Maid of the Mist (photo credit: Kevin Payravi, Wikimedia Commons)

From Sightseeing to Parties on the water, the Buffalo Harbor Cruises will take you on a fun and relaxing trip through Buffalo waters on the Miss Buffalo II. See the city’s sights from the Buffalo River, the Outer Harbor, Lake Erie, the Niagara River, the Canal, and more. For those looking to see the sights and learn about the Buffalo area, the Sightseeing Cruises will take passengers of all ages on a fun and educational ride. For those looking to unwind after a long week, Friday night Party Cruises are available with food, drink, and entertainment.

Schedule a cruise through Buffalo waters on a beautiful antique wooden boat. “Summerlove,” a 1956 Chris Craft express cruiser will take a group of six on the cruise of their dreams, through places like the Black Rock Lock, around Grand Island, and the Erie Canal. An assortment of cruise options can be chosen, such as Sunset Cruises, Romantic Engagement Cruises, Wedding or Bachelorette Parties, and more. You can also pick your own time and destination, even if it isn’t on the list, and Classic Cruises will take you there.

Running since 1998, Grand Lady Cruises offers a spectacular trip down the Niagara River. Public Lunch, and Dinner Cruises are available, featuring delicious cuisine, as well as Historical River Cruises, Friday Night Casual Cruises, Beer and Wine Tasting Cruises, and Murder Mystery Dinner Cruises. The Grand Lady can also be reserved for your own special events

Take a boat tour down the Buffalo River to learn about the historical Buffalo Grain Elevators. See the architecture and technology of the grain elevators, flour mills, and other old industry buildings along the river. Learn about this important industrial history through the on board tour guides, pictures, maps, and videos. Tours will be available on Friday July 4th, Sunday July 20th, Saturday August 2nd, Sunday August 17th, and Monday September 1st.

Take a seventy minute guided tour through the Lockport Cave, and learn about Western New York history. Visit Erie Canal Locks 67-71 on a boat ride down the Erie Canal itself, and walk down a water tunnel filled with artifacts of the past and beautiful geological formations. The Underground Boat Ride is America’s longest Underground Boat Ride, and rides through peaceful waters in a dimly lit, eerie cave to see historical relics from the Erie Canal.

Take a trip down the historic Erie Canal through the canal’s only double set of locks. The Erie Canal was hand dug in the 1800s to connect the Niagara and Hudson rivers, using locks to raise and lower the water level so boats always had a smooth course. The Erie Canal is much the same today as it was then. Experience the seasonal foliage along the canal, and learn about the canal’s history as you cruise down this historic waterway. Cruises run from May to October, and take passengers on a two hour cruise through the canal.

The Maid of the Mist has been passing by the Niagara Falls since 1846. Originally meant to ferry passengers across the Niagara River, the ship now takes passengers up close to the falls to experience this natural wonder for themselves. As its name suggests, passengers are sure to get showered in mist from the falls as they ride along the Niagara River.

Sail out of the Buffalo Harbor on a classic 73 foot topsail schooner. This red sailed boat was built in 1992, and now offers public and private cruises through Lake Erie. Public Cruises are offered during the day and at sunset. Other special cruises include a Wine Cruise, and a Pirate Cruise for children. Private Charters aboard the Spirit of Buffalo are available.

Ride through the rough waters of the Niagara Gorge in custom built vessels designed with the latest marine technology and built for safety. Learn about the history and geology of the Niagara River, and get soaked with water along the way. Boat options are available for those who want to get wet as they ride through the Niagara River’s class 5 whitewater rapids, and for those who would rather stay nice and dry. Tours depart from Lewiston on the US side, and Niagara Falls on the Canadian side.

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