From Niagara This Week:
The first voyage to the Horseshoe Falls for the Maid of the Mist is typically a sure sign spring has arrived. It also signals the city will soon be flooded with tourists once again, until at least Labour Day weekend in September.
At least that’s the hope as the Maid of the Mist begins its 161st season after a tough year in 2006.
“We are starting the 2007 season with optimism but also apprehension,” said Emil Mende, general manager of marine operations for the Maid of the Mist. “Our numbers were slightly down last year. We are hoping that will not happen again this year.”
The Maid of the Mist officially began its tours Wednesday, about four weeks later than usual because there was a still a lot of ice in the eastern end of Lake Erie until only a few weeks ago. Still, the launch is in line with an average season, which will end around Thanksgiving weekend in October.