Canada Trip Day 11: The Amazing Maid of the Mist, Niagara Falls

23 June 2010 - The day was soon getting dark at about six. We decided to go on Maid of the Mist (Wikipedia) so that we will have more time at Niagara Falls the next day to cover all the other attractions as well. We had purchased the Adventure Pass, which is a comprehensive ticket allowing us to go on Journey Behind the Falls, White Water Walk and Niagara's Fury, in addition to Maid of the Mist at a price of CAN$39.95. At the same time, we also bought tickets to the Whirlpool Aero Car at discounted rates.The Adventure Pass also allowed us two days on the Peoplemover Bus (click here for bus routes) to visit the other attractions, such as the Butterfly Conservatory, Sir Adam Beck Hydroelectric Station Reservoir and Botanical Gardens, all of which we regretfully missed due to time constraints.

Going on Maid of the Mist was an absolutely amazing experience, having to come so close to Niagara Falls and let the mist constantly come down on us. With a history that dated back to the Ice Age, the sheer power and volume of Niagara Falls were magnificent, which no doubt earn its place as a natural wonder of earth.

Tourists in plastic blue biodegradable ponchos stood by the edge of the boat, watching in awe of Niagara Falls' magnificent power, never taking their eyes of it. The concern of our digital photo devices became secondary as we approached this majestic water powerhouse. Forget the droplets that wet the devices. Everyone was busy watching, taking photos and laughing at how excited everyone was and somewhat silly everyone looked in the ponchos while getting them drenched. Having to share these moments with my mum and my sister was truly unbelievable. Whenever we spoke of our trip to Canada, we remember fondly how wonderful our encounter with Niagara Falls was.


Adventure Pass

Maid of the Mist boat tour tickets booth were our tickets got checked before proceeding

Tourists in blue plastic poncho in Maid of the Mist

Going through a building to get to the pier

Walking towards the boat area

Wearing our plastic ponchos

Lady securing the boat for passengers to alight

Tourists just getting off Maid of the Mist, while a long queue anxiously waits for their turn

Tourists getting off the boat and in the distance, another Maid of the Mist is making its way back from  the falls

Strange froth in the river

View of American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls (smaller one on the right) from the boat

Maid of the Mist crammed with blue tourists

I used my poncho to keep my camera from getting wet. Thus, a blue American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls picture.

Mist hovering over the rocks at American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls

Cave of the Wind's Hurricane Deck at Bridal Veil Falls, US

The people are so tiny next to these massive waterfalls

Portrait view of American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. (Don't mind the dirt spots. I didn't bring my camera blower.)

Birds covered the side of the falls

One of the most amazing experiences I ever had, my close encounter with Niagara Falls

Ontario Power Generating Station was decommisioned in 1999. The history of which can be read here and here.

Mist on rocks, American Falls

Horseshoe Falls and its gigantic cloud of mist

View of American Falls from under Rainbow Bridge

View of American Falls, Bridal Veil and Rainbow Bridge

Maid of the Mist passing American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls

Spot Maid of the Mist boat in the mist of Horseshoe Falls

Maid of the Mist and Horseshoe Falls

Maid of the Mist going towards Horseshoe Falls