Choosing The Right Boat For Niagara Falls

If you're looking to get up close and personal with the iconic Niagara Falls, you have two main options for boat tours: the Maid of the Mist and the Hornblower Niagara Cruises (also known as Niagara City Cruises). Both boat tours offer a similar experience, taking the same route and going close to all three waterfalls (American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls). The main difference is that the Maid of the Mist operates from the American side, while the Hornblower departs from the Canadian side. The Hornblower boats are newer, larger, and more stable, with additional amenities like bathrooms, snack bars, and flat-screen videos. They also offer a longer season, timed tickets, and night cruises with fireworks. Price-wise, the Hornblower is slightly more expensive and paid in Canadian dollars, while the Maid of the Mist is paid in US dollars. Ultimately, your choice between the two may come down to which side of the falls you're staying on and which tour has shorter wait times.

Maid of the Mist vs Hornblower

History

The biggest difference between the two boat tours is the history behind them. Maid of the Mist has been in operation since 1846, first as a ferry and later as a sightseeing boat. The company has carried many famous passengers, including Princess Diana, Prince Charles, and Mikhail Gorbachev. Hornblower, on the other hand, has only been offering cruises on the Niagara River since 2014, although the company itself has been around for over 35 years.

Location

The Maid of the Mist operates on the American side of the Falls, setting sail from the Niagara Falls State Park in New York. The Hornblower cruise operates on the Canadian side, at the foot of Clifton Hill. The deciding factor for which tour to take is often which side of the Falls visitors are staying on, as crossing the border takes time and incurs a fee.

Routes

Both vessels follow the same route, taking passengers on a 20-minute cruise up close to the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls: the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. However, only Hornblower offers extended evening cruises, including the Niagara Falls Fireworks Cruise, Falls Illumination Cruise, and Falls Fireworks Cruise. These cruises last 40 minutes and include a cash bar, light snacks, and music.

Pricing

The Hornblower cruise is slightly more expensive, costing $32.75 CAD for adults and $22.75 CAD for children. The Maid of the Mist costs $28.25 USD for adults and $16.50 USD for children. It is worth noting that the Hornblower cruise is included in Canadian attraction packages, while the Maid of the Mist is included in American packages.

Facilities

The Maid of the Mist does not have any seating, and passengers must stand for the duration of the tour. The boat is wheelchair accessible but does not allow pets on board, except for service dogs. The Hornblower cruise has seating on the lower deck, as well as enclosed viewing areas for those who wish to stay dry, and open upper decks for maximum viewing. This boat is also wheelchair accessible.

Timing

The Hornblower cruise has a slightly longer season, operating from April 1st to November 30th, while the Maid of the Mist operates from May to early November. The daytime boat tours do not need to be pre-booked, but the Hornblower evening cruises often sell out and should be booked in advance.

Ponchos

Both cruises provide guests with complimentary ponchos, although the colors differ, with blue ponchos on the Maid of the Mist and red ponchos on the Hornblower. This is unlikely to be a deciding factor for most guests!

Boat tour prices

The Hornblower and the Maid of the Mist are the two most popular boat tours at Niagara Falls. The Hornblower operates on the Canadian side, while the Maid of the Mist operates on the American side. Both tours offer similar experiences, taking the same route and going close to all three waterfalls (the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls). The Hornblower is slightly more expensive than the Maid of the Mist, but the difference is minor. The Hornblower cruise is included in Canadian attraction packages, while the Maid of the Mist is included in American packages.

The Hornblower offers a Niagara Falls Fireworks Cruise, which takes place on weekends when fireworks are scheduled. This cruise is 40 minutes long and includes a cash bar, light snacks, and music. It is more expensive than the daytime cruises and often sells out quickly, so it is recommended to book in advance.

The Maid of the Mist costs $25.25 USD for adults and $14.75 USD for children (ages 6-12) as of 2022. Children 5 and under are free with an accompanying adult. Tickets can be purchased online but are not for a specific day or time.

