Maid of The Mist vs Hornblower Cruises
Maid of The Mist vs Hornblower. What are the similarities and differences?
“Hornblower” and “Maid of the Mist” are both boat tour companies that offer sightseeing cruises to the Niagara Falls, one of the most famous natural wonders in North America. What would be a walk to Niagara Falls, if you do not feel the magic of both tours – Hornblower Niagara Cruise or Maid of the Mist? Which to choose, that is the question. Mainly because of the charm of both trips which are very similar. One you will know for sure – whichever you select, you will never regret it.
Table of Contents
History and Background
Maid of the Mist, the pioneer of boat tours to the falls, has been operating since 1846. It started as a ferry service and later transitioned into a sightseeing boat. On the other hand, Hornblower Niagara Cruises entered the Niagara Falls boat tour market in 2014 when it was awarded the contract by the Canadian government. While Maid of the Mist has a long history and iconic status, Hornblower brings a fresh perspective to the boat tour experience.
Hornblower Niagara cruise – the essence of the experience…
In 2013, the Canadian government awarded the contract for the Niagara Falls boat tour to Hornblower, a California-based company. Since then, Hornblower Niagara Cruises has become a formidable competitor to the Maid of the Mist. Operating from the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, specifically from Niagara Parkway at the foot of Clifton Hill, Hornblower offers a unique perspective of the Falls.
Hornblower’s fleet consists of two ships, the Niagara Wonder and the Niagara Thunder, each capable of accommodating up to 700 passengers. Although Hornblower is a relatively new player in the Niagara Falls boat tour market, it has quickly gained popularity among visitors seeking a different vantage point of the Falls.
- Operates from the Canadian side, in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
- The base offering is the “Voyage to the Falls” boat tour, which is a 20-minute journey offering views of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the heart of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
- You are provided with a red souvenir rain poncho.
- They also offer a “Falls Illumination” cruise and a “Falls Fireworks” cruise for an added experience of seeing the falls lit up at night or with a fireworks display.
- Additional features include the Riverside Patio, a pre-boarding area with music, food, and drinks.
Maid of the Mist – something to remember for a lifetime…
The Maid of the Mist boat tour holds a special place in the history of Niagara Falls. Operating since 1846, it has been ferrying passengers to and from the Falls for over a century. The Maid of the Mist sets sail from the American side of Niagara Falls, specifically from the Niagara Falls State Park in New York State, USA. This boat tour has a rich legacy, having transported notable figures like Princess Diana, Prince Charles, and Mikhail Gorbachev.
In recent years, the Maid of the Mist fleet has undergone significant upgrades. In 2020, two state-of-the-art fully electric boats were introduced, ensuring a modern and environmentally friendly experience for passengers. So, if historical significance and a touch of nostalgia are important to you, the Maid of the Mist boat tour is an excellent choice.
- Operates from Niagara Falls State Park on the American side.
- The base tour is a 20-minute journey into the basin of Niagara Falls.
- You are provided with a blue souvenir rain poncho as the mist from the falls can get you wet.
- Their boats are all-electric, zero-emission vessels, providing an eco-friendly alternative.
- Boats depart every 15 minutes, and tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- There are viewing platforms and trails in Niagara Falls State Park that you can explore on your own.
Cost Comparison
When it comes to the cost, it’s important to consider the currency conversion. As of the 2023 season, Hornblower Niagara Cruises charges $32.75 CAD for adults and $22.75 CAD for children. On the other hand, Maid of the Mist charges $28.25 USD for adults and $16.50 USD for children. It’s worth noting that additional boat tours, such as the Falls Illumination Cruise and Falls Fireworks Cruise, may have different pricing.
The similarities
The goal
The goal is an unforgettable experience. Both Hornblower Niagara cruises and Maid of the Mist are taking passengers upstream on the Niagara River. The purpose is to view the American Falls, as well as the Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls.
