Maid of the Mist Boat Trip @ Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls (USA) . 2011 . Sep 27 - 30

The Maid of the Mist is actually a tour of the Niagara Falls by boat and is North America’s oldest tourist attraction.  One of the best way to really experience the power and breathtaking beauty of the Niagara Falls is to take the Maid of the Mist cruise, which brings you right to the crashing waters beneath the Falls.

Every passenger is given a blue poncho to protect them from the spraying waters, however, despite this, few will disembark in a dry state.

Boarding point for the Maid of the Mist from the US side.

We had the luxury of taking the Maid of the Mist cruise from both the US and the Canadian side.

Truth be told, if you want a good view of the Falls, try to do the cruise from the US side, as it is less popular and consequently there are fewer people on board.  

Boarding from the US side, we managed to snag a place right at the front of the deck which gives us an unobstructed view of the Falls and allows us to be at the closest point when the boat approaches the Horseshoe Falls.

The fantastic adventure begins!  The Maid of the Mist cruise will first bring you closer to the base of the American Falls where you have a close-up look at tons of water smashing into the unbelievably massive rock structures at the base.

Tip: From the US boarding point, position yourself at the left of the boat for a good photo opportunity.  

The Bridal Veil Falls, separated from the American Falls by Luna Island and the Cave of the Winds Boardwalk.

The cruise then brings you right to the basin of the Horseshoe Falls.

Stand at the tip of the deck and immerse yourself in the power and majesty of the Horseshoe Falls.  Feel the intense spray of water in your face, the thunderous roar of falling water, the choppy and foamy waters beneath and the screen of white waters all around you.  It’s a sensational that is so indescribable, photos and videos does not do it justice.

Tip: At this point, the spray of water is so intense, cameras and other electronic devices may get wet.  It is best to keep them or invest in a water-proof pouch for protection.

Check out this awesome video below that we took on board!

Part of the Horseshoe Falls and the choppy waters beneath, caused by the sheer force of water smashing into the basin below.  The cruise stops at the middle of the crescent shaped Horseshoe Falls for a minute or two for its passengers to take in the scene, before making a U-turn back to the boarding point, passing the Bridal Veil Falls and American Falls in the process.

 Seagulls scavenging for food in the waters.

Trips on the Maid of the Mist last approximately 30 mins and are scheduled through April to 24 October.   Passengers can board either from the US side or Canadian side.  There is no difference in the cruise route for both sides.  Schedules and boat timings may change every year due to weather conditions. 

Check out the Maid of the Mist website for more details:  http://maidofthemist.com/en/

For passengers who boarded from the US side, they can proceed to Crow’s Nest for a closer view of the American Falls upon disembarkation.

Read these too!

• Aquarium of Niagara
• Crow's Nest
• Goat Island
• Luna Island
• Cave of the Winds
• Prospect Point and Observation Tower
• Three Sisters Island
• Niagara Falls State Park

Check out the Hotel we stayed

• Hotel Review – Comfort Inn The Pointe

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