Boat Tours in Niagara Falls, New York

A boat tour in Niagara Falls is an experience you’ll find on many people’s bucket lists. Once you step aboard, you’ll understand why. These boat tours offer visitors the unforgettable chance to get up close to the thundering water, with the iconic blue raincoat keeping water at bay.

The falls are one of America’s most popular attractions, ranking up there with the Grand Canyon and Old Faithful, attracting millions of visitors per year. As such, you might expect to find a litany of boat tours catering to the thrumming masses, but thankfully, the mantra is quality over quantity — with only a select couple of tour companies able to operate boat tours.

While this may help to stem the tide and pitfalls of mass tourism, it does lead to higher demand for the available boat tours. But don't worry, we’ll help you find the best option so you can book your spot before they sell out.

Here's all you need to know about boat tours, one of the most invigorating outdoor activities in Niagara Falls.

What are the most popular boat tours in Niagara Falls, New York?

There are only three boat tours available in Niagara Falls — with one option available stateside, another one available on the Canadian side and a final one available for those visitors who are seeking a more adventurous sightseeing tour of Niagara Falls.

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour

The Maid of the Mist boat tour is arguably one of the most famous boat tours in the world, and it’s featured in numerous movies — as well as the iconic The Office scene where Jim and Pam get married. It’s known for its blue raincoats and the sight of drenched, but happy, participants making their way back to shore.

These American side tours of Niagara Falls and can be visited as part of a self-guided tour or tour group. A do-it-yourself boat tour in Niagara Falls is great if you want to save money and explore the falls at your own pace. However, you’ll have to deal with the logistics of traveling to the falls and queueing for your tickets.

If you are keen to avoid this, you should consider a day trip that incorporates the Maid of the Mist boat tour. During these expeditions, you won't have to worry about finer details, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the cascading mist from the thundering falls.

Apart from having a qualified guide at your side, these excursions also typically feature several other activities, such as walking tours and even helicopter flights.

The Maid of the Mist boat tour doesn’t operate during the winter months, and the last day that the tour is available is 5 November. The boat tour kicks back into gear on 15 April of each year, a great way to usher in spring.

Hornblower Boat Tour

The Niagara Falls Hornblower boat ride might not be as famous as its US cousin, but the Canadian side tour still packs a punch. The boat tour visits the same waterfalls, with the only real difference being the red ponchos instead of blue. That, and the fact that they’ll probably refer to the Horseshoe Falls as the Canadian Falls.

The starting point for this boat tour is on the Canadian side of the falls, but there are numerous tours that offer cross-border pickup. If you choose one of these, be sure to remember your passport. Similar to the US Niagara Falls boat tour, the Hornblower boat tour can be enjoyed as its own activity, or as part of a larger day trip.

During the latter, you’ll be accompanied by an expert guide, and they’ll tell you all there is to know about the falls — while also visiting other nearby attractions like the Skylon Tower and Niagara Falls power station.

The Hornblower boat tour comes in two exciting options. The first will see you don your recyclable raincoat and head out into the mists of the falls. The second waits until nightfall, venturing out onto the dark waters moment before they are lit up by fireworks — providing a truly unforgettable scene. The second option is seasonal, so be sure to purchase your tickets in advance.

As is the case with the Maid of the Mist boat tour, the activity will be closed from 5 November until  15 April. During this period there will be alternative activities available, so the falls are still worth a visit, especially because there will be fewer other visitors.

Niagara River Jet Boat Tour

Variety is said to be the spice of life, a sentiment that this high-octane Niagara Falls boat tour aims to take advantage of. While the other Niagara Falls boat tours are essentially sightseeing trips, the jet boat tour is a different beast entirely that sets out to conquer the whitewater rapids of the Niagara River.

Your vessel for this unforgettable thrill ride is a state-of-the-art highspeed boat and you can choose from two options — a boat with a roof over your head, or one without, allowing you to truly experience the force of the river. Be sure to bring a change of clothes as you’ll get drenched as the jet boat plunges through the rapids.

A Niagara Falls jet boat tour is only available during the summer months to take advantage of the seasonally warm water and weather — operating from June to the first week of September. Consider booking online and ahead of time as the tour only leaves once per day and spots tend to sell out quickly.

How much do boat tours in Niagara Falls, New York cost?

Stateside tickets to the Maid of the Mist Niagara Falls boat tour cost US$28 for adults, aged 13 years and older, and US$16 for children aged 6 to 12. Children aged 5 and younger are free of charge. Ensure that you have the required travel documents if you are making your way from Canada.

If you want to make a day of it, you should opt for a full-day trip to Niagara Falls with a boat tour. Prices for these boat tour combos range from US$50 to US$400 per person, depending on the other activities included.

