Niagara Falls: Maid of the Mist, Skylon Tower & Both Sides Tour

Summary

Both sides of Niagara Falls in one day with boat ride views

You’ll get soaked by the spray on Maid of the Mist, see both sides of Niagara Falls in one day, and catch wild views from Skylon Tower and Cave of the Winds. With a local guide handling border crossings and hotel pickup, you’ll spend more time gawking at waterfalls than worrying about logistics — which honestly makes all the difference.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to actually feel the falls — not just see them, but have that cold mist slap my face and soak through my sleeves. Our guide (I think his name was Mike?) grinned when he handed out those blue ponchos for Maid of the Mist. “You’ll need this,” he said, and he was right. The roar up close is something else — I could barely hear myself laugh over it. Crossing from New York to Ontario felt almost casual, like we were just popping over for coffee, but then you look back and realize you’ve actually crossed a border because of a waterfall.

We stopped at Skylon Tower next. The elevator ride is quick but my ears popped anyway, and suddenly you’re looking down at both sides of Niagara Falls at once — American Falls on one side, Horseshoe Falls curling around on the other. The clouds were low that day so everything looked kind of silvered over. There was a couple taking selfies behind us; they kept trying to get the rainbow in frame but it kept shifting. I tried too (failed). Honestly, I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic at home.

The Cave of the Winds was wilder than I’d pictured — wooden walkways slick with spray, wind whipping my hair everywhere. A kid next to me squealed when water hit his shoes. Our group shuffled along together, everyone sort of laughing or yelping whenever a new wave crashed up. Mike pointed out Three Sisters Islands as we passed by later; he told us stories about old daredevils who went over the falls in barrels (I can’t imagine why anyone would try that). We finished up at Queen Victoria Park where there’s this weirdly huge floral clock — smelled faintly sweet even though it was drizzling by then.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Niagara Falls US and Canada sides

• Hotel pickup in air-conditioned vehicle
• Visit Table Rock Welcome Centre views
• Marvel at Niagara Falls from Canada
• See Floral Clock and Queen Victoria Park
• View Three Sisters Islands and Old Scow wreck
• Take Maid of the Mist boat cruise
• Marvel at the Falls from American side
• Visit Niagara Falls State Park
• Experience Cave of the Winds thunder deck
• Get aerial views from Skylon Tower

Top questions

Do I need a passport for this Niagara Falls tour?

Yes, you'll cross between the US and Canada during the tour so valid border documentation like a passport is required.

Is hotel pickup included for this Niagara Falls day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you're staying in the Niagara Falls area (not Toronto or Buffalo).

What attractions are included on both sides?

The tour includes Maid of the Mist boat ride, Skylon Tower entry, Cave of the Winds (seasonal), Journey Behind the Falls (seasonal), Queen Victoria Park, Floral Clock, Table Rock Welcome Centre, Three Sisters Islands and more.

How long does this Niagara Falls tour last?

The full tour runs about 6-7 hours depending on conditions.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is included; food stops are not part of this itinerary.

Can children join? Are strollers or wheelchairs allowed?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are allowed. Collapsible wheelchairs are permitted with advance notice.

When does Maid of the Mist operate?

Maid of the Mist usually runs late April to November but may vary due to weather conditions.

What happens if Maid of the Mist isn’t running?

If Maid of the Mist is closed for winter or weather reasons, Journey Behind the Falls is substituted instead.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Niagara Falls area, all road fees and bridge tolls covered, admission to Maid of the Mist (or Journey Behind the Falls if out-of-season), entry to Skylon Tower with return passes, access to Cave of the Winds (or alternate attractions depending on season), plus guidance throughout from a knowledgeable local guide before returning you back to your hotel.