Niagara Falls, N.Y. (WBEN) - It's time to sport an iconic blue poncho and venture out under one of the greatest wonders of the world right here in Western New York.
Niagara Falls, of course.
The Maid of the Mist makes a return this Saturday at 9 a.m. for the 2023 season, with two of their electric vessels ready to take you on a journey that people all over the world come to witness.
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"This is another season where visitors from Western New York, the U.S., Canada and all around the world will be able to come and enjoy Maid of the Mist and the two e-boats, the all-electric James V. Glynn, and Nikola Tesla," said Maid of the Mist spokesman Kevin Keenan. "It's an unparalleled experience."
The e-boats have only been in operation for a few seasons, so for those locals who haven't taken a trip under the falls in years, it's a cool new way to experience not only the scenic views, but more natural sounds, as the boats are significantly more quieter than your diesel-powered vessels.
"It's Niagara Falls at its best," Keenan says.
"You'll hear the roar of the falls and as you move into the lower Niagara River headed towards the falls. Also, there are just tons and tons of birds. You can really hear the noise of the birds as a great cacophony around Niagara Falls and it's just a smooth ride and people can really experience Niagara Falls as it was meant to be experienced."
The Maid of the Mist, which dates back all the way to 1846 as a steamboat, has been operating with visitors consecutively for 138 seasons, making it one of the longest operating attractions in North America.
Keenan highlights the route and another interesting feature that the electric ships offer.
"You get an up close look at the American Falls also known as the Bridal Veil Falls, and then the tour takes you into what's like a maelstrom at the base of Niagara Falls, that's the Horseshoe Falls.
You really get an up close look at the massive amounts of water coming over the falls, it's about 600,000 gallons per second. After that part of the tour, the boat returns to the American Falls and faces the falls. And because the electric motors have bow thrusters that they can operate, the Maid will do a 360 degree rotation in front of the American Falls. So it's a really terrific experience. It is unique. It's like nothing else people can do in Western New York."
You can purchase your tickets online or on-site. Adult tickets are $28.25, tickets for children (6–12 years) $16.50, and children 5 and under are free with accompanying adult.