Mist" in New York, paid parking is available in a lot within a five-minute walk from the ticket window. For "Hornblower Niagara" in Canada, you must park in one of the Niagara Parks paid parking lots and take a shuttle bus to Queen Victoria Park.

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