- Hornblower / Maid of the Mist: classic, all ages
- Whirlpool Jet: thrill ride through Class V rapids
- Niagara Wet Jet: open top jet, you get fully soaked
- Night fireworks cruise: romantic, Wed and Sun summer
- VIP first boat: skip the line on the standard ride
The five boat experiences
| Boat | Cost 2026 | Duration | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hornblower (Canada) | CAD 36 | 20 min | Classic, all ages |
| Maid of the Mist (US) | USD 36 | 20 min | Same as Hornblower, US side |
| Whirlpool Jet (covered) | USD 75 | 45 min | Thrill ride, dry option |
| Niagara Wet Jet (open top) | USD 89 | 60 min | Adventure, fully soaked |
| Night fireworks cruise | USD 247 | 3 hours | Couples, romantic, Wed/Sun summer |
Hornblower / Maid of the Mist
The classic. 20 minute trip into the basin of the Horseshoe Falls, free poncho, boat capacity 600 to 700. See our Hornblower vs Maid of the Mist comparison for the side by side.
Best Hornblower combo with Journey Behind the Falls.
Check availability →Whirlpool Jet Boat (covered)
A different boat experience, north of the falls. The covered jet boat tour runs from Niagara-on-the-Lake into the Class V rapids of the Niagara Whirlpool. 45 minute ride, age 6+, USD 75. You stay dry under the canopy.
Niagara Wet Jet Boat (open top)
Open top jet boat through Class V rapids, you get soaked.
Check availability →The open top version of the jet boat. 60 minutes through the Whirlpool, you get completely drenched. Wear swimwear under quick dry. Age 6+. Wetsuit and lifejacket provided.
VIP first boat experience
Skip the line, board the first boat of the day.
Check availability →Night fireworks cruise
Watch the fireworks from the water with dinner included.
Check availability →Note: this is a night sightseeing tour with the boat ride included during operational hours, plus a separate dinner and fireworks viewing component. The fireworks are watched from a boat or shore depending on weather.
Decision matrix
- First time visitor, Hornblower or Maid of the Mist
- Thrill seeker, Whirlpool Wet Jet (open top)
- Want to stay dry but get the rapids, Whirlpool Jet (covered)
- Skip the queue, VIP first boat
- Romantic couple, night fireworks tour
- Family with young kids, Hornblower (free under 5)
- Active 12+ kids, Whirlpool Wet Jet
Verdict
The Hornblower or Maid of the Mist is the must do for first time visitors. Add a Whirlpool Wet Jet for the second day or for thrill seekers. The night fireworks tour is for couples on a romantic getaway.
Internal links
For boat ranking see 10 best boat cruises ranked. For Hornblower vs Maid of the Mist see comparison.
Frequently asked questions
For first time visitors, the Hornblower (Canadian side) or Maid of the Mist (US side) is the must do, both at CAD/USD 36. For thrill seekers, the Whirlpool Wet Jet Boat through Class V rapids is unbeatable at USD 89.
Completely soaked on the open top version. The covered version keeps you dry except for face spray. Both provide wetsuits and lifejackets.
The Hornblower and Maid of the Mist accept all ages, free under 5. The Whirlpool Jet Boat tours require age 6 or older. The night fireworks tour is recommended for ages 8+.
The Hornblower runs April 12 to November 9, 2026. The Maid of the Mist runs May 8 to October 24, 2026. The Whirlpool Jet Boat runs May to October. None operate in winter.
