Maid of the Mist

The mist boat ride usually starts in late April and goes until early November. The hours it runs can change depending on the time of year, so it's a good idea to look at the official schedule to know exactly when it’s open. Most of the time, the tour runs from mid-morning until the evening, giving you many chances throughout the day to see the falls.

To go on the mist boat tour, you can buy your Maid of the Mist tickets online or at the boarding docks near the Observation Tower. It's a good idea to purchase tickets ahead of time to skip an incredibly long line during peak tourist season. The boat tour runs from April to early November with variable Maid of the Mist hours depending on the season.

The Maid of the Mist tour takes about 20 minutes. During the trip, you’ll pass by the American Falls and get close to the Horseshoe Falls on the Niagara River. It's a short but super exciting ride that lets you see one of the world's most famous natural wonders up close.

To get to the Maid of the Mist, you need to make your way to Niagara Falls State Park in New York. If you're driving, there are signs on the highway that lead you to the national park. Once you arrive, you can park at places like the Aquarium Parking Lot. From there, you can either walk or use the free shuttle service available within the park to the Observation Tower. This is where you'll find the boarding docks for the mist boat tours.

The Maid of the Mist boat ride begins on the U.S. side of Niagara Falls, specifically at Niagara Falls State Park in New York. If you're in the USA, you don't need a passport for the ride. But, if you're coming from Canada, you'll need a passport to enter the USA.

You will get wet on the Maid of the Mist, especially if you stand on the lower deck near the front of the boat. The falls make a strong mist, kind of like standing in the rain. Even though you'll get a complimentary rain poncho, it's best to wear quicky-dry clothes and leave anything that can be damaged by water at home.