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Maid of the Mist Boat Tour

Niagara Falls State Park 332 Prospect Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
(716) 284-8897

The world-famous Maid of the Mist boat cruises right to the base of the American Falls then to the basin of the magnificent Horseshoe Falls. It’s a fantastic journey through the crashing waters, surrounded by massive rock formations that have tamed the raging rapids for millions of years. Don't miss this unforgettable 20-minute tour. The observation elevator offers a dramatic view of the falls. The deck extends out past the gorge for an unobstructed view of the Niagara River. Elevators descend to the Maid of the Mist boat dock.

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Schedule & Pricing
Border Crossing
Things to Do in Niagara Falls
Local Weather
Directions & Parking
Group Tickets
Maid History
Facts About Niagara Falls
Vessel Audio Transcript
Distinguished Visitors
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General Inquiries

Frequently Asked Questions about Maid of the Mist Boat Tours

How long does the boat tour last?

The Maid of the Mist boat tour is 20 minutes long.

What does my ticket include?

Boat tickets include a 20-minute boat tour on The Maid of the Mist providing up-close views of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls. Before boarding the boat, you will receive a free souvenir rain poncho.

Also included is admission to the observation deck which extends out over the Niagara Gorge viewing all three Falls.

Can I reserve a specific date or time?

Maid of the Mist tickets are flexible and stress free. Please simply enter the line when you arrive and board the next available boat. No need to worry over travel delays, etc. ALL passengers including online ticket holders will board on a first-come, first-served basis. Tours are scheduled to depart every 15 minutes throughout the day.

Can I purchase Maid of the Mist tickets online?

Yes , tickets can be purchased online though our website . A voucher will be sent to your email. This voucher will be valid any time during the 2024 season.

You must exchange your voucher for a boarding ticket at our ticket booth when you are ready to take the tour.

Can I purchase my ticket when I arrive?

Yes, tickets for your Maid of the Mist boat tour can be purchased at any one of our ticket booths when you are ready to take the boat tour.

How often does the Maid of the Mist boat depart?

Our tours run seven (7) days a week including Holidays.

Currently, we have two 600-passenger boats scheduled to depart every 15 minutes. Please check the website under Schedule & Pricing for the most up-to-date information.

Where is the Maid of the Mist located?

The Maid of the Mist boat tour boards from Niagara Falls, New York USA only, our boats depart from our landing at the lower gorge located in the Niagara Falls State Park at Prospect Point.

Ticket booths are found at street level located in the park next to the Observation Tower.

Where do I park?

You can park in any of the Niagara Falls State Park parking lots.

The closest parking to our ticket booths is parking lot #1. Lot #1 is found at 333 Prospect Street Niagara Falls NY 14303. This parking lot tends to fill up. If this is the case, I suggest you park on Goat Island (24 Buffalo Avenue) in lots #2 or #3. You can either walk or take the Niagara Scenic Trolley to the Observation Deck which is where you will find our ticket booths. Please visit the Niagara Falls Park website for more parking information including a map of the State Park.

Do I need a passport or other forms of identification to ride the boat?

No, Passports are not needed nor is any other form of identification required to board the boat.

You will be departing from and returning to the American side of the border.

Are there any age restrictions to ride the boat?

No, there are no age restrictions.

Can I take a wheelchair onto the boat?

Yes, Maid of the Mist facilities, including our boats, are fully ADA accessible.

Will I get wet on the tour?

Yes, even while wearing the complimentary hooded rain poncho provided, you may still get wet on the tour.

Is there an enclosed area on the boat to allow for a ride while staying dry?

No, there is not an inside section to the boat. The lower level towards the back of the boat tends to stay the driest.

There is still a high chance of getting wet. The boat takes you to the center of the Horseshoe Falls and you are surrounded on 3 sides by the Falls. We do provide a poncho with a hood.

Is there seating on the boats?

Yes, both the upper and lower decks have seating away from the perimeter of the boat.

Can I bring a stroller on board the boat?

We recommend leaving your stroller in the stroller parking provided. You can pick it up upon returning from your tour.

Can I still take The Maid of the Mist boat tour if it is raining?

Yes, our boats operate rain or shine.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout Niagara Falls State Parks.

More information you should know.

Border-Crossing Info

Maid of the Mist is located on the American side of Niagara Falls. If you’re planning on crossing the border as part of your journey, be sure to read this first.

Directions and Parking

Getting to the Maid of the Mist is easy. Learn where to park and use our online map to find directions from virtually anywhere in the U.S. or Canada.

Niagara Falls Facts

Do you know how much water flows over Niagara Falls every second? Learn all about the most powerful waterfall in North America.

Attractions and Tours
Cave of the Winds

Maid of the Mist

Hiking Trails
Illuminations
Top of the Falls Menu
Beverage Menu
Observation Tower
Schoellkopf Power Plant Ruins Site
Free Park Programming
Special Events in Niagara Falls USA
Beyond The View Walking Tour

PLEASE NOTE: Maid of the Mist tickets are available at the Maid of the Mist Ticket Plaza located at the Observation Tower.

PLEASE NOTE: The Maid of the Mist is currently closed. Our 2023 re-opening date will depend on ice conditions. Please check back again soon.

Looking for a fun way to "explore the roar?" The Maid of the Mist boat tour in Niagara Falls, NY has been described by generations of visitors as one of the highlights of their trip.

A favorite Niagara Falls State Park attraction for more than 150 years, the Maid of the Mist journey begins at the Observation Tower, where guests are given a souvenir rain poncho to wear and board the double-deck Maid of the Mist tour boat. From there, the boat ferries past the base of the American Falls, and onto the basin of Horseshoe Falls--the dramatic passage leading you through the roiling waterfall whitewater and massive rock formations. The Maid of the Mist returns guests to shore with newfound appreciation of the power and grandeur of Niagara Falls.

For more information on the Maid of the Mist, or to purchase tickets online, please visit the Maid of the Mist website .

2024 Schedule

Please Note: Schedule is subject to change without notice. Please check our website regularly for schedule changes. Spring opening date depends on ice conditions in the river.

*Last day of operation for the 2024 season is November 3, 2024

The Maid of the Mist is now closed for the season. Please check back for 2024 information!

*Please Note: rates are subject to change without notice. Please check our website regularly for rate changes.

Standard Rates

Adult: $28.25
Youth (Ages 6-12): $17.75
Ages 5 and under: Free - with accompanying adult

Tickets purchased online are valid any day we are open during the season, but reservations for a specific date or time are not accepted. All passengers, including those with online tickets, will be boarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets purchased in person at our ticket office are only valid on the day they are purchased.

Prices are in U.S. dollars and include the $1.25 per person cost of the elevator, which is necessary to reach our landing.

Method of payment - Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card at point of sale only. Personal checks are not accepted.

Ticket office closes 15 minutes before last scheduled departure.

Group Rates

All prices are for groups of 20 or more.

Adult Net Rate: $22.60 (valid for authorized travel agents and tour operators only)
Adult Group Rate: $25.50
F.I.T.: $22.60
Educational Rate: $17.00 (Grades 1-8)
Educational Rate: $17.75 (Grades 9-12)

Educational rates are valid from opening day through June 30, and September 3 through November 3. Adults will be charged the Adult Net Rate.

No group rate for children. Children 5 years of age and under ride free. Groups of children 5 years of age and under must be accompanied by one adult for every four children.

Complimentary Policy