Overhead view of the Hornblower Boat ride in Niagara Falls Canada as the boat leaves the dock to see the falls. Boat is packed with tourists dressed in red ponchos.

Why the Niagara Falls Boat Ride Should Top Your Itinerary

ByJulie Millan

If you’re planning your first trip to Niagara Falls, there’s one question nearly every visitor asks: “Is the Niagara boat ride really worth it?” Here’s the short answer: YES! 

The Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour, run by Niagara City Cruises (formerly known as the Hornblower), is hands-down one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls Canada. It’s the kind of experience people talk about for years.

As someone who lives near the Falls and has taken the boat ride multiple times, I can confidently say it’s one of the most thrilling, unforgettable experiences you can have in Niagara Falls – right after seeing the waterfalls themselves.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what it’s like on the boat ride, what to wear, how to book, and who it’s best for – so you can decide if it deserves a spot on your Niagara itinerary.

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What Is the Niagara City Cruises Boat Tour (Canadian Side)?

The Hornblower boat approaches the base of the Horseshoe Falls at Niagara Falls, with a beautiful rainbow arching through the mist created by the powerful waterfall. The boat is filled with passengers wearing red ponchos, and the scene is framed by a partly cloudy sky.

If you’re on the Canadian side of the Falls, there’s just one official boat tour – Niagara City Cruises.

Their signature experience is called the Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour. It’s the most popular Niagara Falls Canada boat ride – and for good reason. This 20-minute cruise brings you face-to-face with all three waterfalls: the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and finally, the thunderous Horseshoe Falls.

The highlight? Getting drenched in the mist as you ride into the heart of the Horseshoe Falls. It’s loud, it’s wet, and it’s unforgettable. You’ll be given a bright red poncho, but let’s be honest – you’re still going to get soaked.

For comparison: the Maid of the Mist offers a nearly identical experience but departs from the U.S. side of Niagara Falls. If you’re staying in Canada, Niagara City Cruises (formerly known as Hornblower) is your go-to option.

Why This Niagara Falls Boat Cruise Is So Popular

Two girls in red ponchos enjoying the Niagara Falls Canada boat ride with Horseshoe Falls in the background during a Niagara City Cruises tour.

I’ve visited Niagara Falls more times than I can count – but for years, I skipped the boat cruise. I assumed it was just a touristy extra. Big mistake.

The first time I finally took the Voyage to the Falls, I instantly understood the excitement. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that gives you a completely different perspective of the waterfalls – up close, loud, and thrilling. I had seen the falls from above, from behind, from beside, but never from the base. It is almost indescribable.

From the boat, you’ll ride past all three waterfalls, but it’s the moment you reach the Canadian Horseshoe Falls that makes this tour unforgettable. The roar of the water is deafening, the spray is intense, and the sheer force of the Falls surrounds you on all sides. It’s honestly mesmerizing.

This is the only way to get this close to the Falls from the Canadian side, and for many visitors, it becomes the highlight of their trip.

If you’re choosing just one paid activity in Niagara Falls Canada, let it be this one.

What to Expect on the Niagara Falls Boat Cruise

Passengers wearing blue ponchos are on the deck of a boat during a cruise at Niagara Falls. The deck is wet, and the passengers are preparing for the mist and spray as they approach the falls. The background includes a view of the skyline, with a bridge and the observation towers in the distance.
View of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls from the front of the Niagara Falls boat ride.

The Niagara City Cruises Voyage to the Falls is a 20-minute experience – but it packs in some of the most breathtaking views you’ll get in Niagara Falls Canada. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:

  • Duration: 20 minutes (but expect to spend at least an hour in total, depending on lines)
  • Route: Cruises past the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls before entering the mist-filled basin of the Horseshoe Falls
  • Departure Point: Canadian side, at the bottom of Clifton Hill, next to the Zipline to the Falls
  • Season: Typically runs from April through December, weather permitting
  • Ticket Prices (subject to change):
    • Adults (13+): $42.95 CAD
    • Children (3–12): $27.95 CAD
    • Infants (0–2): Free

You can buy timed-entry tickets online or at the in-person ticket plaza. If you’re visiting on a summer weekend or holiday (like Canada Day or Labour Day), book ahead – summer holidays will sell out.

And yes, the boat runs rain or shine – you’re getting wet either way!

Ticket Options: Individual vs Tour Packages

View of the American Falls taken from the Niagara Falls boat cruise on a bright summer day.
American Falls seen from the deck of the Niagara Boat ride

If you’re planning your own day trip to Niagara, you can simply buy individual tickets to the Niagara City Cruises boat tour. But if you’re tight on time – especially if you’re only planning to spend one day in Niagara – consider booking a Niagara Falls tour package that includes the boat cruise.

