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Maid of the Mist, Niagara Falls, NY

Photo: Bona1858, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

ToursIconicFamily FavoriteOutdoor Adventure

Maid of the Mist

Observation Tower, Niagara Falls State Park · Niagara Falls, NY

Why you should go…

Sightseeing boats have run at the foot of Niagara Falls since 1846. You board from the Observation Tower in Niagara Falls State Park, pick up a souvenir rain poncho, and step onto a double-deck boat. The route passes the base of the American Falls and continues into the basin of Horseshoe Falls. The two current vessels, James V. Glynn and Nikola Tesla, were introduced in 2020 and run on battery-powered electric motors.

  • #boat tour
  • #niagara falls
  • #waterfall
  • #state park

Good to know

General tours guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Confirm the meeting point

    It is often a corner, a lobby, or a dock rather than the address you searched for. Check it the night before.

  • Small groups fill first

    In high season the intimate departures sell out well before the big-bus options do.

  • Ask how much is on foot

    Knowing how much of the route is walking, standing, or outdoors tells you what to wear and carry.

  • Read the weather policy

    Cancellation windows and rain rules vary by operator, and they are easier to find before you pay than after.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Maid of the Mist, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Niagara Falls, NY

    Free

    The American side of Niagara Falls, with Niagara Falls State Park's overlooks, mist boats, and gorge trails.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Attractions
    Bucket List

    WildPlay's Zipline to the Falls

    $50+

    Fly 2,200 feet along the gorge rim, past the American Falls to a landing deck facing the base of Horseshoe Falls.

    0.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    Cave of the Winds

    Under $25

    Ride an elevator 175 feet into the gorge, then climb wooden walkways to the Hurricane Deck, 20 feet from the crash of Bridal Veil Falls.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Niagara City Cruises

    $25–$50

    Sail into the roaring heart of Horseshoe Falls on Canada's iconic falls boat tour, ponchos on, cameras ready.

    0.3 mi awayMore like this

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Rainbow Air

    $50+

    Helicopter sightseeing flights over Niagara Falls from the US side, in Airbus H130 aircraft.

    1.4 mi awayMore like this

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Niagara Helicopters

    $50+

    A 12-minute flightseeing loop over both falls, the whirlpool and wine country, Niagara from above.

    2.2 mi awayMore like this