Ayrton Oneill
There are two main boat tours in Niagara Falls: the Maid of the Mist, based on the US side, and Niagara City Cruises (formerly Hornblower Cruises) in Canada. Both tours offer a 20-minute ride, with the former costing $28.25 for adults and $17.75 for children, and the latter costing CA$33.55 for adults and CA$23.50 for children. The Maid of the Mist has been in operation since 1846 and is now an all-electric fleet of double-decker boats, while Niagara City Cruises offers an audio commentary and complimentary ponchos.
What You'll Learn
Maid of the Mist
The Maid of the Mist is the ultimate Niagara Falls boat tour and has been in operation since 1846. The boat tour is now an all-electric fleet of double-decker boats that bring riders face-to-face with the falls. The ride is approximately 20 minutes long and operates from mid-April through early November.
The Maid of the Mist journey begins at the Observation Tower, where guests are given a souvenir rain poncho to wear and board the double-decker boat. From there, the boat ferries past the base of the American Falls and onto the basin of Horseshoe Falls. The dramatic passage leads you through the roiling waterfall whitewater and massive rock formations.
The Maid of the Mist is the perfect boat tour for groups of all sizes. Whether you're a tour operator or a group leader, you can learn more about their group rates and give your guests an unforgettable experience.
Tickets for the Maid of the Mist can be purchased online or at the ticket window. The boat tour is also included in some combination Niagara Falls tours. The price for adults starts at $28.25, while children tickets start at $17.75. Children 5 and younger ride for free.
Boat Storage Insurance: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Niagara City Cruises
If you're looking for an exhilarating and unforgettable experience at Niagara Falls, look no further than Niagara City Cruises. Formerly known as Hornblower Cruises, this official tour provider for Niagara Parks offers a 20-minute 'Voyage to the Falls' boat tour that brings you up close and personal with the majestic waterfalls. Here's everything you need to know about this top-rated visitor experience:
The Cruise Experience
Ticket Pricing and Schedule
Adult tickets for the cruise are priced at CA$33.50, while children's tickets are CA$23.50. The cruise operates throughout the day, with departures every 15 to 30 minutes. Evening tours are also available from mid-May through the first week of October, allowing you to enjoy the illuminated falls and a gentle mist experience.
Location and Accessibility
Other Attractions
In addition to the breathtaking boat tour, Niagara City Cruises offers a Falls Fireworks Cruise, providing a unique perspective of the nightly Niagara Falls Illumination light show. This 40-minute cruise departs from Niagara Falls, Canada, and offers panoramic views of the fireworks, skyline, and illuminations. Ticket prices for this experience are CA$38.50 for adults and CA$25.50 for children, plus applicable taxes.
Replacing Boat Canopy Frames: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
The 45-minute tour departs from either Queenston, Ontario, or Lewiston, New York. Tickets for adults start at CA$75.95 (about $55) or $65.95, and for children from CA$44.95 (about $33) or $39.95, depending on departure location. The tour is offered from May through October.
If you prefer not to get wet, you can take the Freedom Jet Dry Tour, which offers the same thrill as the wet tours but inside an enclosed boat.
Sailing to England: New York to England by Boat
You may want to see also
Niagara Falls Helicopter Tours
If you're looking for a bird's-eye view of Niagara Falls, a helicopter tour is an excellent option. Here is some information on the various Niagara Falls helicopter tours available:
Niagara Helicopters – Classic Tour
This tour is provided by Niagara Helicopters and offers a 12-minute flight over the Niagara River, the falls, Rainbow Bridge, and the Niagara Whirlpool. An audio commentary accompanies the flight, and on clear days, you may even spot Toronto and Lake Erie. The crew prioritises safety, and travellers appreciate the views, which they say are well worth the cost. The cost is CA$185 (approximately $135) for adults and CA$113 (around $82) for children.