Here’s why a guided tour might be worth it:

✓ Skip the line access: Many tours offer timed-entry for the boat ride, helping you avoid the long queues during peak hours and holidays.

✓ Guaranteed access: No risk of sold-out time slots.

✓ Streamlined itinerary: Great if you’re only visiting for one day and want to see more without wasting time figuring out logistics.

✓ Transportation: No need to worry about driving, traffic, or parking – a tour will take care of all the transportation logistics.

The boat ride itself is exactly the same either way – but a tour package can help you maximize your day and reduce stress.

☞ Want to know my personal recommendations? Here’s my list of the 5 best Niagara Falls day tours worth booking.

Best Time to Take the Boat Cruise

A close-up of a person wearing a blue poncho on the Maid of the Mist boat, looking out at the American Falls. The powerful waterfalls are just ahead, with water crashing onto the rocks below and mist rising into the air.
Enjoying the views from the Niagara City Boat Cruise

I’ve taken the Niagara Falls boat cruise at all times of day, and hands down – my favourite time is after 5 p.m. By then, the tour buses have cleared out, the crowds thin, and if the sun’s out, the mist lights up with gorgeous rainbows.

If you’re more of an early riser, the first departure of the day is also a great option – fewer people, softer morning light, and plenty of space to move around on board.

The busiest times will be weekends and holidays like Canada Day (July 1), Independence Day (July 4), and Labour Day weekend (early September). Expect long wait times, crowded boats, and sold-out times during these peak periods – booking ahead is essential.

For the fewest crowds, aim for spring (May–June) or autumn (October–early December).

☞ Wondering when to book your Niagara visit? Read my article describing the best times to visit Niagara Falls and what to expect in every season. 

2025 Season Extended – Now Cruising Through December 31st!

If you are visiting Niagara Falls in winter this year, for the first time ever, Niagara City Cruises is running boat tours through the end of December on select dates.

I honestly can’t wait to try the cruise during winter – mist, snowflakes, and icy views? That’s going to be a whole new way to experience the Falls.

Niagara Falls Fireworks Cruise (Evening Tour Option)

Looking for a unique way to end your day at the Falls? The Niagara Falls Fireworks Cruise is a special 40-minute evening tour offered by Niagara City Cruises during the summer season.

This cruise departs around 9:30 p.m., just in time for the nightly illumination of the Falls – and, on select summer evenings, a spectacular fireworks show.

While this cruise doesn’t take you as close to the base of the Horseshoe Falls as the daytime boat ride, it offers something totally different:

  • Front-row seats to the illuminated Falls
  • A panoramic view of fireworks lighting up the night sky (weather permitting)
  • A calmer, more romantic alternative to the daytime thrill ride

✨ Heads-up: Fireworks are not guaranteed. If weather conditions aren’t ideal, the show may be cancelled – but you’ll still enjoy a memorable night cruise with stunning views of the Falls lit up.

Pro tip: This cruise sells out fast in summer – especially on weekends and holidays. If you’re interested, book early to avoid missing out.

What to Wear on the Niagara Falls Boat Tour

A close-up view of passengers in blue ponchos standing at the edge of a boat as it approaches the Horseshoe Falls at Niagara Falls. The thick mist and powerful spray from the falls envelop the scene, adding a sense of anticipation and excitement.
Mist hits tourists on board the Niagara Boat Ride

If you’re wondering what to wear on the Niagara Falls boat tour, the answer depends on the season – but one thing is constant: you’re going to get wet, even with the free poncho.

Here’s what I recommend wearing:

  • Shoes you don’t mind getting soaked (avoid flip-flops that slip)
  • T-shirt and shorts in summer (the ponchos trap heat)
  • Waterproof layers in colder months – hat, scarf, gloves, and waterproof pants
  • Sunglasses to help with the glare and spray
  • Optional but helpful: dry socks, a hand towel, a hair brush, and something to wipe glasses or camera lenses (there are times you can barely see)

And yes, waterproof mascara can be a lifesaver.

Photo Tips for the Niagara Boat Cruise

For the best photos during your Niagara Falls Canada boat ride:

  • Start on the left side of the boat for great shots of the American and Bridal Veil Falls as you approach the Horseshoe Falls.
  • Once the boat turns back toward shore, head to the rear deck – it’s the perfect moment to snap a family photo with the Falls behind you.

Mist can make it tricky, so keep your phone or camera dry between shots and wipe your lens often.

Is the Boat Ride Niagara Falls Canada Worth It for Families?