The Hornblower cruise costs $369.57 CAD per adult, including a helicopter ride and Skylon Tower lunch. Tickets can be purchased online or at the terminal, and you can choose a specific day but not a specific time.

Border crossing

When it comes to border crossing, there are a few things to keep in mind when deciding between the Maid of the Mist and the Hornblower Niagara Cruise at Niagara Falls. Both boat tours offer a similar experience, taking the same route and going close to all three waterfalls (the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls). The main difference is that the Maid of the Mist operates from the American side, while the Hornblower Cruise departs from the Canadian side.

If you are already on the American side, it makes sense to opt for the Maid of the Mist to avoid the time and fee involved in crossing the border. Similarly, if you are on the Canadian side, choosing the Hornblower Cruise would be more convenient. It is worth noting that the Hornblower also offers a Niagara Falls Fireworks Cruise on select evenings, which could be a romantic option to consider.

While the boat tours themselves do not require advance booking, it is recommended to purchase tickets online to save time. The lines for the boats can be long during peak season, so aiming to arrive early in the day is advised. Additionally, if you plan to do the Hornblower Night Cruise, booking in advance is essential as tickets for this popular experience sell out quickly.

Both the Maid of the Mist and the Hornblower provide guests with ponchos, as it is common to get wet during the cruise. It is important to note that electronics and other belongings may get wet, so waterproof cases or covers are recommended for items you wish to keep dry.

Hornblower's night cruise

The Hornblower Niagara Cruise is a 20-minute boat tour that takes you on a breathtaking journey to the base of Niagara Falls. The cruise operates from a location in Queen Victoria Park, a minute's walk from the base of Clifton Hill. The cruise takes you past the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls, before heading into the heart of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

The cruise offers spectacular views of the Niagara Gorge, and you will experience the thundering roar, immense power, and refreshing mist of the falls. You will be provided with a complimentary, recyclable poncho to protect you from the mist. The cruise is suitable for all ages, with children under 3 travelling for free.

The Hornblower night cruise is a magical experience, where you can enjoy the illuminated falls and a gentle mist experience. The evening cruises last 40 minutes and include a cash bar, light snacks, and music. The night cruise is more expensive than the daytime option, and tickets should be purchased in advance as they sell out quickly.

The Hornblower cruise is a slightly more expensive option than the Maid of the Mist, the other popular boat tour at Niagara Falls. However, the Hornblower boats are newer and larger, and the cruise season is slightly longer, ending on November 30th instead of early November. The main difference between the two is that the Hornblower is the boat tour on the Canadian side of the falls, while the Maid of the Mist operates from the American side.

What to expect on a boat tour

When you join a boat tour of Niagara Falls, you can expect to get up close and personal with the thundering waters of this natural wonder. The experience begins as you board one of the tour company's boats, donning the provided waterproof gear to keep you dry (or at least drier than you would be otherwise!). As you set sail towards the falls, the power and beauty of the rushing water becomes apparent.

The boat tour takes you right into the heart of the action, with the towering falls looming above. The mist from the falls will envelop you, and you'll feel the spray on your skin. It's a unique and exhilarating sensation, and one that you can only truly appreciate first-hand. The boat captains are experienced and knowledgeable, ensuring you get the best views and providing interesting facts and insights along the way.

During the tour, you'll learn about the history of the falls, the geology of the area, and the stories of those who have dared to take on the mighty waters. You'll also be treated to stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the lush, verdant cliffs and the vibrant rainbow-hued mist. It's a truly multi-sensory experience, with the roar of the falls, the fresh, crisp air, and the rocking of the boat on the water.

The boat tour is an iconic and classic way to experience Niagara Falls, and it's an adventure you won't soon forget. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feel the power of nature and appreciate the beauty of one of the world's most famous waterfalls from a truly unique perspective.

Frequently asked questions