Niagara Falls, Ontario, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada. It is a popular honeymoon and vacation destination too.
Of all the attractions it has to offer, the Hornblower Niagara Cruise is perhaps the best. This Canada side Niagara Falls Boat Tour is available from May to October-early November.
This Niagara Falls boat tour was formerly called Maid of the Mist. In 2012, Hornblower was awarded a 30-year contract to operate the Niagara Falls boat tour from Canada. From May 2014, Hornblower Niagara Cruises became the official boat tour operator on the Canadian side of the Niagara River. The Niagara Falls Boat Tour Canada side was renamed Hornblower Niagara Cruises.
Hornblower Niagara Cruises operates two types of boat tours on the Canadian side – Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour and Falls Fireworks Cruise.
Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour – A Hornblower Niagara Boat Cruise
This Niagara Falls Boat Tour is a daytime tour and its duration is 20 minutes. It is a full mist experience – you are so close to the Falls, its spray drenches you.
The boat ride starts on the Canadian side of the Niagara River and takes you through the Niagara Gorge and up close to the Falls. Travel past the Bridal Veil and American Falls, and finally reach the Horseshoe Falls.
The boat hovers near the base of the Horseshoe Falls for a few seconds so you can feel the spray from the Falls and witness the powerful currents of the river.
All passengers get rain ponchos to protect them from the Falls’ spray.
Falls Fireworks Cruise – the Evening Hornblower Niagara Cruise
This nighttime Canada side Niagara Falls Boat Tour is a 40-minute light mist experience. It is available on select days between May and October.
Duration of the boat ride is from 9:30-10:10 p.m. Passengers can view the Falls illuminated in beautiful colours and watch fireworks light up the sky above at 10:00 p.m.
There is a licensed bar onboard where you can buy craft beers, fine Niagara wines, and snacks. Enjoy the views of the glittering Niagara Falls city skyline, the illuminated Falls and the fireworks display.
Tickets for Falls Fireworks Cruise are limited. Book them in advance to avoid disappointment.
How to Get Tickets for Hornblower Niagara Cruise?
Tickets are available at the entrance to the boarding dock on Niagara Parkway.
To avoid long lines, you can book your tickets online.
Some Niagara Falls tours by tour operators like ToNiagara include a FREE Hornblower boat ride. You can also book tickets as an add-on from ToNiagara.
Location and Accessibility
Hornblower Niagara Cruises is located on Niagara Parkway. From the foot of Clifton Hill, you can take the Incline Railway to the boarding deck of the Hornblower Niagara Cruises.
The Hornblower boat is accessible by wheelchairs and strollers.
Niagara Falls Tours with Hornblower Niagara Cruise
Most bus tours from Toronto include a ride on the Hornblower boat when in season. Niagara Falls Tours with Hornblower Boat Ride from Mississauga, Oakville and other towns in the Greater Toronto Area are also available.
Mississauga To Niagara Falls Day Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Mississauga To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Toronto To Niagara Falls Day Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Toronto To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Oakville To Niagara Falls Day Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Oakville To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
