One of the perks of living in the vicinity of two Great Lakes and one of the world’s natural wonders—Niagara Falls—is being able to get out on the water for a scenic fall boat tour. So, with the weather quickly turning toward fall, let’s take a look at all the great boat tours available at the falls.
Best Niagara Falls Boat Tours
Tours of Niagara Falls occasionally incorporate other sights along the way, including various landmarks in and around the bordering cities, as well as visits to nearby wineries. However, for the aft-mentioned list, we will be focusing on boat tours whose itinerary specifically features tours of the falls. Each tour listed below runs daily unless otherwise mentioned.
Maid of the Mist | maidofthemist.com
Any list highlighting Niagara Falls boat tours must begin with the iconic Maid of the Mist. Since its humble beginning in 1846 as a transportation vessel, the Maid of the Mist has transported locals and travelers across the Niagara River and as close to Niagara Falls as one can hope to get.
For fall tours, the Maid of the Mist embarks daily, from morning until early evening. Tickets cost $25.25 for adults and $14.75 for children. There are no age restrictions, and the Maid does not take reservations. The 2021 Season ends October 24th.
Buffalo Harbor Cruises | buffaloharborcruises.com
Another legendary company in the Buffalo, NY boating industry, Buffalo Harbor Cruises, embarked on their first journey way back in 1971. Since then, the Miss Buffalo and Miss Buffalo II have been familiar sights beside Buffalo’s Inner and Outer Harbor, offering sightseeing tours, corporate events, and various private and public events. Buffalo Harbor Cruises offers plenty of excuses to hit the water, from the Historic Landmark Cruise, or if you simply wish to get away from land for an evening, you can embark on their T.G.I.F. Happy Hour Cruise with your friends or colleagues.
Boat tours start at $21 for adults, $12 for the kids, and toddlers can embark for free. The Miss Buffalo II begins its run in July and ends in September. Reservations are necessary, and no outside food or drink is allowed on the cruise.
Grand Lady Cruises | grandlady.com
Take a seat anywhere on the Grand Lady’s two main decks, or head inside to the Captain’s Club Bar for a cool drink, as you tour the Buffalo waterfront. In addition to daily lunch and dinner cruises, the Grand Lady offers a wide range of tour options, including the Afternoon or Sunset Cruise.
Boat tours start as low as $24 per person, while specialty cruises run as high as $72 per person. For a full list of prices and details, be sure to check the website. The Grand Lady Cruises begin May 20th and run until the end of October.
Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises | lockportlocks.com
Evolving from two simple pontoons in the 1990s to three large cruise boats today, Erie Canal Cruises is one of the more relaxing cruises sailing Niagara Falls. You’ll glide down the canal under bridges, sail past the locks, and unwind on the upper deck for a birds-eye view of the river and falls. Take in the scenery and learn a little bit about the history behind man’s conquest over nature.
Erie Canal Cruises offers tours up until mid-October. 2021 Cruise prices are $19.50 for adults and $10 for children ages 4-10.
Stay With Us at Ellicott Development
Our staff is willing to help, no matter what the circumstances may be. If you need special accommodations, we’re happy to make things work to suit your needs. Our locations are staffed by dedicated employees who understand their crucial role in our guests’ experiences.
Ellicott Development is a full-service hospitality management company offering expertise in hotel development, construction, operations, and marketing. Our current portfolio includes everything from luxury boutiques to extended-stay hotels.
Whether you’re planning a fall vacation or just need somewhere to stay for the weekend in Buffalo, NY, an Ellicott Hotel is the place you want to be to ensure you’re getting everything there is to offer in the area. We invite you to stay at our Buffalo hotels and share in the magic that is Queen City. For more information, you can call us at 716-854-0060 or visit us online to see available rooms.
