How the boat fits into the day
The tour reaches Niagara Falls at about 11:30 am and gives you free time until 2:00 pm, with an hour at Table Rock first. If you add the boat, you board a sailing within that free time. Niagara City Cruises sells timed slots, and its operator warns that in peak season (mid-June to Labour Day, holiday weekends, 11 am to 6 pm) lineups at the Lower Landing can mean your departure does not leave within your slot. Sailings ran about every 30 minutes from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm at the start of 2026.
A time budget
| Block | Time | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Table Rock | About 1 hour | Part of the itinerary, 11:30 am onward |
| Boat add-on | About 1 hour | About 20 minutes on the water plus boarding and queuing |
| Lunch | About 30 minutes | Not part of the itinerary; allow time |
Those three blocks use about 2.5 hours, which is the whole window between arriving at 11:30 am and leaving for Niagara-on-the-Lake at 2:00 pm, so there is no spare time. In peak season, lineups at the Lower Landing can use up more than that. Whether the boat add-on extends your return time or comes out of your free time is something we confirm in our reply, and it depends on the day. A second add-on would not fit comfortably in summer peak.
What the cruise does
Niagara City Cruises' ticket page describes a route through the Niagara Gorge past the American and Bridal Veil Falls to the Horseshoe Falls. Before sunset the boats enter the heart of the Horseshoe Falls; after sunset they go only to the outer edge. Read the full Niagara City Cruises guide for tickets, boarding and rules.
Price with the add-on
| Adult | Child | Senior | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day tour | C$89.99 | C$79.99 | C$79.99 |
| Boat add-on | +C$47.95 | +C$27.95 | +C$47.95 |
| Total with boat | C$137.94 | C$107.94 | C$127.94 |
Listed prices as of October 17, 2026; we confirm the final price, including any taxes or fees, in our reply. For comparison, booking the boat directly is C$47.95 adult plus 13% HST (child C$32.95 per Niagara Parks), but then you must reach the dock yourself: see the cost calculator.
If you would rather skip the boat
Journey Behind the Falls (+C$33.00 adult) is a year-round, drier way to see the falls up close. Maid of the Mist is on the US side and is not part of this tour. See is the boat tour worth it? and the boat comparison.
What to bring
Quick-dry layers, grippy shoes and a waterproof phone pouch. See what to wear and the wet-or-dry guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is the boat ride included in the day tour?
No. It is an optional add-on you request when booking, listed at C$47.95 for adults and seniors and C$27.95 for children, and it uses about an hour of your time at the falls.
Which boat is it?
The Niagara City Cruises Voyage to the Falls on the Canadian side. Some listings still call it the Hornblower cruise, its former name.
How long is the ride?
About 20 minutes on the water. We budget about an hour for the add-on, which covers boarding and queuing.
When does the boat run?
The add-on is seasonal. Niagara City Cruises' own season opened May 1, 2026, it has published no closing date, and it says December sailings depend on weather. We confirm availability for your date.
Can I cancel the tour with the boat add-on?
The day tour is free to cancel up to 24 hours before the tour. Niagara City Cruises' own tickets are non-refundable within 48 hours of sailing, so ask us in your request how the add-on is covered.
Is there a poncho?
Yes. A complimentary recyclable poncho is provided with the boat ride. You may still get wet.
Can I add the boat and another activity?
Yes. We recommend a maximum of two add-ons per person. With about 2.5 hours at the falls, including an hour at Table Rock, two add-ons leave little time for lunch.
Sources and further reading
- Niagara City Cruises: Voyage to the Falls
- Niagara City Cruises: FAQ
- Niagara Parks: Niagara City Cruises
Facts were last checked against these sources on October 17, 2026. Operator schedules, prices and conditions change; confirm with the operator before you travel.