Maid of the Mist is a “MUST” in Niagara Falls, from the USA side!!!
We planned for 2 nights in Buffalo to visit Niagara Falls. But we had only one full day there!
From my research, I planned to do the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds at Niagara Falls.
On the first night that we arrived I didn’t feel like there were too many tourists (Late in July). So I wasn’t worried about getting tickets in advance.
They are also offering the tickets for 5 attractions at $45 called a “Discovery Pass” but we weren’t interested in the Niagara Movie, Aquarium or the Discovery Center. So we just bought tickets at the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds.
But we planned to do both of them early (they open at 9am) since it’s a short walk from our hotel “Red Coach Inn” which is located in perfect location to do both things and make our trip so easy.
We started at Maid of the Mist, it was not long line to get the ticket. The ticket is $18 each and we needed to take the elevator from the observation tower down to lineup for boarding the cruise. They will give you the “Blue” rain poncho for free, it looks like they have 2 sizes, one for kids and one for adults.
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It was nice to start early there was no line. And even better, I was the first one (Tim was the 2nd) to get on the cruise!
So we could pick the best spot on that cruise ever!!!
We were on top and center of the bow (the lower bow didn’t have as good a view).
When the cruise started to move the tour guide (audio recording) started telling us about safety during the ride and some info about Niagara Falls.
You will see the other side has the Canadian cruise “Hornblower”, they are in “red” rain ponchos!
It was amazing every single move of the cruise, because we are getting closer and closer to the falls!
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The most excited was when we got so close, too close like we’re under the horseshoe falls. When we looked up, It looked like the water was falling directly in front of us.
And YES! We’re getting damp from the mist and wind!!!
The boat took us in (almost under) and around the falls long enough for us to take all the pictures we wanted!!!
Ref: Google Map
If you take a ride with these cruises, no matter what side you are on (Canada or USA), Niagara Falls is magnificent!
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I wish they would offer an unlimited ride ticket for Maid of The Mist, I would ride it round and round all day!
It was about 25-30 minute ride, then the cruise took us back to the dock safely.
After the cruise we walked up to the base of American Falls.
I don’t think you can still come down here if you didn’t buy a Maid of the Mist ticket.
I think it’s the best spot to see the rainbows. IT WAS AWESOME!!!
You will go back up to the observation tower. You have time as much as you want to stay up here, no time limit.
By the way, the observation tower is open for free at night.
You can keep the rain poncho, but I put them back as they provided the recycle trash can (we just worried that we would throw them away where they couldn’t manage the recycle stuff!)
So it’s worth it for just $18 each cause you get to ride the cruise, walk up to the Bridal Veil Falls and see the best view on the observation tower!
Next we will walk to get even more damp at the Cave of the Winds which is about a 10-15 minute walk from the Maid of The Mist gift shop (which is where you exit).
Visited date: 07/18/17