The Canadian side Hornblower boat tours will cost US$24 for adults aged 13 and older, and US$17 for children aged 3 to 12. Infants aged 2 years and younger may join the boat tour for free. Make sure that you remember your passport when traveling from the US.

Combination day trips to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls that incorporate a boat tour are ideal if you want to spend the day. These Niagara Falls boat tour packages usually cost between US$50 and US$150 and include a visit to the Skylon Tower.

A Niagara River jet boat tour will coast US$65 for an adult, aged 13 and older, and US$40 for a child. Children younger than 6 are not able to participate in the activity, due to height and safety restrictions.

Which places are seen?

Niagara Falls

The awe-inspiring sight of Niagara Falls attracts over 20 million tourists each year. The falls are made of three separate waterfalls — the Horseshoe Falls (also referred to as the Canadian Falls), the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls.

Visitors to this natural wonder can enjoy a walking tour to the many viewing points, while listening to tales of daredevils and thrill seekers, as well as venture out on a boat to feel the mist of the cascading waters against their skin.

Niagara Falls Power Station

On the Canadian side of the falls, you’ll find the Niagara Falls Power Station, a 115-year-old feat of engineering. The power station is still in operation, although its capacity has been scaled back a bit — allowing visitors to glean a fascinating glimpse into the world of hydroelectric power.

A tour of the premises includes access to the gloomy subterranean tunnels — one of which slithers its way for over 600 meters, eventually spilling out into an unforgettable view of the Horseshoe Falls.

Skylon Tower

Towering of the falls, the Skylon Tower can be admired as part of a boat tour.

The Skylon Tower offers one of the best views of Niagara Falls, with the building jutting an impressive 160 meters into the air, and some boat tours include a trip to the top as part of the day's excursion.

You’ll enjoy a 50-second elevator ride, offering a clear view as you ascend the heights. Once at the top, you’ll be privy to a view that stretches for 80 kilometers on a clear day — peering far into New York state or the pastoral haven of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Cave of the Winds

The Cave of the Winds got its name because of the gusts of displaced air from the Bridal Veil Falls being pushed through the cave. Unfortunately, a massive rockfall destroyed the cave in 1954, making it too dangerous to be used.

Shortly after the demise of the cave, a viewing platform bearing the same name was constructed near the original site. The platform is reached by an elevator, and travelers will be happy to know that the site is still very windy.

How long does a boat trip last?

The duration of a Niagara Falls boat tour largely depends on the tour in question.

The stateside Maid of the Mist boat tour lasts for 20 minutes, and there will be a tour leaving every 30 minutes. The Hornblower boat tour on the Canadian side will last for 25 minutes and a new tour will leave every half hour. The Niagara River jet boat tour will keep your adrenaline pumping for 45 minutes, providing an unforgettable time spent battling the rapids.

Day trips to Niagara Falls that include a boat tour may last anything from 2 to 6 hours — while cross-border expeditions with a boat tour can last for up to 10 hours.

Where do boat tours leave from?

The Maid of the Mist boat tour on the American side of Niagara Falls leaves from the platform at the bottom of the falls. To reach it, you’ll need to use an elevator that charges US$1.25 per person.

Canadian-side Hornblower boat tours depart from Niagara Falls Ontario, near Queen Victoria Park. The Niagara River jet boat tour leaves from Lewiston, New York, near the Freedom Crossing Monument.

Some Niagara Falls day trips and boat tour combos will include a pickup and drop-off service, making them super convenient.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Some of the boat tours in Niagara Falls are able to accommodate travelers with impaired mobility — and wheelchair users can make use of both the Maid of the Mist and the Hornblower boat tour. The viewing platforms on both sides of the falls are also wheelchair friendly.

When is the best time for a boat tour in Niagara Falls, New York?

The best time for a boat tour at Niagara Falls is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is pleasant and all attractions are open​​.

The boat tours operate from May through October, which is considered the prime time for experiencing the Falls up close​​. For the optimal experience, it's recommended to go for the boat ride early in the morning, right when the tours start at around 8:30 to 9 AM, to avoid crowds and to enjoy the calmness of the falls.

Additionally, taking an evening cruise can provide a unique experience as the lights play off the falls, offering a different perspective compared to daytime tours

Travel tips

• Book your Niagara Falls boat tour in advance to avoid long lines and potential sell-outs​.
• Have all necessary documentation like a passport, and possibly a visa, if you plan on crossing the border as part of your tour.
• Carry small bills, which are handy for tolls or fees.
• Bring a backup charging bank for your phone, a camera, a waterproof passport holder, and a good day bag to carry essentials like snacks, water, sunscreen, and cash.