"You're gonna need a bigger boat"

Hornblower Niagara Cruises gives visitors the opportunity to feel the power of the waterfall and the extensive mist from down below the natural wonder. This is one of Niagara Falls' most memorable experiences as it is unlike many other tourism attractions. This journey is a 20-minute boat tour that takes you into the depths of the Niagara River to enjoy views of the Niagara Gorge, American and Bridal Veils Falls, and come very close to the famous Horseshoe Falls. Get caught in the mist of the crashing waterfall and experience the Horseshoe Falls like never before!

Niagara (1953) starring Marilyn Monroe was also filmed in this location. The directors used a number of locations around the City of Niagara Falls for this movie, but this one was another valuable attraction to the city's tourism industry. The movie is said to have launched Monroe's career and put her in the spotlight of the film industry. Some of the photographs included on this page show Monroe at the boats, which were formally known as Maid of the Mist at the time of her visit.

Hornblower Niagara Cruises, originally named the Maid of the Mist, began boat tours in Niagara Falls as early as 1846. At that time, small boats were used to transport people across the Niagara River as it was their only option to cross. After the first international bridge was built between Canada and the United States, a larger ferry boat was launched to keep people interested in the attraction. A number of changes were made to the boats and they were often upgraded through the entire 1900s. Originally, the boats were used for transportation purposes, but people saw opportunity in this as a way to attract people to Niagara Falls. Today, thousands of people visit Niagara and take the boat tour and get the true Niagara Falls experience.

Niagara Parks Commission, City of Niagara Falls

Phone: (905) 358-3268

Email: info@niagaraparks.com

Website: https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/

Twitter: @NiagaraParks

Facebook: @niagaraparks

LinkedIn: Niagara Parks Commission

The Hornblower Niagara Cruises are a seasonal operation. It is weather dependent as to when the Hornblower boat tours will begin. They often run from mid-May to mid-October.

A boat tour is run at 9:30 pm for those who purchase special tickets to watch the fireworks over Niagara Falls.

Adult (ages 13+): $27.50 CAD

Child (ages 3-12): $17.50 CAD

Infant (ages 2 and under): Free

*Special tickets can be bought for a 9:30 boat tour to watch fireworks over the Niagara Falls.

All areas are wheelchair and scooter accessible with ramps and elevators, including loading ramps onto the vessels. There is also support people to assist those in need, as well as designated seating on the boats for those with mobility issues.

Copyright for all sources remains with the original creators.

Hathaway, H. (1953). [Picture of Monroe at Maid of the Mist] [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://www.marilynphotos.com/the-images/

Niagara Cruises. (2020). Canada's Most Memorable Experience. Retrieved from https://www.niagaracruises.com/

Niagara Falls Canada. (2018). Movies Filmed in Niagara Falls. Retrieved from https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/blog/movies-filmed-in-niagara-falls/

Niagara Parks. (2020). Hornblower Niagara Cruises. Retrieved from https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/attractions/hornblower-niagara-cruises/