Get ready to be soaked with a 30-minute cruise right to the base of both the American and the Horseshoe Falls. One of North America's longest running tourist attractions, these boats ferry raincoat-clad riders from both the American side and the Canadian side. (Your boat will return to the side from which you boarded.)

You'll be issued a disposable raincoat for the ride (choose the top deck of the boat for the heaviest soaking) which provides a drenching look at the falls, up close and personal.

Your first stop is the American Falls, where you'll be able to see the boulders that cascade down the base of the falls (which is why no daredevils ever choose to go over the American Falls, only the Horseshoe Falls.) Next, you'll see the smaller Bridalveil Falls.

Horseshoe Falls

Next you'll have a little breather, a chance to pull out the camera for a few dry moments of photography as the boat makes its way upriver to the larger (and far, far mistier) Horseshoe Falls.

The boat goes right into the basin of Horseshoe Falls so be prepared for a total drenching in this part of the trip.

While in the basin, it's impossible to see anything but your fellow passengers and a constant shower of what looks like heavy rain coming down on you.

What to Bring

We'd recommend buying a cheap waterproof camera for the journey; you'll want to stow your camera gear for most the trip to keep it dry.

How to Catch the Cruise

On the Canadian side, the cruises depart from the bottom of Clifton Hill. On the American side, the cruise departs from the bottom of the Observation Tower.

Lines can get long for this very popular attraction. We arrived very early and got right on; we've also heard that late day visitors can speed through the lines.

For More Information

• Maid of the Mist