Hornblower shows off tour boats

(Update)

For more than a century, the Maid of the Mist offered spectacular views of the falls on its tours of the Niagara River. But now, a new era begins on this side of the border. San Francisco based Hornblower launches its inaugural season Thursday. Here is a preview of what tourists can expect when they step aboard the new catamarans.

The Niagara Thunder and the Niagara Wonder. The two Wheatley, Ontario-built catamarans are in the water. And ready for passengers.

Terry MacRae is the Hornblower CEO: “They’re very wide, they’re very stable, and they’re very spacious.”

Each can hold 700 people. Hornblower CEO Terry MacRae expects just under 2 million tourists will climb aboard each year. The company is also offering chartered tours on both catamarans, and a smaller boat called the Guardian: “It’s a little under 150 passenger vessel that’s a little more open faster, and closer to the water so it feels like a bigger adventure.”

The Maid of the Mist is still operating — just from the American side. People lining up a day early to purchase tickets, were surprised to discover the historic company was no longer touring from Canada — but not necessarily disappointed.

“It lets me go home and tell my dad, ‘Hey, I’m on the new one’ because he said do Maid of the Mist.”

The ponchos are a different colour, the vessels are brand new, but the views offer the same wonder that continues to draw tourists to Niagara Falls.

Senior Captain Mark Keith was brought over from the Maid of the Mist and is looking forward to being part of a new legacy: “The boats are just incredible. They handle wonderfully. They’re just a joy to run.”

Hornblower won a 30 year lease on the river — plenty of time to make its mark in Niagara Falls. Hornblower is offering trips throughout the day on 15-minute intervals starting Thursday at 9:45. MacRae says the company has invested 25-million dollars in Canada that will be recycled into our economy.