Hornblower Boat Cruise at Niagara Falls, is so WILDLY popular, that there are good chances you have already heard of it! The red-poncho clad groups of people on a catamaran-style vessel, heading into the mist from the mighty Falls, is a scene that has become synonymous with the Niagara Falls experience!

The Hornblower Boat cruise, offers an experience that simply cannot be missed, especially for those seeking an unforgettable encounter with the Falls!

On the Hornblower Boat cruise, you are brought face-to-face with the thundering power and breathtaking beauty of the Falls!

Far from a simple boat ride – the Hornblower Boat Cruise is an immersive adventure! It engages all your senses and creates memories that will last you, a lifetime!

No amount of pictures and videos and second hand accounts and verbal descriptions can truly capture what the actual experience is like!

And what to speak of the view it offers!!

If you thought that just looking at Niagara Falls was impressive enough, then the Hornblower Boat Cruise experience is only going to amplify the feeling, a 100 fold!

About the Hornblower Boat Cruise

The Hornblower Boat Cruise has two vessels in operation. One is called Thunder and the other is called The Wonder! The cruise begins by you hopping on one of these boats at the loading dock.

The cruise’s start is gentle enough with the vessel navigating the calm waters of the Great Gorge. Your captain provides fascinating commentary about the geological and historical significance of the area. You will cruise past the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, the 2 out of the 3 Falls that together, make Niagara Falls.

Your vessel then, steadily makes its way towards the thundering Horseshoe Falls. These are the largest and most powerful of the three waterfalls.

A symphony of senses

As you head towards the Horseshoe Falls, you’ll feel the atmosphere change considerably. The mist thickens, the roar intensifies, and a palpable energy fills the air! The boat gets super close to the massive wall of water, bringing you into the heart of the “mist zone”. From such close proximity, you can actually feel what 675,000 gallons of crashing water feels like! This is where the full might of the falls reveals itself.

As you get closer to the Horseshoe Falls, you will realize that the iconic red ponchos provided to all at the beginning of the ride, are not just souvenirs! They’re an absolute essential gear for this close encounter!

The mist from the Falls will give you a gentle soaking that’s especially refreshing during the hot Canadian Summer months! Many visitors consider getting “Niagara wet” part of the awesome Niagara Falls experience!

Best time to take the Hornblower Boat Cruise

While there are some Niagara Falls attractions that are open all year round (e.g. Journey Behind the Falls), the Hornblower Boat cruise is out of operation during some months.

The Hornblower Boat Cruise operates April through November. And it really doesn’t matter when you choose to go on the Cruise. Every weather adds it own distinctive uniqueness to the experience!

Canadian Spring months (April & May) is when you will see the Falls at the most powerful. With the snow melting and spring showers adding a lot of volume!

And summer (June-July-August), of course , will be most comfortable! The temperatures would be just right. The extended day light hours means extended operational time!

Another awesome option to consider is the Fall Season (Sept-Oct-Nov) in Canada! The exploding array of natural fall colours combined by the experience of Hornblower Boat Cruise is a feast for your eyes!

Beyond the Standard Day Cruise

The day time Hornblower Boat Cruise is the standard, as well as the most popular option. However, there are two other options that it offers that might appeal to you, depending on your interests!

The “Falls Illumination Cruise” provides a uniquely romantic perspective and has become a popular setting for couples! The boat glides beneath the Falls while they’re illuminated in a spectrum of colors against the night sky. An ideal backdrop for memorable photos and celebrating special occasions!

The “Falls Fireworks Cruise” adds in a little bit of extra! It combines the illumination experience with the added spectacle of fireworks exploding overhead ! Truly a phenomenal sensory extravaganza! And a very unforgettable one too!

The complete Niagara Falls experience

If there was just one tour at Niagara Falls that we could recommend, the Hornblower Boat Cruise would be our instant pick! Such, is our love for one the most popular Niagara Falls attractions!

For generations, visitors to Niagara Falls have picked the Hornblower Boat Cruise as their top favourite activity of choice!

The intimacy with the Falls, that the Hornblower Boat Cruise offers, cannot be compared with anything!

Whether you are planning your first trip to Niagara Falls or not, we recommend the Hornblower Boat Cruise be certainly on your ‘must-see’ list.

Have a wonderful trip to the Falls! And do let us know how your Hornblower Boat Cruise was! Did it live up to the promise!?