NIAGARA FALLS BOAT TOURS
With Niagara Falls being named the worlds most beloved landmark this makes the best Niagara Falls boat tour an even bigger star when it comes to Niagara Falls tours.
BOOK A NIAGARA FALLS TOUR FEATURING THE BOAT
WHAT IS THE NIAGARA FALLS BOAT TOUR?
First, let’s make sure which Niagara Falls boat tour we’re discussing here.
An exciting Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour is something we also recommend trying out and the iconic Maid of the Mist is a wonderful American side boat tour option, but today we’re referring to the #1 attraction and top experience in Niagara Falls Canada, Niagara City Cruises’ Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour.
Simply put, it’s a 20 minute boat ride offering the ultimate view of the natural wonder of the world that you will never forget.
Climb aboard the Hornblower boat at 5920 Niagara Parkway, throw on a complimentary souvenir poncho, get stunning views of the Niagara Gorge, the American Falls and Bridal Falls before enjoying a thrilling encounter with the legendary Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
Have your cameras ready!
According to the likes of LiveTheNorth.com it’s “absolutely” worth the costs and wait, and when you book a tour of Niagara Falls with us, the costs are included and the wait is shorter!
HOW MUCH DO NIAGARA FALLS BOAT TOURS COST?
A boat tour of Niagara Falls is included within the all-inclusive price of both our Niagara Falls tour packages.
The cost of individual tickets purchased directly from Niagara City Cruises vary for adults, children, time of year and can also be different for those using a special discount or coupon offer. Check their website for current pricing.
HOW LONG IS THE NIAGARA FALLS BOAT TOUR?
The boat ride itself is 20 minutes long.
If you are doing this attraction on your own we recommend factoring in a potential wait before boarding, especially if you go in the afternoon during the summer season. If you book our walking tour online you will not have to wait in line. Free cancellation.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO ON A NIAGARA FALLS BOAT TOUR
Boat tours do not operate all year round.
While the start and end dates of each season vary depending on how much ice has formed along the Niagara River, they usually begin operating in May and stay opened well into November each year.
During the season, it’s best to go early in the day to avoid the longer lines they often form later in the day. You can check their website for current hours including when you can purchase a ticket for the night time fireworks cruise!
If you’re not a fan of crowds, you’ll also want to try and visit on a weekday. Weekends and holidays in Niagara Falls are some of the busiest times of the year.
If you’re able to, visiting early in the season (e.g. May) or later in the season (e.g October and November) when school is in session could mean shorter lines and waits as well.
After all, Niagara Falls boat tours are just as beautiful in autumn.
HISTORY OF NIGARA FALLS BOAT TOURS
There’s really not much more we can add here that hasn’t been covered in this article published by Clifton Hill.
Wikipedia. Maid of the Mist I, published c. 1901
So let’s skip right to the key pieces of information you’re likely most interested in:
- 1846 - The first Maid of the Mist was launched as a ferry service across the Niagara River..
- July 14th, 1854 - A larger, 72 foot version of the Maid of the Mist boat is launched, this time offering tours rather than only a ferry service.
- July 9th, 1960 - Maid of the Mist II helped save the life of 7 year old Roger Woodward who was the first person to survive going over the Horseshoe Falls in only a life jacket.
- October 26th, 2013 - After receiving support from the Governor of New York State to continue operating on the American side, Maid of the Mist completes its final tour of the Canadian side.
- May 14th, 2014 - After signing a multi-million dollar deal with Niagara Parks, the Hornblower boat sets sail with its first official boat tour of the Canadian side.
Whether you’re into the history of Niagara Falls, it’s incredible sights and thrills or a little of both, there’s no hiding the fact that our walking tours of Niagara Falls featuring the boat ride offers plenty of both.
Walk Niagara Tours offers all-inclusive walking tours of Niagara Falls. Our tour guides lead groups 7 days a week between April and November.