One of the biggest, and most well known tourist attractions of the Niagara Falls is the Maid of the Mist. It is a ferry boat that loads up passengers on the bottom of the Canadian cliff side at the bottom of the Niagara River. The boat then drives the passengers off to the very front of the mighty Niagara Falls.
The Maid of the Mist I was first launched on May 6 in 1846. It was originally used as a ferry boat to cross the Niagara River below the Falls. However, when the first bridge was constructed that leads across the river below the falls, the boat was adapted to be a sightseeing service.
Ever since then, the Maid of the Mist was a popular sightseeing service. Passengers are given ponchos upon entering due to the mist soaking them in water. People that ride this boat and do not wear a poncho will regret it, unless the want to get soaked.
There is a legend that goes along with this boat, in fact, that is how the boat got its name. A long time ago, Indian princesses and young women were sacrificed. A young girl who is the chief's daughter was to be sacrificed next. She was to be sent off of what we now call the American Falls in a small boat. She went off as planned.
When the tribe came down to the bottom of the river, they could not find her body anywhere. They then heard a loud roar coming from the falls. The legend says that the maiden was caught by the hand of the thunder god who is constantly making the falls roar. The maiden was then known forever as the Maid of the Mist.
Whether there is a legend or not, there is no doubt something magical about these falls. While sharing the experience with friends or family, try the trip on the Maid of the Mist to the heart of the Niagara Falls. It is a trip that you will certainly not forget.
