What is the Maid of the Mist and is it worth it?

Yes, the Maid of the Mist is absolutely worth it. It’s the classic boat ride that takes you right into the base of the Horseshoe Falls. You get a blue poncho, get soaked, and feel the full force of the mist—it’s the closest you’ll get to the falls without jumping in. Tickets are about $30 USD per adult, and the whole thing takes about 20 minutes on the water plus boarding time. It runs from April to November, but go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst crowds.

If you’re only doing one boat tour, pick Maid of the Mist over the Hornblower on the Canadian side—same experience, but the blue ponchos are iconic. It’s touristy, sure, but it’s a legit thrill. The only reason to skip? If you hate getting wet or can’t handle loud noise. Otherwise, don’t overthink it: just go.