Following a colder-than-usual winter, the iconic boat is ready to launch its 2025 season
Niagara Falls, Ont. – Niagara City Cruises is preparing to launch its 2025 Voyage to the Falls boat tour, welcoming guests back to one of Niagara’s most iconic experiences.
Set to hit the water of the lower Niagara River on May 8th, the flagship attraction in Niagara Falls invites guests to sail past the American and Bridal Veil Falls, feel the thunderous roar of the water and experience the awe-inspiring power of the iconic Horseshoe Falls up close.
“After a long winter, we’re gearing up for the launch of our 2025 season,” says Mory DiMaurizio. “Preparations are underway at the lower landing in the Niagara Gorge, and we’re excited to officially welcome guests back to one of Niagara Falls’ premier tourism experiences.”
After record-early openings in 2023 and 2024, the spring launch of Niagara City Cruises in 2025 was delayed due to significant ice build-up on Lake Erie over the winter.
A series of late-winter snowstorms and lingering frigid temperatures kept water levels near the freezing mark well into spring. However, by April 19th, a sharp rise in water temperature prompted the delayed removal of the ice boom – installed where Lake Erie feeds into the Niagara River to control ice flow, prevent property damage and maintain consistent hydroelectric power generation.
The removal of the ice boom is a crucial step in launching Niagara City Cruises each spring. While it took place as early as February in the past two years, colder temperatures and heavy lake ice this year delayed the process. The New York Power Authority and Ontario Power Generation began phased removal on April 11, after which Niagara City Cruises could begin readying its vessels for the upcoming season.
“Safety is always our top priority, which is why the removal of the ice boom is such a key – and exciting – milestone for our team as we prepare to welcome all of our guests back on board,” says Mr. DiMaurizio.
The flagship Voyage to the Falls tour begins daily service May 8th with cruises to the base of Niagara Falls running every half hour from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Expanded summer operating hours will begin May 15th.
Tickets (Adults 13+ – $42.95, Child 3 to 12 years – $27.95; Infants free) are available at niagaracruises.com.
About City Cruises Canada
Offering sightseeing, dining and private event tours, City Cruises in Canada represents three Canadian port locations of City Experiences, the water- and land-based experiences owned by the Hornblower Group. Featuring Niagara City Cruises, City Cruises Toronto and City Cruises Gananoque, City Cruises in Canada boasts the best sightseeing experiences and finest dining cruises on the water. Niagara City Cruises — rated as Canada’s top visitor experience, gets you deep into the mist, up close and personal with the power of Niagara Falls. City Cruises Toronto offers a range of dining, cocktail and sightseeing cruises, as well as private events and charters, with unparalleled views of Toronto’s iconic city skyline. City Cruises Gananoque offers breathtaking voyages through the 1000 Islands archipelago where the St. Lawrence River meets Lake Ontario. Book tickets for all three locations at citycruisescanada.com.