Hornblower Niagara Cruises in Niagara Falls vs Maid of the Mist!
- Angie - Your Guide
- Sep 8
- 9 min read
Niagara Falls is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world, drawing millions of visitors each year to marvel at its power and beauty. If you're planning your adventure, odds are you've come across two iconic boat tours that promise an up-close and personal experience with the Falls—Hornblower Niagara Cruises, offered from the Canadian side, and Maid of the Mist, operating out of the U.S. side. Battle of the boats, anyone? Let's set sail (pun intended) on an exploration of what makes each tour special, compare their offerings, and ultimately decide which side of the border delivers the most unforgettable experience.
Hornblower Niagara Cruises in Niagara Falls vs Maid of the Mist
The Basics of Both Tours
The Maid of the Mist (U.S. Side)
The Maid of the Mist has been a legendary name tied to Niagara Falls for over 175 years. It operates from Niagara Falls State Park in New York and takes you on a classic ride into the heart of the thundering Horseshoe Falls, complete with mist-soaked adventure. This boat tour is steeped in history—it’s not just a ride, it’s cultural nostalgia!
Newer Maid of the Mist boats are all-electric, powered by sustainable energy, which is a big plus for eco-conscious travelers. From the dock, you’ll be outfitted with their signature blue complimentary ponchos (trust us, you’ll need it), and before you know it, you’re drifting past the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls before reaching the pièce de résistance—the awe-inspiring Horseshoe Falls. This is the best way to see the falls, as you do not get the best view from the New York side.
Hornblower Niagara Cruises (Canadian Side)
Just across the border, Hornblower Niagara Cruises offers a more modern and arguably flashier take on the Falls experience. Departing from Niagara Falls, Ontario, these state-of-the-art catamarans whisk passengers into the misty fury of the Horseshoe Falls, capturing panoramic views of the entire Falls region along the way. You’ll sport a vibrant red free poncho (a color choice that’s remarkably Instagram-worthy) and enjoy updated amenities that make Hornblower a more contemporary and comfortable choice.
The Hornblower operates both daytime cruises and thrilling evening tours that feature incredible illumination and fireworks above the Falls, offering versatility for visitors who want something extra. Its tours are paired nicely with attractions on the Canadian side, making Hornblower the perfect addition to a larger sightseeing package.
U.S. vs. Canadian Side Attractions
Your choice of boat tour is only part of the Niagara Falls puzzle. Location heavily influences your overall experience, and here’s where Canada steals the show.
The U.S. Side Experience
Niagara Falls State Park has its charms, offering close-up hiking trails, viewpoints like Cave of the Winds, and Goat Island, which is perfect for a more intimate perspective on the natural beauty of the Falls. The State Park is less commercialized than its Canadian counterpart, which makes it ideal for those in search of a quieter and more nature-focused trip.
However, the compromises on the U.S. side become evident in the limited panoramic views. From New York, your perspective is, quite literally, behind the Falls, and while still impressive, it’s harder to grasp the full scale of their majesty.
The Canadian Side Experience
Now, cue the fanfare: the Canadian side is where Niagara Falls comes alive in all its grandeur. Think sweeping views, glitzy attractions, a charming promenade, and tons of dining and entertainment options. The iconic viewpoints along the Niagara Parkway provide dramatic landscapes that are simply unparalleled. Attractions such as the Journey Behind the Falls and the Skylon Tower Observation Deck complement the Hornblower experience perfectly, ensuring that every moment spent here will feel like a grand event.
The Canadian side feels more like a celebration of the Falls, where you can revel in the wonder and splendor from multiple angles. It’s buzzing with energy, and frankly, staying here offers a richer and more exciting adventure. The Canadian side of the falls is the best in my opinion, and my other people agree with me.
Tickets, Tours, and Pricing
If you’re planning ahead, you might be looking at options to purchase tickets for these boat tours online. Websites like Viator and GetYourGuide are fantastic platforms for booking combo packages that include either the Maid of the Mist or Hornblower Niagara Cruises alongside other attractions.
Maid of the Mist Tickets
Tickets for the Maid of the Mist typically start at around $28 for adults and $16 for children, making it a fairly affordable option. Keep in mind, though, that the ticket usually includes just the boat ride, so pairing it with other tours or activities will involve extra planning and cost.
