Travel Diaries: Niagara Falls USA - Maid of the Mist

I was recently invited to attend a nail polish event in Niagara Falls (more to come on that later!), and while I was in the city I was able to explore. I've been to the Canadian side of the Falls, but this was my first trip over the border to the American side in New York. One of the must-do's while in Niagara Falls is the Maid of the Mist, which is now only on the American side!

Cost: The Maid of the Mist costs $17 USD for adults, $9 for children aged 6-12, and children 5 and under will ride free with an accompanying adult. Included in this price is the $1 charge for the use of the elevator to bring you to the landing.

sexy ;)

The Maid of the Mist is an iconic tourist attraction, and I definitely think that it’s a must if you’re in the Niagara Falls area. When I was there, the line was short, and there are multiple boats to keep the lines moving quickly. The ride lasts approximately minutes. You’re given a blue plastic rain poncho, which I definitely recommend wearing! After the ride, you can keep your rain poncho as a souvenir, or recycle it. When the boat gets closer to the Falls, you will get wet, especially if you’re on the upper level of the deck. I brought my camera (had to get some great photos!), and just took it out quickly for photos and then held it under my rain poncho. While you do get wet, you won’t get soaked. For reference, I wore Tom’s and my shoes were completely fine. 

Niagara Falls Observation Tower

After my ride on The Maid of the Mist, I went up to check out the observation tower. This gives an amazing unobstructed view of the Falls, which you won't want to miss. It was such a beautiful day when I visited, sunny and mid 80's! 

Niagara Falls Observation Tower View

If you're interested in seeing the Falls, this is definitely the way to do it! The boats were filled with families, couples, tour groups, etc. If you wanted to see the Falls from land, they're illuminated with multi-coloured lights every evening beginning at dusk. On the Canadian side, there are fireworks every Friday, Sunday and Holiday until November 30th, as well as every Wednesday from June 18th to August 20th, and every day from August 25th to 29th!. These fireworks are visible from the American side as well, and the show is quite spectacular! 

Look at that view!! 

Of course, if you're in Niagara Falls, you're probably there to see the Falls. I think that the Maid of the Mist is an incredible way to see the Falls up close and personal, and it's a ton of fun. I think that children would love riding the Maid of the Mist, making it a fun family activity. Just make sure you wear some waterproof mascara - you don't want to be leaving the boat with raccoon eyes!

Have you ever ridden the Maid of the Mist?

Thank you Niagara USA for planning my Niagara adventures!