The Maid of the Mist Niagara Falls is a must-do attraction whilst visiting this landmark; we share Maid of the Mist tips for your next visit.
Why visit Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls is one of our favourite places to visit in the entire world and for good reason. The falls are truly spectacular and take your breath away; no matter how many times we return. There are plenty of attractions that offer a close up view of the falls and nothing beats the world-famous Maid of the Mist; a double-decker boat that takes you from the USA side, along the Bridal Veil Falls and up close to the Horseshoe Falls.
Maid of the Mist, Niagara Falls - Travel Tips
Maid of the Mist opening times
The Maid of the Mist does not run all year round however; you can take this boat from May through to the end of October. Times vary but generally you can expect cruises to leave between 9am to 5pm on weekdays, until 6pm on weekends and until 8pm during the summer months of July and August. Check the specific opening times for your visit on the Niagara Falls Live website.
Best time to go on the Maid of the Mist
Head to the Maid of Mist at 9am to avoid the crowds; this a popular attraction, especially in the Summer months. Take the Maid of the Mist firs thing, then head over to the Cave of the Winds straight after, to avoid crowds at both attractions.
Cost of Maid of the Mist tickets
The price of Maid of the Mist tickets inflate slightly each year, with current prices being USD $25.25 per adult and $14.74 per child. There is no charge for children under 5.
You can also get the Niagara USA Discover Pass which includes the Maid of the Mist, the Cave of the Wings, the Niagara Discovery Cneter, the Aquarium of Niagara and the Niagara Adventure Theatre. Please note: this pass was not available during the 2021 season.
Other attractions near Niagara Falls
There are plenty of other attractions to experience on both the Canadian and the USA side of the falls.
USA Niagara Falls attractions:
- Cave of the Winds – This is our favourite attraction; a chance to get up close and personal with the Bridal Veil Falls. Pop on your poncho and walk under the the falls; feeling the rushing weight of the waters over you.
- Power Plant Ruins Site – Take a free elevator ride down into the Niagara Gorge, where the remains of the most powerful hydroelectric plant in the world stands. The plant collapsed into the Niagara Gorge in 1956 but visit the remains from May to October, whilst the elevator to the river is open.
- Niagara Gorge Trail & Hike Center – You can enjoy hiking, walking and cycling trails on the USA side of the falls; this will give you gorgeous nature views and a great sense of adventure.
Canada Niagara Falls attractions:
- Hornblower – Canada’s over version of the Maid of the Mist.
- Journey behind the Falls – Open all year round, this tour takes you behind the falls, viewing the falls behind portals behind the rocks that the falls crashes over. You walk through tunnels that lead you to the fall of the falls; expect to get wet!
- Niagara Parks Power Station – Look at how power was generated in the early days, using the strength of Niagara Falls.
- Niagara Falls Zipline – Fly above the falls on this Zipline; a unique way of seeing the falls from above. This is one of the most thrilling ziplines in the America’s and a must-do for thrill seekers.
You can save money and take advantage of Niagara Falls packages:
- Niagara Falls Wonder Pass (£25 CAD + tax) – Includes the Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara’s Fury (a multi sensory film) and the Butterfly Conservatory.
- Niagara Falls Wonder Pass Plus ($44 CAD tax) – Includes all of the above as well as entrance into the Niagara Parks Power Station, access to the Falls incline Railway and a collectors ticket and pin.
Other nearby attractions
Canadian side:
- Niagara Skywheel
- Skyline Tower
- Fallsview Waterpark
- Clifton Hill
- Niagara Helicopters,
- Whirlpool Aerocar
- White Water Walk
- Butterfly Conservatory
- Botanical Gardens
- Whirlpool Jetboat
- Niagara on the Lake
USA side:
- Niagara Falls Aquarium
- Old Fort Niagara
- Historic town of Lewiston
- New York State Power Authority
- Adventure Theatre
- Cave of the winds
How to visit Niagara Falls on a budget
Helpful Resources
Travel essentials:
- We LOVE this camera for our travel photography.
- For a cheap, easy and compact camera, we use this to vlog and take photographs.
- We use this travel drone (but make sure to check drone laws in your chosen destination first).
- This is our favourite travel Insurance because it covers so many activities and travel situations that could arise on longer trips but also offers year coverage.
What to pack:
- No matter where we travel to, I always take these trusty hand sanitizer’s and a mini first aid kit.
- We love these toiletry bags (especially great for smaller bathrooms) and choose a laptop bag like this as our hand luggage.
- We keep our devices charged on long travel days with these lightweight battery packs and bring these worldwide travel adaptors on all our trips.
- I still struggle not to overpack so stick to using an expandable suitcase like these, over backpack and always take my trusty luggage scales to avoid being charged at the airport.
10 Comments
I went to the Niagara Falls but unfortunately didn’t do any of these things as we were just driving through! Would love to go back and try the whole package, though! I’m sure it’d be a great experience:D Looks like you had an amazing time!
I can’t get enough!!! Those pictures are so gorgeous!! I have to plan a trip to the world-famous falls by 2020. Cheers!!
Wow this is amazing! I have seen my friends photo from visiting here, and It makes me envy to visit. Prices are not so expensive, I find it reasonable, I would visit here without hesitation.
Niagara Falls USA Discovery package is a great tip , I will surely do the same. the pictures are stunning .
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