National Helicopters – Niagara Grand Tour
This 20-minute helicopter tour takes you on a more extensive journey over Niagara Falls and the surrounding area. You'll get a second pass over the falls for even more spectacular views and photo opportunities. While the departure location is about 11 miles from the main tourist attractions, travellers say the extra time in the air is worthwhile. The price starts at $280, and children must be at least two years old to join the tour.
Niagara Helicopters – Night Flights: Winter Nights & Lights Experience
During the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights, Niagara Helicopters offers a unique night flightseeing tour. This is the only night flight option available, and it provides a wonderful perspective of the illuminated falls. Reservations are strongly recommended due to limited availability.
Niagara Helicopters – Wine Tour
This tour combines two of Canada's greatest treasures—Niagara Falls and its wineries. After taking in the falls from above, you'll fly over the picturesque orchards and vineyards of the Niagara Fruit Belt and Niagara-on-the-Lake. You can even add a gourmet meal or a tour and tasting to your experience after landing.
Private Tour: Niagara Falls Helicopter Flight
This private 20-minute helicopter tour is perfect for couples looking for a romantic experience. Enjoy magnificent views of the falls and sip on sparkling wine during your flight.
Several tour companies offer packages that include a helicopter ride along with other attractions. These can include boat rides, visits to Skylon Tower, and tours of the American and Canadian sides of the falls. These combination tours provide a comprehensive Niagara Falls experience and are highly recommended by travellers.
Boat Launch Access at Sand Bay Resort: What to Know
You may want to see also
Niagara Falls Zipline
If you're looking for a thrilling adventure, the Niagara Falls Zipline is an excellent choice. Here's everything you need to know about this exhilarating experience:
Location
The Niagara Falls Zipline, also known as WildPlay's MistRider Zipline to the Falls, is located on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, specifically at 5847 River Road, Niagara Falls, Canada. It is a popular attraction for those seeking an adrenaline-pumping activity with breathtaking views.
The Experience
The zipline offers a unique perspective of the falls, taking riders on four parallel ziplines that face both the American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Dangling from a height of 67 meters (220 feet), you'll soar at speeds of 70 kph (40+ mph) across the vast Niagara River gorge. The fully-guided experience combines thrill and breathtaking panoramas as you feel the force of nature on your face.
Tickets and Pricing
Tickets for the zipline can be purchased online or at the attraction. General admission tickets are available, but to save time, you can opt for the "Skip the Line" tickets, which allow you to get to the fun faster. The experience typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, including a training session and time to enjoy the views and take photos.
Season and Hours
The zipline is open year-round, but the operating hours vary depending on the season. From January 2nd to April 27th, it is typically open on Sundays to Thursdays from 11 AM to 4 PM and Fridays to Saturdays from 11 AM to 6 PM.
Reviews
Reviews for the Niagara Falls Zipline are mostly positive, with many praising the incredible views, the thrill of the ride, and the friendly staff. However, some reviewers mention long wait times, especially during peak season, and suggest booking in advance to secure your preferred time slot. Others have noted that the experience is relatively short, lasting around 45 seconds to 1.5 minutes, and that the cost may be high for the duration of the ride.
Other Information
- The zipline is suitable for all ages, from 7 to 97, and no prior ziplining experience is required.
- The weight limit for participants is 275 pounds.
- Closed-toe shoes are recommended, and loose articles should be secured before the ride.
- Cameras and cell phones are not allowed on the zipline, but action cameras with secure mounts are permitted.
Alan Jackson's Hullbilly: A Boat With a Country Twang
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You will be issued a disposable plastic poncho to wear during the tour which will keep you reasonably dry.
The average tour lasts 15-20 minutes.
In summer, wear shorts and t-shirts. A pair of beach shoes or sneakers will work fine but don't wear anything you wouldn't want to get damp. In spring and fall, dress appropriately for the local weather and just expect to get slightly damp.
Tickets are available at the ticket window near the entrance to the boat ride on both sides of the border.