The route
They both are kind of boat tours doing the same trip, same final destination – up to the American Falls to the Horseshoe ones, where your boat goes into the mist of the latter. You will never lose, if you choose each but in case of hesitating, just have a look over the brief information above about these two exciting tours.
Different Operating Seasons
Hornblower Niagara cruises is not operating all year round. The high season begins from May and ends up in September. The boat tours got organized from 8:30am to 8:30pm, and are open for visitors until the middle of November. Maid of the Mist tour is open between May and early November, like Hornblower Niagara cruise, though the season for Hornblower Niagara Cruises is a bit longer. In fact, boat tours start in April and continue until the end of November – all depends on the weather. You can always check up preliminary the schedule and the conditions posted in the information online.
The differences
Now you know about the similarities of both tours. In spite of this, there are differences between the Maid of the Mist and Hornblower Niagara cruises. Look them over, so you can make up your mind, as it is a matter of money and spending your own time.
Operating Country
- Maid of the Mist: Operates from the U.S. side of the falls in Niagara Falls, New York.
- Hornblower: Operates from the Canadian side of the falls in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
The starting point
The Maid of the Mist starts sail from Niagara Falls, New York State in USA. Boarding docks are within the Niagara Falls State Park (New York). The guests are to take the lift from the Prospect Point Observation Tower down to the Niagara River shore where is the location of the Maid of the Mist docks. The Hornblower Niagara cruises start from the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. The location is on Niagara Parkway, at the foot of Clifton Hill.
Arrangements of the seats
The Maid of the Mist boat tour does not offer seating areas either on the lower deck or the upper one. There are options for using a wheelchair but the other people have to stay up during the ride. The Hornblower boats have seats, bathrooms, wheelchairs access, as well as enclosed viewing areas on the lower deck for people who are not keen of getting wet. Also, there are open upper decks for maximum viewing.
Online booking options
You can have online booking for both tours but the queues for Maid of the Mist are quite long. When you get your ticket sold, it is valid for any day of the whole season and not for a particular day. Hornblower Niagara Cruises does offer timed arrivals when booking online. That means: passengers could arrive just before the required arrival time on their ticket, and could make their way through an air-conditioned terminal to the docks.
Colour of Ponchos
As you know, both tours are taking you close enough to the Horseshoe Falls and you will get wet. For that reason, the operators provide ponchos for free to keep passengers as dry as possible. The colours vary – Maid of the Mist passengers can be noticed by their blue ponchos, and Hornblower passengers can be identified by their red ones.
Arrangements of the seats
The Maid of the Mist boat tour does not offer seating areas either on the lower deck or the upper one. There are options for using a wheelchair but the other people have to stay up during the ride. The Hornblower boats have seats, bathrooms, wheelchairs access, as well as enclosed viewing areas on the lower deck for people who are not keen of getting wet. Also, there are open upper decks for maximum viewing.
Online booking options
You can have online booking for both tours but the queues for Maid of the Mist are quite long. When you get your ticket sold, it is valid for any day of the whole season and not for a particular day. Hornblower Niagara Cruises does offer timed arrivals when booking online. That means: passengers could arrive just before the required arrival time on their ticket, and could make their way through an air-conditioned terminal to the docks.
Colour of Ponchos
As you know, both tours are taking you close enough to the Horseshoe Falls and you will get wet. For that reason, the operators provide ponchos for free to keep passengers as dry as possible. The colours vary – Maid of the Mist passengers can be noticed by their blue ponchos, and Hornblower passengers can be identified by their red ones.
Making the Choice
Choosing between Hornblower Niagara Cruises and Maid of the Mist ultimately depends on your preferences and location. If you are visiting the American side of Niagara Falls, Maid of the Mist offers a classic and historic experience. On the other hand, if you are on the Canadian side, Hornblower Niagara Cruises provides a fresh perspective and additional tour options. If you have the necessary travel documents, crossing the Rainbow Bridge allows you to experience both boat tours and enjoy the best of both worlds.