Niagara Falls guided tour with Maid of the Mist boat ride

Walk to the edge of the Falls, then ride the electric boat into the thundering water

A two-hour guided tour of Niagara Falls combines a walking route through America's Oldest State Park with a ride aboard the all-electric Maid of the Mist boat. Your guide leads you past the American, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls, then you ascend the observation tower before descending to board the boat and drift into the heart of the Falls wearing a souvenir poncho.

Step-by-step itinerary

Niagara Falls guided tour and cruise

• Guided walk in Oldest State Park
• Photo at Niagara Falls Observation Tower
• Ride Maid of the Mist boat

The experience

The tour starts with a guided walk through America's Oldest State Park, where your local guide shares the stories and events that shaped Niagara. You'll stand at Prospect Point to hear the roar of the upper rapids and take in the American, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls up close. The walk moves at a leisurely pace and covers the natural landscape as it unfolds.

After the walking portion, you head to the observation tower for views across Niagara Falls, the Niagara Gorge and the skyline. An elevator brings you down to the dock, where you board the all-electric Maid of the Mist vessel. The boat carries you right into the heart of the Falls: close enough that the poncho they give you actually matters. The ride is smooth and the water surrounds you on all sides.

The tour runs two hours total and suits all ages. Wheelchair-accessible routes and surfaces mean most mobility levels can participate. Strollers work for infants and small children, and service animals are welcome. Public transportation reaches the meeting point, and the areas you'll visit are fully accessible.

What’s included

• Guided walking tour through America's Oldest State Park with a local English-speaking guide.
• admission to the Niagara Falls Observation Tower.
• Maid of the Mist boat ride admission.
• souvenir poncho.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Saturday6 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 15:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 to 54 years) · Senior (55 and older) · Youth (5 to 11 years) · Child (2 to 4 years): free · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Niagara Regional Tours

Is this one for you?The two-hour length fits a morning or afternoon slot without consuming your whole day, so you can pair it with other Niagara activities or explore the surrounding area. The combination of walking and boat ride means you see the Falls from multiple vantage points, from the ground, from above the tower, and from the water itself.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (5 to 11 years); Child (2 to 4 years): free; Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the three falls I'll see on the walking part of this tour?

The American, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls are all visible from the walking route through America's Oldest State Park. Your guide explains the history and events connected to each one as you move through the park.

Do I need to bring my own poncho for the Maid of the Mist boat?

No, a souvenir poncho is included with your boat admission. You'll receive it before boarding so you're ready for the spray when the boat moves into the heart of the Falls.

How close does the Maid of the Mist boat actually get to the Falls?

The all-electric Maid of the Mist takes you right into the heart of Niagara Falls, close enough that the water surrounds you and the poncho becomes necessary. It's a smooth ride despite the thundering water around the boat.

Is there time to take photos from the observation tower?

Yes, after the guided walk, you'll have time at the Niagara Falls Observation Tower to take pictures of the Falls, the Niagara Gorge and the skyline before heading down to board the boat.