Viator and GetYourGuide offer packages that include Maid of the Mist alongside stops like Cave of the Winds or trolley tours through the State Park. These packages add convenience but may lack the wide variety of attractions compared to Canadian-side combos.
Hornblower Niagara Cruises Tickets
Hornblower cruises are slightly pricier, with tickets starting at roughly $35 CAD for adults and $25 CAD for children. However, what you get in return is flexibility and added flair—options for evening cruises with fireworks elevate the experience. Packages available through Viator and GetYourGuide often include must-see Canadian landmarks like the Skylon Tower, Niagara’s Fury attraction, or even wine tastings at local vineyards. These bundles transform a boat ride into a full-day itinerary that’s exceptionally well-rounded. One of the best ways to buy this tour is with a combo of other tours. Buying 2 or 3 tours together do save you money in the long run.
Ratings and Reviews
It’s no surprise that both the Maid of the Mist and Hornblower Niagara Cruises rake in stellar reviews from visitors, but a side-by-side glance reveals why Hornblower often edges out its American counterpart.
Maid of the Mist Reviews
Travelers rave about the Maid of the Mist’s historical charm and proximity to the Falls. Many describe the blue-poncho experience as exhilarating, citing the unmatched feeling of being immersed in the cascading mist. However, reviews sometimes note that the U.S. side doesn’t offer the same variety of activities or dazzling perspectives. For those who value a more tranquil, no-frills experience, it’s a beloved choice.
Hornblower Niagara Cruises Reviews
Hornblower consistently wows guests with its modern infrastructure, improved viewing decks, and stunning nighttime options. The Canadian side reviews highlight not just the boat tour itself but also how seamlessly it fits into a larger Niagara itinerary. Visitors also frequently praise the dramatic views from the Canadian dock, as well as the lively energy of Niagara-on-the-Lake and the fun-filled attractions nearby.
Which Tour Is Better?
If you’re leaning toward tradition and nostalgia, the Maid of the Mist is a classic and budget-friendly option that certainly earns its place in the hearts of travelers. But, if you’re seeking a fuller, more dynamic Niagara Falls experience, Hornblower Niagara Cruises takes the crown. Its panoramic views, added options like illumination cruises, and proximity to a vibrant lineup of attractions on the Canadian side make it the superior choice. Plus, being in Canada gives a better view of both falls. The Canadian side of Niagara Falls if the best. If you don't have a passport you will have to stay in the United States which is fine for the Maid of the Mist Tour, but you are missing out on a great experience by crossing the Rainbow Bridge and going through customs to spend some time or your whole vacation on the Canadian side.
My Review of the Maid of the Mist Boat Ride.
Parking near the Maid of the Mist is available at Lot #1, located at 333 Prospect Street, about 200 yards away. Other parking options include Niagara Falls State Park's Lot #3, where you can use the trolley service. The Maid of the Mist is situated within the State Park itself. During the peak summer season, the area gets very crowded, so finding parking might be challenging. I visited in mid-August and took the first ride of the day, which luckily had no wait time.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Maid of the Mist boat tour, including the visit to the Observation Tower on the New York side. I laughed when I got the poncho, thinking I wouldn’t get that wet, but I was completely wrong. Within minutes, I saw everyone wearing their blue ponchos and decided to put mine on too. I’m glad I did because even with it, I got soaked. The hood kept falling down, so a tip—don’t bother fixing your hair before this trip; it’ll be a wet mess anyway. As the boat moved closer to the falls, there was more motion, though I didn’t feel seasick. However, I can see how it might affect others.
The ride is about 20 minutes long, so the short duration might help prevent seasickness. One of the best parts of the experience was feeling the immense power of the water and hearing the thunderous noise. It’s fascinating to imagine the history of the falls and the people who have survived going over them. Horseshoe Falls was my favorite, especially seeing the large rocks at its base.
Although the tour is brief, just a ferry ride to and from the U.S. side, I’m glad I did it. I was fortunate to spend time on both the New York side and the Canadian side during my four-day trip. Ultimately, I preferred the Canadian side. Since I did the Maid of the Mist from the U.S. side, I considered trying the Hornblower Niagara City Cruises as well. They seemed quite similar to me, but, I thought, I'm here why not check it out too.
