In the early 1800’s there were no bridges across the Niagara River, boats were the only mode of transportation available for crossing the Niagara River, especially near Niagara Falls. The first ferry started out near Niagara Falls on the American side of the border. The boat was christened Maid of the Mist in 1846 as a border-crossing ferry. It ferry was used to transport passengers and cargo from the US to Canada.
With the opening of a suspension bridge in 1848 between the US and Canada at Niagara Falls, the ferry’s business declined. As a result, the owners decided to convert the ferry service into a sightseeing trip of the Niagara Falls. The route was altered to take people closer to the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls.
In due course of time, there were two Maid of the Mist boat rides operated from either side of the Niagara River, one from the US side and the other from the Canadian side. Each followed a similar route upto the Horseshoe Falls and then back to their respective docks. Maid of the Mist stopped operating from Canada in 2013. From 2014, Niagara Falls Boat Tour Canadian Side started being operated by Hornblower, a California-based company.
Enjoy the New and Improved Niagara Falls Boat Tour Canada Side
Starting in the spring of 2014, Hornblower started operating the Niagara Falls Boat Tours Canada Side. Hornblower introduced state-of-the-art catamarans with a capacity of 700 passengers. The Hornblower catamaran has two hulls, improving its maneuverability.
The Niagara Falls Boat Tour Canada Side is a seasonal attraction that closes for the winter. They usually operate from April to November. Hornblower Cruises also introduced online booking of tickets.
The Niagara Falls Boat Tour Canada Side operated by Hornblower Niagara Cruises comes in four variations:
- Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour
- Voyage to the Falls Evening Boat Tour
- Falls Illumination Cruise
- Falls Fireworks Cruise
I. Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour
Timings: 8:30 a.m. till dusk.
Ride time: 20 minutes
During peak season, boats sail every 15 minutes to reduce wait time and passenger congestion. This daytime Niagara Falls Boat Tour Canada Side is an exciting ride in the Niagara Gorge. You will be amazed to know that the Niagara Gorge is the result of thousands of years of erosion by the Niagara River. The catamarans have an enclosed area as well as an open deck for a better view. You will first travel past the American and Bridal Veil Falls on the US side.
The boat is then navigated further upstream where the water currents are fast and treacherous. The boat enters into the turbulent waters near the Horseshoe Falls and you are so close to the Falls, you will be drenched by its spray. Not to worry, your complimentary poncho will keep you relatively dry. The ride lasts roughly 20 minutes.
Your ticket includes an elevator ride to the boat dock, complimentary misth poncho, and access to the Hornblower Landing and Riverside Patio.
The Hornblower boat cruise will be the most thrilling ride you will experience in Niagara Falls Canada.
For more details, please click here.
II. Voyage to the Falls Evening Boat Tour
Timings: From dusk till 8:30 p.m.
Ride time: 20 minutes
Witness sunset over Niagara Falls with this evening Niagara Falls Boat Tour Canada Side. This 20-minute voyage to the Falls takes you close to all the three waterfalls that together form Niagara Falls.
Feeling the light mist from the Falls on your face is a refreshing experience. You can catch the hues of the sunset reflected in the river. The 360-degree unobstructed views from the decks are the highlight of the Hornblower Niagara Falls Boat Tour Canada Side. Your boat ride will include narration about the Falls and sights near the Falls. You will enjoy the sight of Niagara Falls illuminated in different hues by LED lights
This boat tour is available on select dates from May to October.
Your ticket will be valid for one voyage to the Falls anytime on the day of your visit. The ticket also gives you access to Hornblower’s Riverside Patio. You can relax and enjoy the view of the American and Bridal Veil Falls while enjoying Niagara cuisine, local craft beers and fine wines, and the live music.
For more details of this Niagara Falls Boat Tour Canada Side, please click here.
III. Falls Illumination Cruise
Timings: 9:30 p.m. – 10:10 p.m.
Ride time: 40 minutes
This ultimate nighttime Niagara Falls illumination cruise is an extended 40-minute ride on the Niagara River that takes you close to the American, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls. The cruise will proceed at a slow pace allowing you to enjoy the view. There will be an onboard licensed bar, a complimentary snack, and music playing too.
You will have a light mist experience as the cruise takes you close to the Falls for a better view of the illuminated Falls. The glittering skyline of the city can be viewed from the cruise boat.
The Hornblower Illumination Cruise ticket gives you access to the Hornblower Landing and Riverside Patio. All passengers will also get complimentary ponchos to keep them from getting wet from the misty spray of the Niagara Falls. This Niagara Falls Boat Tour Canada Side is great for a romantic evening.
For more details about the Falls Illumination Cruise, please click here.
IV. Falls Fireworks Cruise
Timings: 9:30 p.m. – 10:10 p.m.
Ride time: 40 minutes
Standing in the middle of the Niagara Gorge and watching fireworks explode into lovely patterns high above in the sky is a great way to spend an evening in Niagara Falls Canada.
On select dates between May and October, the Niagara Parks Commission schedules fireworks that are set off from the Niagara River shoreline at the base of the Niagara Gorge. The Falls Fireworks Cruise is the perfect Niagara Falls Boat Tour Canada Side to view the spectacular fireworks that light up the Niagara night sky.
Every night, Niagara Falls is illuminated in a hue of lovely colours that change every few minutes. You will love the view of the lovely colours reflected by the Falls and multi-coloured fireworks display in the sky. There will be an onboard licensed bar serving Niagara wines and craft beers, music and complimentary snack.
Your Falls Fireworks Cruise ticket gives you access to the Hornblower Landing and Riverside Patio. The Riverside Patio is located on the banks of the Niagara River directly across from the American and Bridal Veil Falls. You can arrive early and spend some time admiring the view. You can have freshly prepared meals and snacks and enjoy craft beers or Niagara fine wines.
For more details about the Falls Fireworks Cruise, please click here.
Get an Up-close View of the Niagara Falls with the Niagara Falls Boat Tour Canada Side
Operating May to October/November, the Niagara Falls Boat Tour Canada Side offers a unique experience. You will be taken as close as possible to the Niagara Falls with this thrilling boat tour offered by Hornblower Niagara Cruises. To avoid long queues, visitors can book tickets online.
If you are visiting Niagara Falls, do not miss the heart-pounding ride into the Niagara River and to the Niagara Falls. Enjoy the fresh air and the beautiful scenery of the Niagara Gorge and River with this boat ride. The boat tours also provide unique photographic opportunities.
Have a blast with the Hornblower Niagara boat ride; the thrilling sights and the thunderous sound of the Horseshoe Falls will be like nothing you have experienced before. The Niagara Falls Boat Tour Canada Side is definitely a must-do activity for anyone visiting Niagara Falls Canada.
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Toronto To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
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