What should you wear on Maid of the Mist?

Dress Appropriately Prepare for a wet and wild adventure! Maid of the Mist tours get you up close to the falls, and you're bound to get drenched. Wear comfortable clothing that can be layered with the blue poncho provided to you. Don't forget to wear sturdy, non-slip shoes.



When riding the Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls, the golden rule is to dress for a "soaking." While the tour provides a signature blue plastic poncho, it won't keep you 100% dry, especially around your feet, lower legs, and face. It is highly recommended to wear waterproof or quick-drying shoes with good traction, like Tevas, Keens, or Crocs; avoid flip-flops as the decks can be slippery, and definitely avoid leather or suede sneakers that will take days to dry. For clothing, opt for lightweight, synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon (think gym wear) rather than heavy denim jeans, which become heavy and uncomfortable when wet. If you are visiting in the cooler months, a light waterproof shell underneath the poncho can provide extra warmth. Many experienced visitors also suggest bringing a small dry bag for your electronics or a Ziploc bag for your phone, as the "mist" at the base of the Horseshoe Falls is essentially a localized rainstorm that can penetrate pockets.

People Also Ask

suggest you wear shorts & flip flops, weather permitting. When we went on the MOM, we had wet jeans from just below the knees down. You won't be standing knee high in water, but the rain slickers only go so far down, and everything exposed below will be wet! Whatever shoes you wear normally are fine.

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A common question is about what shoes to wear at Niagara Falls. It's important to note that if you go on the boat ride, your shoes will probably get wet. For this reason, the best option is to wear lightweight water shoes with no socks, so your feet dry quickly afterwards and you won't ruin your favourite shoes.

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Ponchos are provided for Maid of the Mist tours. You might want a waterproof bag for any items you bring with you and also a waterproof case for your cellphone/camera, especially if you want to take photos during the tour.

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My preferred spot on the Maid of the Mist tour is the front of the boat, at the bow. You're closer to the water, so you get a view of the current and the spray. The upper deck fills up faster—and that's nice, too, because you get a good lookout from up there.

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Yes, it's quite possible for your shoes to get wet at Niagara Falls, especially if you get close to the falls or take a boat tour like the Maid of the Mist (on the U.S. side) or the Hornblower Niagara Cruises (on the Canadian side).

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How long does the boat tour last? Maid of the Mist boat tours are 20 minutes long.

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Taking a change of clothes is a good idea – I had a t-shirt dress with me that I could easily stash in my bag – as well as a packable rain jacket with a hood. You may also want to bring spare underwear and socks.

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Does the Maid of the Mist Go Behind Niagara Falls? The Maid of the Mist goes alongside the American Falls before bringing you into the mist of the Horseshoe Falls. It does not go behind Niagara Falls, but the boat travels to the bedrock of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

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While well-known attractions like the Maid of the Mist and the Journey Behind the Falls on the Canadian side offer incredible perspectives, the Cave of the Winds tour on the American side is a must-do for anyone seeking a unique, up-close encounter with the falls.

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Yes, it is safe to bring your camera on the Maid of the Mist boat. You will get some excellent photographs from that vantage point. When you enter the mist, you can put your camera under the raincoat supplied by the cruise line or you may bring a plastic bag to protect your camera.

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I would advise you avoid wearing jeans. I learned from experience that they are heavy when wet and won't be comfortable to continue sightseeing in. Wear lightweight trousers if possible that will dry quickly.

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