BEST NIAGARA FALLS BOAT TOURS
When it comes to Niagara Falls tours, nothing raises the excitement level for visitors more than the boat tours.
BOOK A NIAGARA FALLS BOAT TOUR
The official start of summer is June 21st, but for us here in Niagara Falls Canada, the season begins a few weeks earlier when the boat hits the water.
Which Niagara Falls boat tours are we talking about and which side of the border has the best Niagara Falls boat tours?
Let’s take a closer look at each boat tour available in Niagara Falls and decide.
MAID OF THE MIST BOAT TOURS IN NIAGARA FALLS USA
The OG.
The Maid of The Mist is iconic.
Since 1846 when it first started as a ferry service across the Niagara River to the year 2013 when former New York State governor Andrew Cuomo helped save it from extinction all the way up to modern day where it continues to depart from the American side to take visitors for an up close look at the majestic Niagara Falls.
Where are Maid of the mist boat tours located?
The entrance to the closest park is at Prospect Street and Mayor Michael O’Laughlin Drive, Niagara Falls New York, 14303
How much does a Maid of the Mist boat tour cost?
Click here to confirm ticket pricing.
- $28.25 USD (adult)
- $16.50 USD (kids 6-12)
$0 (5 and under)
How long is the Maid of the mist boat tour?
20 minutes
Google Rating (as of July 2023):
4.8/5 (14,000+ reviews)
Boat Capacity:
300 passengers
Age restriction?
Nope!
You can take a ride on the Maid of The Mist from the American side by booking a walking tour with Niagara Falls Adventures.
HORNBLOWER BOAT TOURS IN NIAGARA FALLS CANADA
The pride and joy of Niagara Falls tourism in Ontario, the Hornblower boat tour operating in Niagara Falls Canada is the most searched for and in demand attraction available today.
It first launched in 2014, a year after the Maid of the Mist carried its last passenger from the Canadian side the previous year.
Where are the Hornblower boat tours located?
5920 Niagara Parkway. Niagara Falls Ontario, Canada.
How much do Hornblower boat tours cost?
Click here to confirm ticket pricing.
- $32.75 CDN + HST (adult)
- $22.75 CDN + HST (kids 3-12)
$0 (2 and under)
How long are Hornblower boat tours?
20 minutes
Google Rating (as of July 2023):
4.8/5 (6,400+ reviews)
Boat Capacity:
Up to 700 passengers
Age restriction?
Nope!
You can enjoy this Niagara Falls boat tour by booking one of our Niagara Falls tour packages or selecting it as one of the attractions to include in a private tour of Niagara Falls.
NIAGARA FALLS JET BOAT TOURS
Don’t forget about the jet boats!
It’s one of the all-time wildest attractions in Niagara Falls and one that shouldn’t be missed!
Where are the jet boat tours located?
In Canada: 55 River Frontage Road, Queenston Ontario.
In USA: 115 S Water Street, Lewiston New York, 14092
How much does a jet boat tour cost?
Click here to confirm ticket pricing.
In Canada (as of July 2023):
- $74.95 CDN + HST (adult)
- $44.95 CDN + HST (kids 6-12)
In USA (as of July 2023):
- $64.95 USD + HST (adult)
- $39.95 USD + HST (kids 6-12)
How long are the jet boat tours?
45 minutes
Google Rating (as of July 2023):
4.7/5 (1,100+ reviews)
Boat Capacity:
Between 48 and 62 passengers depending on which boat.
Age restriction?
Yes. Depending on which jet boat tour you choose, there are weight / height (and this age) restrictions in place. Click here to learn more.
You can buy a ticket directly from Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours.
WHICH NIAGARA FALLS BOAT TOUR IS THE BEST?
Every Niagara Falls boat tour will provide a spectacular worthwhile experience that you’re sure to love. So depending on which type of boat tour you’re looking for (cruise or jet boat) and which side of the border you’re visiting (Canada or USA), you really can’t go wrong.
However in the spirit of stepping up and answering the question, we’ll give the edge to the Hornblower Boat Cruise on the Canadian side of the border.
Why?
Mainly because we’re a bunch of homers and proud Canadians! :)
Also because Hornblower is slightly cheaper than Maid of the Mist (when factoring in conversion rate), and Hornblower has the boats with more capacity.
Walk Niagara Tours offers all-inclusive walking tours of Niagara Falls. Our tour guides lead groups 7 days a week between April and November.