Niagara Falls Tour Review: Boat Ride & Behind the Falls

Niagara Falls, a place that often is pictured on postcards and bucket lists, is, in fact, more than just a pretty view; very often, it’s a completely immersive adventure. Of all the ways to see this natural wonder, doing both the Niagara Falls boat tour and the Behind the Falls attraction is something pretty worthwhile. I wanted to write down what I learned, plus add my honest thoughts, so, you too can see if these touristy activities are a good fit for your trip.

What’s the Big Deal About the Niagara Falls Boat Tour?

The boat tour, usually named something like “Maid of the Mist” on the American side or “Hornblower Niagara Cruises” on the Canadian side, basically lets you get super close to the falls. We are talking like, really close. It starts with getting a recyclable raincoat – trust me, you absolutely will need this because it gets really wet! Then, people line up, so that they can board these boats that can carry a bunch of folks. As the boat starts to glide toward the falls, everyone’s chatting, snapping photos, like you would expect, yet then there is a sense of excitement starts to really build.

When you reach the Horseshoe Falls, which actually are the biggest and most powerful of the three falls, the boat sort of hovers right there in the mist. The sheer power is, quite honestly, unreal. You can feel the spray pelting you even with the raincoat on, the roar is super loud, and then the view actually is breathtaking. For me, I just stood there in wonder, with my mouth hanging open like a simpleton. It’s just, that is, a sensory overload, to be truthful. The tour overall usually lasts about 20 to 30 minutes, but standing near the falls actually is an experience that will probably last way longer in your mind.

Is the Boat Tour Actually Worth the Hype (and the Potential Soaking)?

Very much yes, I think so. So, actually, there’s no other way to truly understand how huge and impressive the falls actually are until you feel the mist on your skin and also hear the rumble up close. Sure, you are gonna be in a crowd of other tourists, and yeah, you will get wet, yet those seem to be pretty small prices to actually pay for that experience. Little suggestion: secure a spot on the rail if at all possible; doing so is worth it for taking awesome pictures, so that is for certain. Just be ready to get extra wet!

Behind the Falls: What Actually Happens Down There?

The “Behind the Falls” attraction is on the Canadian side, is that something to remember. You put on another, very special raincoat and take an elevator down like, 125 feet through the rock. Then, after that, you make your way through tunnels that are carved right out of the bedrock.

Now, there really are viewing platforms right behind the Horseshoe Falls. The neatest part of this whole thing happens to be that you actually can see the water thundering down just inches from you through these openings cut in the rock. It truly gives you a feel of how much water really is moving; it’s tons. The vibrations are palpable, almost like you can feel the raw strength of nature, really. As I was standing there, I actually remember wondering how the heck they even built these tunnels in the first place! So, the whole visit probably lasts like, 30 to 45 minutes, give or take, giving you ample time to enjoy this crazy perspective.

Does “Behind the Falls” Provide a View Like No Other?

It really does, is that my vote. Though, seeing the falls from the front actually is awesome, seeing them from behind, that’s a great perspective you just can’t get anywhere else. Getting to peer through the openings as that massive curtain of water rushes down in front of you; that’s what I liked, at least. This activity might not be the absolute best choice for folks who do have problems with tight spots because the tunnels can feel rather constricted. But if this isn’t something that concerns you, I might suggest adding this to your list.

Combining Both Experiences: A Full Immersion Into Niagara

Actually, doing the boat tour together with Behind the Falls offers a pretty comprehensive look at Niagara Falls. The boat tour just gets you right into the middle of everything so you feel all that spray, the roar, so on and so forth. And “Behind the Falls” is a different experience altogether because it lets you feel the power from another vantage point. Both attractions do have their strengths, to be honest, and putting them back to back ends up making for an unforgettable adventure.

Timing Is Basically Everything: Best Times to Check These Out

Both the boat tours and Behind the Falls happen to be popular, which just means lines could get lengthy, more often during the peak season (the summertime) or the weekend. So, you probably want to plan your visit for sometime early in the morning or later during the afternoon if you want to side-step those really long waits. Very often, pre-booking your tickets will not only save some waiting around but it ensures you do get in, which you will thank me for afterwards.

Some Tips and Tricks for an Absolutely Great Visit

Dress super casually and get ready to get a little damp, alright? Even though they supply a raincoat, expect a little bit of spray, at least.
Really protect your electronics: Bring along a waterproof case for that phone and camera; just think of it like you have a chance of accidental waterfall exposure.
Have super sturdy shoes on: Walking can involve slippery and wet platforms, at least.
Remember your ID: If you will want to cross between the U.S. and Canadian sides, is that something to bring to mind, by the way.
Scope out combination passes: Niagara Parks sometimes actually offers deals that group several attractions; by the way, this is usually the way to save money.

Nearby Grub and Cool Spots

Niagara Falls has a bunch of spots to grab a bite, for the most part ranging from the snack vendors up to full-scale restaurants. Clifton Hill, which happens to be pretty close by on the Canadian side, happens to be jam-packed with family-friendly places and fast-food joints, you could say. For something actually nicer, see if any restaurants overlooking the falls strike your fancy.

Plus, Niagara-on-the-Lake, is that the historic town just a very short drive from the falls, really is a cool place with cool boutiques and old timey theaters. The area all around Niagara is chock full of things that will definitely keep your group pretty well entertained, that’s for certain.

Final Thoughts

Very well, so, are those boat tours and trips Behind the Falls actually something people should consider? For what it’s worth, yeah, definitely! They really let you understand the wonder and magnitude of the Niagara Falls from every angle you would care to explore. Whether you’re traveling solo, hitting the road with family, actually either adventure will deliver memories to treasure from the trip, absolutely.

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