Maid of the Mist to return to Niagara Falls

Yes, this is good news.  Maid of the Mist to return to Niagara Falls this year, despite loss of contract. Operators of the Maid of the Mist say the popular tour boats will be back in the water this year on both sides of the Niagara River Gorge.

Photo courtesy of alirjd

The news comes after the Maid of the Mist Steamboat Company — which lost the contract to run the boats after 165 years — had warned the attraction might not open this year.

Niagara Falls' Maid of the Mist may soon come to an end

One of the largest tourist draws in Niagara Falls may not be open this year because the Maid of the Mist Steamboat Company has lost the contract to operate boats in the Niagara Gorge after 165 years.

Maid of the Mist-Photo courtesy of Reuters

The Niagara Parks Commission announced Wednesday it had awarded a 30-year land-lease agreement for boat tour operations in the Niagara Gorge to Hornblower Canada, a California-based company.

"This is a great day for the Niagara Parks Commission and a great day for the tourism industry in Niagara and across Ontario," chair Janice Thomson said in a release.

However, the Hornblower service isn't scheduled to begin until the spring of 2014 and the Maid of the Mist company isn't sure it can stay in business for this summer's tourist season.

Lights and Sounds of

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls by Night

It's the time of the year that you have the chance to rediscover and feel the holiday season in Niagara Falls. You will  be amazed with the spectacular view of the falls lit in all colours of the rainbow. It has been happening for many years so while there's still time, come visit the Niagara Falls with the whole family.

This year, experience the CAA Winter Festival of Lights.  Enjoy millions of dazzling lights and hundreds of lighting display including the Enchantment of Disney.

For the benefit of those who's visiting the Falls for the first time, here are some important information that you may want to know.  Niagara Falls is a little over an hour drive from Toronto and twenty minutes away from the Buffalo International Airport.  There is so much to do in Niagara all year round.  I will be listing the activities and things to do while you are in Niagara; Attractions & Rides, Casino, Day Spas, Falls Experiences, Festivals & Events, Golf, Historic Sites, Nature, Nightlife, Religious, Shopping, Sightseeing Tours, Theatre & Shows, Themeparks and Waterparks, and Wineries.

In and Around Niagara with friends & family

For the list of hotels and restaurants for your fine dining and comfortable stay experience, and for other things to do ~ click here.

I have visited Niagara Falls on all four seasons of the year, now is the time for you to experience this great wonder of the world!

Come visit Canada!

Happy Holidays!!