A Closer Look: Maid of the Mist
From the Photo series: A Closer Look: Explore Western New York’s architectural treasures series
- By Joshua Bessex / News Staff Photographer
- Updated
The Maid of the Mist tours of Niagara Falls have been a staple of Western New York life since 1846. In 2020, the tour company launched two new all-electric tour boats, the James V. Glynn and Nikola Tesla. In 2022, the boats carried more than 1.2 million passengers over the tour season.
The James V. Glynn, an electric passenger operated by Maid of the Mist, navigates though the Niagara River.
Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Captain Mike Dennis drives the James V. Glynn toward the Horseshoe Falls.
Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
The first group of passengers of the day make its way to the dock to board the James V. Glynn.
Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
A Maid of the Mist clock is seen near the dock on Aug. 24, 2023.
Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Passengers board the James V. Glynn for a Maid of the Mist tour of Niagara Falls on Aug. 24, 2023.
Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Deckhands lower charging cables into their plugs on the James V. Glynn on Aug. 24, 2023. The passenger vessel takes seven minutes to charge from 60% to 80% battery in between each trip.
Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
The James V. Glynn carries hundreds of poncho-clad passengers toward Horseshoe Falls at Niagara Falls State Park.
Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
The 180-foot-tall Horseshoe Falls is visible from the deck of the James V. Glynn.
Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Passengers react as they are sprayed with water from Horseshoe Falls.
Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Water falls from the top deck of the James V. Glynn boat as it makes its way back to dock after stopping in Horseshoe Falls on a tour on Aug. 24, 2023.
Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Sandals- and wet sneakers-clad passengers walk on the upper observation deck of the James V. Glynn.
Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
The James V. Glynn carries hundreds of poncho-clad passengers inside the ring of Horseshoe Falls at Niagara Falls State Park.
Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Passengers take photos and selfies as they ride toward Horseshoe Falls.
Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Gulls fly above the Niagara River as American Falls rages in the distance at Niagara Falls State Park.
Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Zac Rooney, from New Jersey, huddles inside his blue poncho as he is hit with water spray from Horseshoe Falls while aboard the James V. Glynn on Aug. 24, 2023.
Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Passengers take photos as the James V. Glynn approaches Horseshoe Falls during a Maid of the Mist tour of Niagara Falls on Aug. 24, 2023.
Joshua Bessex/Buffalo NewsRelated to this collection
This series has taken Buffalo News photographers inside, outside, above and, on occasion, underneath local landmarks and to places most people…