Maid of the Mist ready for earliest launch in history

Tourists from around the world arrive for 131st consecutive season

Thanks to a milder than usual winter, Maid of the Mist will launch its boats at 9 a.m. tomorrow from its Niagara Falls landing, the earliest start to the season in Maid of the Mist history. The season runs through Nov. 6.

"As one of North America's longest-running tourist attractions, there's great excitement as we begin the 2016 season," said Christopher Glynn, president of the Maid of the Mist. "With an early start, we expect another tremendous season as we welcome guests from around the world to the iconic Maid of the Mist, which provides guests with an experience like no other."

During the offseason, new, environmentally friendly engines were installed on Maid of the Mist VII, as well as navigational upgrades and new deck lighting. 

From April 2 through May 20, tours will operate 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends.

Other schedule highlights include:

• Victoria Day Weekend: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 21-22
• May 23-27: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Memorial Day Weekend: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 28; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 29; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, May 30
• May 31-June 17: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Sunday-Friday), 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Saturday)
• June 18-Aug. 8: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
• Aug. 9-28: 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily
• Aug. 29-Sept. 4: 9 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. daily
• Labor Day only: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 5
• Sept. 6-Oct. 3: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends
• Oct. 4-31: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
• Nov. 1-6: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily

Adult tickets are $18.25; tickets for children (6-12 years) are $10.65. Children 5 and under ride free with an accompanying adult. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.maidofthemist.com. 

Only at Niagara Falls State Park can one get closer than ever imagined to the power of Niagara Falls. There is nowhere else in the world where one can ride the world-famous Maid of the Mist boat tour, walk within feet of the falls at the Cave of the Winds, meet the legends at the Niagara Adventure Theatre, get hands-on at the Discovery Center and go under the sea at the Aquarium of Niagara. Do it all with a Niagara USA Discovery Pass and save on the a la carte prices. Discovery Pass includes one day of unlimited rides on the Niagara Scenic Trolley. To purchase a Niagara Falls Discovery pass, visit: http://goo.gl/rKVIxF.