Tag Archives: Maid of the Mist

News

Niagara Parks Announces New Boat Tour Service Operator

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For Immediate Release
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
The Niagara Parks Commission announces new boat tour service operator
New 30-year lease agreement brings investment in new fleet and facilities, maintains family-friendly prices, and generates additional revenue for Niagara Parks
NIAGARA FALLS – The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) has awarded the land lease related to boat tour operations at the Niagara Falls Gorge to Hornblower Canada Company (Hornblower). The agreement provides better value-for-money for Ontarians and will bring new investment to the Niagara region.
The new agreement is estimated to generate in excess of $500 million in revenue to the NPC over the 30-year span of the contract – representing an increase of more than $300 million in revenue compared to previous agreements. This includes guaranteed minimum revenue of $67 million in the first five years. In order to realize their vision of operations in the Niagara Falls Gorge, investments will be made to upgrade passenger facilities and construct new tour boats. The new service is expected to commence in Spring 2014.
“This is a great day for The Niagara Parks Commission and a great day for the tourism industry in Niagara and across Ontario,” stated NPC Chair Janice Thomson. “It not only marks the beginning of a new era for all of us, but it continues to build on what Niagara and Niagara Parks is all about, building memories and creating experiences that will last a lifetime.”
To assist NPC through the procurement process, the Ontario Government engaged external expertise, including a naval architect and a procurement advisor. An independent and impartial Fairness Commissioner also observed, monitored and oversaw the competitive process. The Fairness Commissioner’s reports on the fairness of the process are available on the NPC website.

NPC is committed to a vision of Ontario’s Niagara Parks as one that Preserves a rich heritage, Conserves natural wonders, and Inspires people world-wide. Founded in 1885, The Niagara Parks Commission is an Operational Enterprise Agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Its mission is to protect the natural and cultural heritage along the Niagara River for the enjoyment of visitors while maintaining financial self-sufficiency.
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For more information, please contact:
Tony Baldinelli, Acting Director
Communications, Marketing and Stakeholder Relations
tbaldinelli@niagaraparks.com
(905) 356-2241, ext. 220

Attractions

Maid of the Mist Takeover

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The day has come after much long deliberation the Maid of the Mist contract will be decided later today! Follow the link for more details on the announcement! http://www.thespec.com/news/ontario/article/674962–ontario-cabinet-to-approve-new-contract-for-maid-of-the-mist
History (from Wikipedia)
The Maid of the Mist is a boat tour of Niagara Falls. (The actual boats used are each named Maid of the Mist, followed by a different Roman numeral in each case.) The boat starts off at a calm part of the Niagara River, near the Rainbow Bridge, and takes its passengers past the American and Bridal Veil Falls, then into the dense mist of spray inside the curve of the Horseshoe Falls, also known as the Canadian Falls. The tour is available starting from either the Canadian or American side of the river, returning to the starting point in each case.
Maid of the Mist is run by the Maid of the Mist Steamship Company of Niagara Falls, Ontario, but owned by the Glynn family of Lewiston, NY since 1971. Boats are registered in St. Catherines, Ontario.
The first Maid of the Mist was launched in 1846 as a ferry service between the Canadian and American sides, pre-dating by two years the construction of the first Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge at the site. However, with the opening of the suspension bridge, the ferry service lost business, and by 1854, became a tourist attraction instead with the launch of a more luxurious boat. The current captain of the Maid of the Mist is Captain Mark Keith of St. Catharines, Ontario.
Find us on facebook for more details as they happen…  http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1370671268

Attractions

Niagara Falls and Maid of the Mist

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from the Vacation Gals
There is one word to describe Niagara Falls: Epic. The water that produces this spectacular sight is delivered by former glaciers which happens to be four of the five Great Lakes: Erie, Huron, Michigan and Superior. After the water plunges down the falls it makes it way down Niagara River to Lake Ontario to the St. Lawrence River to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a long but spectacular journey.
I’m not sure what triggered my fascination with Niagara Falls, but this has always been one destination I was determined to visit, including a ride on Maid of the Mist. This week I was able to cross them both off my list while my children get to add it to their list of things they’ve seen and I can tell you it was a memorable experience for us all. (more…)

News

Alexisonfire “Young Cardinals” Video shot on board of the Maid of the Mist in Niagara Falls, Canada!!

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Popular Canadian band Alexisonfire chooses an unusual location for their “Young Cardinals” song…
Behind The Scenes Footage From The Making Of The “Young Cardinals” Video on board of the Maid of the Mist in Niagara Falls, Canada!!

Here is the finished Alexisonfire “Young Cardinals” video Continue reading Alexisonfire “Young Cardinals” Video shot on board of the Maid of the Mist in Niagara Falls, Canada!! →

News

NIAGARA FALLS: Maid of the Mist owners buying hotel

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Source: Niagara Gazette
Originally printed September 12, 2008
NIAGARA FALLS: Maid of the Mist owners buying hotel
Tourist attraction owners purchasing Comfort Inn The Pointe
By Mark Scheer
The owners of one of the most recognizable tourist attractions in Niagara Falls are about to venture where they have never gone before — the local hotel business.
Maid of the Mist Corp., the company whose tour boat operation provides visitors with an up-close view of the falls, has reached an agreement to purchase the Comfort Inn The Pointe from its current owner, Sevenson Hotel Associates.
Tim Ruddy, vice president of marketing for Maid of the Mist, confirmed Friday the sale is expected to close in January. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. (more…)