My Review of the Hornblower Boat Cruises.
The parking situation isn’t as convenient on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls compared to the US side. Hornblower doesn’t have its own parking lot, and the nearest option is the Clifton Hill Parking Lot, which is about a 9-minute walk to the boarding dock. While most people don’t mind the walk, it could be challenging for those with mobility issues. Another option is parking at the Skylon Tower, though it’s a bit further away.
The boat ride itself was fantastic! I enjoyed it as much as the Maid of the Mist. Even with the complimentary poncho, I got soaked by the mist from the falls.
I didn’t explore the Hornblower boat as much since I had already spent time on the Maid of the Mist. One thing I noticed was that the Hornblower ride was louder, which made sense when I found out the Maid of the Mist is electric. The Hornblower also felt more crowded, so I stayed on the lower deck at the back of the boat. The tour experience felt nearly identical to the Maid of the Mist, so I wouldn’t recommend doing both. If you’re on the Canadian side, go for the Hornblower; if you’re on the New York side, stick to the Maid of the Mist. I booked the Hornblower along with a Journey Behind the Falls tour, which felt like a better deal since I wanted to explore other attractions on the Canadian side. The Hornblower ride lasted about 20 minutes.
Customs experience and Canadian side
Crossing into Canada via Rainbow Bridge was straightforward and quick. The customs officer only asked me one unexpected question: if I had pepper spray. Caught off guard, I truthfully answered no. After a quick glance at my passport, I was on my way—it couldn’t have been simpler.
The Canadian side of Niagara Falls offers an array of activities and tours. I explored Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara Park Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Conservatory, and even toured the Electrical Plant powered by the falls. I hiked the Whirlpool Trail, where I saw an actual whirlpool, and spotted my first moose. Watching the massive flow of water from my hotel room at Embassy Suites was an unforgettable experience, along with visiting the casino and enjoying dinner at the revolving restaurant in the Skylon Tower. There are plenty of hotels on the Canadian side with great views of both the Horseshoe Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
Why Staying in Canada Wins the Day
Ultimately, staying on the Canadian side offers a more immersive and exciting adventure. From sprawling, postcard-perfect views to a myriad of activities that extend beyond the Falls themselves, Canada simply provides more bang for your buck. Pair your Hornblower cruise with a walk along Clifton Hill, a wine tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake, or a romantic dinner overlooking the illuminated Falls, and you’ve got an itinerary that feels nothing short of magical.
When it comes to choosing where to experience the splendor of this most iconic natural wonders,, it’s hard to go wrong. But the Canadian side truly elevates the experience to an unforgettable level. Whether you're seeking breathtaking natural beauty, thrilling attractions, or a charming getaway filled with unique local experiences, Canada has it all. The blend of awe-inspiring scenery and vibrant culture makes it a destination that calls to adventurers, romantics, and families alike. There's something undeniably magical about standing on Canadian soil, feeling the mist on your face, and soaking in the wonder of one of nature's greatest masterpieces.
Conclusion
Take whichever tour is best for you, Hornblower Niagara cruises in Niagara Falls Canada or Maid of the Mist in New York, should be based on what side of the falls you are staying on. But do take one of these Niagara Falls tours. You will enjoy which ever one you take equally but only take one unlike me. You do not need to take both.
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This has been on my list for so long. Thanks for the thorough review. Sounds like you had a great time!
I went on a boat tour under the falls at Iguazu Falls and it was so exciting. I'd love to do one at Niagara Falls too.
Loved this comparison! The fact that the Maid of the Mist now runs on all-electric boats really stood out — such a great sustainable step. I also like how Hornblower adds those evening cruises with fireworks; that sounds like an incredible way to see the Falls lit up at night. Definitely making me want to experience both sides again one day!
What a detailed comparison, thanks! Though I like the sound of the sustainable boats in the US, the Canadian side has to win out for scenery.
This sounds much like a trip to see Victoria Falls - you WILL get wet! Right now, I'll bet the Canadian side is doing better than ever given the current issues with US visas.