Post by redbirdr33 on Sept 25, 2016 7:06:32 GMT -8
Tuscarora Marine Log No.10
Niagara Falls Boat Rides – 2016
The Maid of the Mist Corporation has been operating sightseeing tours in the Niagara Gorge for over a hundred years. The boats were all known as “The Maid of The Mist”. Two boats ran from a dock in Niagara Falls, Ontario and two boats from Niagara Falls, New York.
In 2013 the Government of Ontario awarded the franchise to Hornblower Niagara Cruises. The final runs by the Maid of the Mist boats from the Canadian side were made on October 24, 2013.
Hornblower ordered the construction of three new boats. The NIAGARA THUNDER and NIAGARA WONDER were built by Hike Marine Products Limited of Wheatley, Ontario. These are two-deck 700 passenger catamarans and are the regular service boats. The GUARDIAN is a single deck boat that can carry 149 passengers and is available for charters and special events. She also functions as a safety and rescue boat. She was built by All American Marine of Bellingham, Washington.
The Maid of the Mist Corporation would continue operations from the American side. The two oldest boats; MAID OF THE MIST IV and V were retired. Boats VI built in 1990 and VII built in 1997 would continue to operate. The marine railway and maintenance base were located on the Canadian side so it was necessary to build new facilities on the American side. The State of New York made available the former Schoellkopf Power Plant. A marine yard was constructed here along with a crane that lifts the boats out of the river during the winter season.
Visitors on the Canadian side now use elevators to reach the boat dock. The former inclined railway was closed in 1990 but is otherwise intact. The boats on the American side are accessed by elevators located in a 282 foot tower.
Niagara Falls Boat Rides – 2016
The Maid of the Mist Corporation has been operating sightseeing tours in the Niagara Gorge for over a hundred years. The boats were all known as “The Maid of The Mist”. Two boats ran from a dock in Niagara Falls, Ontario and two boats from Niagara Falls, New York.
In 2013 the Government of Ontario awarded the franchise to Hornblower Niagara Cruises. The final runs by the Maid of the Mist boats from the Canadian side were made on October 24, 2013.
Hornblower ordered the construction of three new boats. The NIAGARA THUNDER and NIAGARA WONDER were built by Hike Marine Products Limited of Wheatley, Ontario. These are two-deck 700 passenger catamarans and are the regular service boats. The GUARDIAN is a single deck boat that can carry 149 passengers and is available for charters and special events. She also functions as a safety and rescue boat. She was built by All American Marine of Bellingham, Washington.
The Maid of the Mist Corporation would continue operations from the American side. The two oldest boats; MAID OF THE MIST IV and V were retired. Boats VI built in 1990 and VII built in 1997 would continue to operate. The marine railway and maintenance base were located on the Canadian side so it was necessary to build new facilities on the American side. The State of New York made available the former Schoellkopf Power Plant. A marine yard was constructed here along with a crane that lifts the boats out of the river during the winter season.
Visitors on the Canadian side now use elevators to reach the boat dock. The former inclined railway was closed in 1990 but is otherwise intact. The boats on the American side are accessed by elevators located in a 282 foot tower.