The Maid of the Mist started service as a ferry that shuttled people across the Niagara River between the U.S. and Canadian banks near Niagara Falls. The first steamboat ferry started service in 1846. In 1848, the steamboat was recast as a sightseeing vessel after a suspension bridge was erected that connected both sides of the river. A second boat was put into service in 1854. Over time, old boats were retired and new boats were put into service. The last Maid of the Mist christened was the Maid of the Mist VII in 1997.
Maid of the Mist tours pass the base of the American Bridal Veil Falls and into the dense mist at the basin of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Tour guides provide commentary, including the history of Niagara Falls, and interesting stories about attempted travel over the falls by daredevils. Raincoats are provided with the cost of admission to keep passengers dry. The tour is handicapped accessible.
Two boats are currently in service, the Maid of the Mist VI and the Maid of the Mist VII. Both boats can carry 600 passengers and are powered by strong diesel engines that can churn through the powerful waters at the base of the falls. The Maid of the Mist VI started service in 1990 and the Maid of the Mist VII in 1997.
The Maid of the Mist has two boarding docks. On the American side of Niagara Falls, the boarding dock is located at the observation tower. On the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, the boarding dock is located at the base of Clifton Hill in the Maid of the Mist Plaza. Signs are abundant on both sides of the falls directing tourists to the entrances.
As of June 2009, the cost of the Maid of the Mist tour for adults is $13.50 from the U.S. dock and $14.50 Canadian dollars from the Canadian dock. Children ages 6 and up are charged $7.85 from the U.S. and $8.90 Canadian dollars from the Canadian side. Discount tickets are available for tour operators, travel agents, groups and for children's educational groups. Children ages five and under are free with a paid adult ticket.
Weather conditions limit the season for running the Maid of the Mist. The season typically opens in April and runs through the end of October, weather-permitting. At the beginning and end of the season, tours run from 9:45 p.m. until 4:45 p.m. on weekdays and until 5:45 p.m. on weekends. During the summer months and on holidays the hours are typically extended until 7:45 p.m. Tours launch every 15 minutes.