A group of visitors on the deck of the Maid of the Mist boat, all wearing blue ponchos as they approach the base of Niagara Falls. The thick mist surrounds the boat, and the dramatic sky adds to the sense of excitement and adventure.
The Niagara Boat takes visitors to the base of the Horseshoe Falls

Absolutely – but it depends on your child’s comfort with noise and water.

On my last ride, some kids were excited looking at the waterfalls, while others looked quite overwhelmed by the loud roar and heavy mist. 

If you’re visiting with toddlers, I recommend starting near the back of the boat, where it’s a bit calmer and drier. You can always move forward once you know they’re comfortable.

For most families, it’s a core memory moment – just be ready with dry clothes and a little flexibility.

☞ Looking for even more fun things to do with kids? This article shares my list of the 21 best things to do in Niagara Falls with kids.

Boat Ride Pros and Cons

Overhead view of the Niagara City Boat Cruise dock and boat on it's way to view Niagara Falls with an upper deck full of tourists in red ponchos.

Still deciding if the Niagara Falls Canada boat ride is right for you? Here’s a quick look at what it offers – and what to keep in mind.

Pros

  • Accessible directly from the Canadian side
  • Runs later in the season – extended to December 31, 2025
  • Spectacular, up-close views you can’t get from land
  • Nighttime fireworks cruise is a unique experience
  • Timed tickets help reduce long wait times

Cons

  • Not exactly budget-friendly – especially for families
  • Not included in the Niagara Parks Adventure Pass bundle – so you’ll have to purchase a ticket in addition to all the other Niagara attractions
  • Be prepared: you will get wet
  • Only infants (0–2) ride free – children 3+ require tickets
    (compared to Maid of the Mist, where kids 5 and under ride free)

☞ Curious to know more about attraction tickets? My guide explains everything you need to know about the Niagara Parks Adventure Pass ticket bundle – including if it’s worth buying.

Are Niagara City Cruises and Maid of the Mist the Same?

Essentially, yes – both offer the same 20-minute boat ride into the mist of the Horseshoe Falls – but they are operated by two different companies on two different sides of the border.

Here’s what sets them apart:

  • Niagara City Cruises runs from the Canadian side
  • Maid of the Mist operates from the U.S. side
  • Red ponchos on the Canadian boats; blue ponchos on the U.S. boats
  • Timed tickets on the Canadian side; day-of tickets only on the U.S. side
  • Kids ride free: 2 and under in Canada vs. 5 and under in the U.S. – this can impact your budget if you’re traveling with little ones
  • Niagara City Cruises runs much later in the season, including a winter schedule
  • The U.S. tour includes extra access to the Observation Tower and Crow’s Nest for more viewing options

So while the boat ride itself is nearly identical, there are a few small differences that may affect your decision – especially if you’re traveling with kids or choosing which side of the border to explore.

☞ Want a detailed breakdown? Read my full Hornblower vs. Maid of the Mist comparison here.

Niagara Boat Ride vs Jet Boat Tour

Niagara Falls Whirlpool Jet Blue jet boat filled with passengers speeding through the turquoise waters of the Niagara River, surrounded by lush green foliage on the riverbanks.
The Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour

While both are water-based attractions near Niagara Falls, the Niagara City Cruises boat ride and the Jet Boat Tour offer two completely different experiences.

The boat ride is about getting close to the base of the Falls – a dramatic but family-friendly experience that focuses on views, mist, and that iconic Niagara moment.

The Jet Boat Tour, on the other hand, is a 45-minute thrill ride into the Niagara Gorge, reaching speeds of up to 55 mph. It’s a fully open-air adventure where you’re not just misted – you’re buried in a wall of water. Expect to get absolutely soaked, head to toe.

Key differences:

  • Jet Boat Tours depart from Queenston (about 20 minutes from the Falls)
  • Best for teens and thrill-seekers
  • No views of the waterfalls – this tour goes upriver toward the Niagara Rapids
  • Jet Boat operates seasonally from about June to mid-October

If you’re after adrenaline and don’t mind being drenched, the Jet Boat is your ride. But if you want that classic, awe-inspiring Niagara Falls experience, stick with the boat cruise.

Final Verdict: Is the Niagara Falls Canada Boat Ride Worth It?

Absolutely.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a thrill-seeker, or just want to get as close as possible to the power of the Falls, the Niagara City Cruises boat ride is a must-do. It’s one of those rare tourist experiences that actually lives up to the hype.

If you’re visiting the Canadian side, don’t overthink it – just book the ride. You won’t regret it. This attraction is definitely worth the price.

Still finalizing your plans to visit Toronto and Niagara Falls?

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Julie is a travel blogger from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She loves to travel and has learned so much from other travel bloggers that she now wants to share her travel knowledge with others.

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