Want an exciting way to get up close to the mighty roar of Niagara Falls? The Maid of the Mist boat tour in Niagara Falls, NY is a must-do experience that visitors world-wide have called a highlight of their trip.
This iconic attraction, running for over 150 years, starts at the Observation Tower, where guests receive a keepsake rain poncho before boarding the double-deck tour boat. The ride takes you past the base of the American Falls and into the misty basin of Horseshoe Falls, where you’re surrounded by churning waters and towering rock formations. The journey ends back on shore, leaving visitors with an unforgettable sense of awe at the sheer power and beauty of the falls.
For more information on the Maid of the Mist, or to purchase tickets online, please visit the Maid of the Mist website.
2025 Schedule
Note: Schedule is subject to change without notice. Spring opening date depends on ice conditions in the river.
| Dates | Times |
| May 1 – May 18 | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Weekdays) 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Weekends) |
| May 19 – May 23 | 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| May 24 – May 26 (Memorial Day Weekend) | 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Saturday) 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Sunday) 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Monday) |
| May 27 – June 20 | 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Sunday-Friday) 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Saturday) |
| June 21 – August 5 | 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM |
| August 6 – August 25 | 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM |
| August 26 – August 31 | 9:00 AM to 7:15 PM |
| September 1 (Labor Day) | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| September 2 – September 28 | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Weekdays) 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Weekends) |
| September 29 – October 26 | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| October 27 – November 2 | 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
*Last day of operation for the 2025 season is November 2, 2025.
2025 Rates
*Note: rates are subject to change without notice.
Standard Rates
- Adult: $30.25
- Youth (Ages 6-12): $19.75
- Ages 5 and under: Free – with accompanying adult
Tickets purchased online are valid any day they are open during the season. Reservations for a specific date or time are not accepted. Tickets purchased in person at the ticket office are only valid on the day they are purchased. All passengers, including those with online tickets, will be boarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Prices are in U.S. dollars and include the $1.25 per person cost of the elevator, which is necessary to reach the landing.
Method of payment – Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express at point of sale only. Personal checks are not accepted.
Ticket office closes 15 minutes before last scheduled departure.
Group Rates
All prices are for groups of 20 or more.
- Adult Net Rate: $24.25 (valid for authorized travel agents and tour operators only)
- Adult Group Rate: $27.25
- F.I.T.: $24.25
- Educational Rate: $18.00 (Grades 1-8)
- Educational Rate: $19.75 (Grades 9-12)
Educational rates are valid from opening day through June 30, and September 2 through November 2. Adults will be charged the Adult Net Rate.
No group rate for children. Children 5 years of age and under ride free. Groups of children 5 years of age and under must be accompanied by one adult for every four children.
Unfortunately due to program changes, Connect Kids does not cover the attractions at Niagara Falls State Park. For additional assistance, please contact the Connect Kids program at https://parks.ny.gov/environment/connect-kids/grant-program.aspx.
Complimentary Policy
Adult Groups: One complimentary ticket per 20 adults
Educational Groups: One complimentary chaperone per 15 students
maid of mist overview
The Maid of the Mist is one of the most iconic attractions at Niagara Falls. This boat tour takes visitors on an unforgettable journey close to the base of the American Falls and into the basin of the Horseshoe Falls. The experience allows you to feel the power and mist of the falls up close.
Tours operate from both the U.S. and Canadian sides of the Niagara River, but the U.S. side is particularly popular. Visitors are provided with rain ponchos to stay dry as the boat navigates the turbulent waters and misty spray.
Visitor Experience
Embarking on the Maid of the Mist tour is a thrilling adventure. The journey begins with an elevator ride down to the dock, where you board the boat. As the boat sets off, it travels past the American Falls, giving you a stunning view of the cascading water. The highlight of the trip is the approach to the Horseshoe Falls, where the boat enters the dense mist and you can feel the raw power of the falls. The sound of the roaring water and the sight of the thundering falls from such a close distance create a memorable experience.
History of Maid of the mist
The Maid of the Mist has a long and storied history dating back to 1846, making it one of North America’s oldest tourist attractions. The first Maid of the Mist boat was a steamboat intended to provide transportation across the Niagara River. However, with the completion of a suspension bridge over the river, the boat service transformed into a sightseeing excursion. The early boats were steam-powered, but in 1955, they were replaced by diesel-powered vessels.
Significant renovations and upgrades have taken place over the years to improve safety and enhance the visitor experience. In 2019, the Maid of the Mist introduced two new electric-powered boats, making them the first zero-emission vessels of their kind in the United States. These new boats provide a quieter and more environmentally friendly tour while maintaining the tradition of bringing visitors close to the majestic falls.
stories Involving maid of the mist
Annie Edson Taylor’s Daredevil Feat: On October 24, 1901, Annie Edson Taylor, a 63-year-old schoolteacher, became the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel and survive. After her daring plunge over the Horseshoe Falls, she was rescued by the Maid of the Mist. Taylor’s stunt brought her brief fame, and she often spoke about her experience to tourists visiting the falls.
James Francis’ Heroic Rescue: On July 9, 1960, a seven-year-old boy named Roger Woodward was swept over the Horseshoe Falls after a boating accident. Miraculously, he survived the fall and was found by the Maid of the Mist crew. James Francis, a deckhand on the boat, noticed Roger in the water and threw him a life ring, saving his life. This incredible rescue story is one of the many dramatic moments in the history of the Maid of the Mist.
The Filming of “Superman II”: In 1979, scenes for the movie “Superman II” were filmed at Niagara Falls, and the Maid of the Mist played a role in the film. The boat tour provided the backdrop for several scenes, including the iconic moment when Superman saves a boy who falls into the water. The movie brought even more attention to the already famous attraction.
Distances to Downtown Niagara Falls Hotels
Here are the distances from the Maid of the Mist dock to various hotels in downtown Niagara Falls, NY:
- Passport Inn Niagara Falls: 0.7 miles (1.1 km)
- Wyndham Garden at Niagara Falls: 0.6 miles (1.0 km)
- Hyatt Place Niagara Falls: 0.5 miles (0.8 km)
- Red Coach Inn: 0.4 miles (0.7 km)
- Holiday Inn Niagara Falls-Scenic Downtown, an IHG Hotel: 0.5 miles (0.8 km)
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York: 0.6 miles (1.0 km)
- Courtyard by Marriott Niagara Falls, USA: 0.6 miles (1.0 km)
- Fairfield by Marriott Niagara Falls: 0.7 miles (1.1 km)
- Hampton Inn Niagara Falls: 0.6 miles (1.0 km)
- Cambria Hotel Niagara Falls: 0.8 miles (1.3 km)
- voco – The Cadence, an IHG Hotel: 0.6 miles (1.0 km)
- The Giacomo, Ascend Hotel Collection: 0.4 miles (0.7 km)
- Seneca Niagara Resort :0.5 miles (0.8 km)
- Sheraton Niagara Falls: 0.5 miles (0.8 km)
conclusion
The Maid of the Mist is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Niagara Falls. Its rich history and the thrilling experience of getting close to the powerful falls make it an unforgettable adventure. With modern, environmentally friendly boats, the tour continues to offer a unique and immersive way to experience one of the natural wonders of the world. Conveniently located near many downtown Niagara Falls hotels, the Maid of the Mist is easily accessible, ensuring that visitors can enjoy this iconic boat tour without hassle.