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Maid of the Mist Boat Ride
The Maid of the Mist Steamship Company is privately owned and leases the land for its Canadian operations from The Niagara Parks Commission.  The first Maid of the Mist steamboat began operation in 1846. The original coal-fired, wooden boat was later replaced by steel, diesel-powered ships that in the present day are capable of carrying 300 to 600 passengers per trip. The present Maids – there have been seven boats in total - carry hundreds of thousands of passengers each year, taking them on a spectacular, never to be forgotten trip. This world-famous attraction has been in continuous operation since 1846, making it one of North America’s oldest tourist attractions. For over 150 years, millions of visitors including royalty, state leaders and celebrities from around the world, have been captivated by this half-hour cruise.  Today's powerful diesel-engined Maid of the Mist boats will take you from the Canadian docks past the base of the American Falls, then into the basin of the magnificent Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Operating from late April/early May (weather dependent) to October 24 each year, the Maid departs every 15 minutes. Two 600-passenger boats, Maids VI and VII, are each 80-feet long and have two 350-horsepower engines that carry the vessels against the powerful current. A recyclable souvenir raincoat is provided free with admission to help keep you dry from the mist and spray. Maid of the Mist departures from the Canadian side of the Niagara River are located at the Maid of the Mist Plaza. Previously the location of the Princess Elizabeth Building , the Plaza was built in 1991 and is unique in that it is set into the gorge wall, with all buildings below ground level. The large brown stone tower, covered in split brick mosaic carvings of vines, houses four high-speed elevators that take passengers down to the docks at the river’s edge. Taking a few steps up to the top of the tower provides a wonderful panoramic view of Niagara Falls and it is a very popular location for photographers.  |
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