Niagara City Cruises ('Voyage to the Falls' Boat Tour): Tips, Best Times & Ponchos

Nothing on land prepares you for the hurricane-like wind, deafening thunder and drenching spray of sailing straight into the stone amphitheatre of the Horseshoe Falls at water level. Operating from the Canadian dock just north of Clifton Hill (700 metres north of Table Rock, opposite the bottom of the Clifton Hill / Great Canadian Midway hill), the 20-minute Niagara City Cruises 'Voyage to the Falls' boat tour (operated by Hornblower from late April or May through November, depending on Lake Erie ice) is the top paid attraction in Niagara.

1. Why Are Some Boats Red Ponchos and Others Blue Ponchos?

As you look down into the river gorge, you will see two fleets of boats sailing the exact same route in the water:

• Red Ponchos = Niagara City Cruises (Departing the Canadian Side): uses modern, 700-passenger twin-hull catamarans with tiered upper viewing decks and an indoor glass-enclosed cabin (for anyone who wants to stay dry).
• Blue Ponchos = Maid of the Mist (Departing the US Side in New York): uses all-electric vessels departing from the American shore. Both boats sail into the exact same international water at the base of the Horseshoe Falls, so simply ride from the side you are already visiting.

2. Three Insider Tips for Riding the Boat

1. Ride Early in the Morning (Or Book the Evening Illumination & Fireworks Cruise): from late morning through mid-afternoon in summer, the queue for the funicular lift down to the dock can take 45 minutes. Boarding on one of the first morning departures gives you walk-on boarding and morning eastern sunlight that creates vivid double rainbows in the mist right in front of the boat. Alternatively, book the 40-minute Night Falls Fireworks Cruise to watch the evening fireworks explode directly over your head from the water.
2. Where to Stand on the Boat (Upper Deck Front & Left/Port Side): walk straight up the stairs to the top open deck and stand along the front bow or the left-hand (port) railing, as the boat passes the American and Bridal Veil Falls on the left side first before nose-diving straight into the mist of the Horseshoe cauldron.
3. Protect Your Shoes & Electronics: your complimentary red poncho stops at your knees, so your shoes and lower calves will get soaked. Wear waterproof sandals or bring a dry pair of socks.