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We are limited to late October for our next vacation. We had planned n NYC for a couple days (been there a few times) and then a couple days at Niagara Falls/Canada side & Niagara on the Lake. I've been to NF, but my son & my husb have not. We really wanted to go on the Maid of the Mist or that Jet Whirlpool boat, but they seem to stop the first week of October. Anyone know of any other boat that will be around at the end of October? Our only other choice for dates would be late August, but it will be so crowded. THANK SO MUCH
Niagara Falls w/o Maid of the Mist??
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Runnerjefff, the Maid of the Mist and the Jetboat Tours are the only choices you have.
You can still see the lower rapids (strongest in the world) by going to the Great Gorge Adventure (where you can walk along the rapids). Their website states they are open until late October. If that's closed by the time you get here, you can always hike down into the gorge on the American side near Devil's Hole. (I'm just trying to offer options if all the outdoor attractions are closed when you get here). The lower rapids are absolutely awesome. You can view the falls from both sides 24/7, and the upper rapids as well.
Niagara Falls is beautiful, and there is plenty to do and see even if you can't take a boat ride or enjoy some of the other water related activities. Yes, August is crowded, but everything is open. Decisions!!!!!
Have a great trip, and let us know if you would like more info.!
Just so you know - the boat rides don;t run that late for a reason. The end of October can be very iffy in that area. It may be reasonably pleasant - or it can be very cold.
(A school roommate of mine came from Rochester - and she said they had 8" of snow at Halloween one year. I've sen snow at Holloween in NYC - but just a dusting that melted by morning - but Niagara Falls is in the snow belt.)
The first time that my husband and I went to Niagra we went for his birthday the first week of October. The weather was very nice, pleasant, but we knew that it could have been chilly.
We went in 1990, and it was not so touristy then. When we went in 2002, it was almost unrecognizable. So much more built up with many more touristy things to do.
The first time we went we did not do the Maid of the Mist. How shall I say this, we young and in love, we did not get out much.
In 2002 we went on the Maid of the Mist and I was suprised that I really did enjoy it. It gave a very beautiful and unique perspective on the falls. Especially if someone has never been there before. If you weren't going to go back again, I would not go when the Maid of the Mist isn't running. But that is just me, after having done it both ways.
I'd say just grin and bear it and go in August. The Maid of the Mist is well worth it - a very enjoyable ride to the brink of the falls, you get wet and it cools you off. If you want to avoid the crowds go to the falls about 7am. What I've observed about popular vacation spots is that people sleep in while at play.
Another suggestion is the tunnel that leads you to the very edge of the falls (Canadian side) so you can an idea of the power of the falls while looking up at them.