5 Differences Between Cave of the Winds and Maid of the Mist

Cave of the Winds is for getting drenched up close. Maid of the Mist is for seeing the falls from the river.

Cave of the Winds puts you on a wooden walkway at the base of Bridal Veil Falls. You are under the falling water and will get soaked through, even with the poncho.

Maid of the Mist is a boat ride that gets close to Horseshoe Falls and American Falls. You get wet from spray, not a direct hit.

Cave of the Winds offers an intense, narrow view straight up at the water crashing over you. Maid of the Mist gives a wider view of the entire curtain of water from a distance.

Pick Cave of the Winds if you want to feel the falls on your face. Pick Maid of the Mist if you want the classic photo and full sweep of the falls.