Photo: Danielle Scott
	Maid of the Mist passengers enjoy a refreshing experience.

Maid of the Mist gets up close to Niagara’s wonders

Northeastern Article,
January 25, 2012

Maid of the Mist boat tours have a long and cherished history of delighting passengers with refreshing waterfall spray, breathtaking rainbows and what can only be called the ride of a lifetime. 

The services roots go back more than 160 years and several vessel models. 

In 1846, the original boat — a sidewheel steamboat ferry with twin smokestacks — was born. The second incarnation followed eight years later — a 72-foot-long paddlewheel steamer that ran until 1860. 

Several models followed, including crafts made from white oak and boasting double engines. The first modern Maid was unveiled in 1955. It was built entirely of steel, was 66 feet long and was powered by two 200 horsepower diesel engines. 

Currently there are four Maids in service each able to carry 300–600 passengers. The latest version, Maid of the Mist VII, was created unlike predecessors. It first was assembled in its entirety, then was cut apart for the trip to Niagara Falls. After it was driven down the falls’ steep incline, the 14 sections were welded back together. 

The cruise begins near the Rainbow Bridge on the Niagara River. It takes groups past the American and Bridal Veil Falls, then into exhilarating mist of spray inside the curve of the Horseshoe Falls. That’s where the familiar blue rain jackets really come in handy. 

A Maid experience is known to leave passengers feeling awestruck as they experience the power and majesty of these natural wonders, formed 12,000 years ago. 

An impressive number of notable figures and celebrities have felt the spray aboard the Maid. They include actors Hugh Jackman, Tia Carrere, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Jimmy and wife Rosalynn Carter, Teddy Roosevelt, Princes William and Harry, Mikhail Gorbachev and Marilyn Monroe.

Maid of the Mist’s season is April through October, with opening dates fluctuating based on weather. Boats leave daily every 15 minutes from both the American and Canadian landings, and return 30 minutes later. 

Special rates are available for groups of 20 people or more, with one complimentary pass per 20 adults. Passports or other proper identification are needed for U.S.-Canada border crossing. 

Maid of the Mist
(716) 284-8897
www.maidofthemist.com