Discover the best ways to tour Niagara Falls – whether by boat, helicopter, bus or even zip line – and note that you’ll need a passport if you’re planning to visit any of the Niagara Falls attractions in Canada (whether you’re on a tour or not).
Best Niagara Falls Boat Tours
Courtesy of Niagara Falls Tourism
Just two companies offer boat tours to Niagara Falls: Maid of the Mist, which is based on the U.S. side, and Niagara City Cruises (formerly Hornblower Cruises) in Canada. Some combination Niagara Falls tours (see Combination Tours below) include a boat ride and access to other attractions.
Niagara City Cruises – Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour (Canada)
Price: Adults from CA$33.55 (about $25); kids from CA$23.50 (approximately $17)
Duration: 20 minutes
This 20-minute tour offers a close-up view of the American, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe falls, as well as the breathtaking Niagara Gorge. Offered by Niagara City Cruises (formerly Hornblower Cruises), the tour is accompanied by an audio commentary and includes complimentary ponchos, which tourgoers say you’ll absolutely need to wear. Travelers call this an exhilarating and unforgettable experience.
Tours depart every 15 to 30 minutes throughout the day with evening options mid-May through the first week of October. The ride is free (though not recommended) for children 2 and younger.
Check prices & availability on:
Niagara City Cruises
Maid of the Mist (U.S.)
Price: Adults from $28.25; kids from $17.75
Duration: 20 minutes
The ultimate Niagara Falls boat tour, the Maid of the Mist has been in operation since 1846. Now an all-electric fleet of double-decker boats, the Maid of the Mist brings riders face-to-face with the falls on a 20-minute ride. Tourgoers describe the ride as breathtaking and beautiful, saying it’s like nothing they’ve experienced before. Note that you’ll get wet – that’s how close you’ll get to the falls – even if you wear the ponchos that are supplied to all visitors.
Tours operate from mid-April through early November from 9 or 10 a.m. to between 4 and 8 p.m. daily, depending on the time of year. Children 5 and younger ride for free.
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Niagara Falls Helicopter Tours
Courtesy of Niagara Falls Tourism
Niagara Helicopters – Classic Tour (Canada)
Price: Adults from CA$185 (about $135); kids from CA$113 (about $82)
Duration: 12 minutes
For a chance to witness the grandeur of Niagara Falls from above, don’t miss this excursion with Niagara Helicopters. The 12-minute flight takes you along the Niagara River to the falls, over Rainbow Bridge and the Niagara Whirlpool, with a prerecorded audio commentary accompanying your flight. You may even be able to see Toronto and Lake Erie on a clear day.
