Category: News

Travel Weekly Q & A with Maid of the Mist President Christopher Glynn

01/16/25

By Alexandra Coulton

The president Maid of the Mist Corp. took us on a virtual tour of Niagara Falls. He said the raincoat and buckets of water were not necessary, but we beg to differ.

What’s your main goal for this year?

Our main goal is a continuation of our positive business recovery as we work our way out of the pandemic. We have found sustained growth in our leisure visitors over the past two seasons. There continues, however, to be a significant lag in the group market, which was expected. We anticipate another year before the group market shows meaningful signs of recovery for Niagara Falls.

Through it all, our guests from around the world tell us they really enjoy the new experience on our cutting-edge all-electric, zero-emission vessels, the James V. Glynn and Nikola Tesla, which were placed into service late in the 2020 season.

What’s your favourite thing about working in the travel industry?

The reaction of our millions of visitors as they come face to face with one of the world’s most famous and impressive natural wonders. For many, Niagara Falls and the Maid of the Mist is a bucket list item, and we are happy to be able to participate in an activity that is so important to them on a personal level.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I love to get outdoors and enjoy spending my free time golfing and skiing.

Have you managed to do any travelling since restrictions began to ease (domestic or international)?

We took a family trip skiing in Utah in January of 2022, as well as a Florida holiday. And we are taking a trip with our young children to Legoland in New York State next month – it just opened last year in Hudson Valley, and we are so excited to check it out.

What’s your favourite travel company, besides the one you work for?

Micato Safaris. They are a luxury safari company that runs tours in Africa and India. Like the Maid of the Mist Corporation, they are a family-run business and are very much focused on innovative offerings that amplify the guest experience.

If you could invite three famous guests (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would you choose?

Winston Churchill, Vincent Van Gogh, and Josh Allen (quarterback for the Buffalo Bills National Football League team, which is the local team where I live). I think the conversation around the table would be unique!

What’s something positive you’ve witnessed or experienced since the global pandemic hit?

During the height of the crisis, I witnessed a lot of neighbours helping neighbours. That was refreshing.

What’s your advice for others in the travel industry on coping with the global pandemic?

Be patient and have the ability on an operational level to plan for, and to quickly adapt to, the constantly changing and unpredictable circumstances created by the Pandemic that may significantly impact your ability to operate on short notice.

What book and/or TV show can you not get enough of lately?

Ted Lasso. Its portrayal of the importance of kindness is such an important message. Plus, it’s funny.

This article originally appeared in Australia-based Travel Weekly.

Jimmy Carter’s memorable Maid of the Mist visit

01/02/25

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who died on Dec. 29, 2024, was married to his late wife Rosalynn for 77 years. In July of 1996, the couple spent their 50th wedding anniversary in Niagara Falls, often referred to as The Honeymoon Capitol of the World. The visit included a meeting with the family of James V. Glynn, owner of the Maid of the Mist, and a ride on the iconic attraction that provides an unparalleled view of Niagara Falls.

From left to right: James V. Glynn, Mary Glynn, President Carter, Rosalynn Carter, Christopher M. Glynn.

The Buffalo News reported that the couple had a chance encounter with former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau while in Niagara Falls: “Their meeting by coincidence was an additional high point in a day that began with the former president’s customary morning jog and included a boat ride on the Maid of the Mist.”

The nation’s 39th president and his wife were accompanied on Maid of the Mist by company chairman James V. Glynn, his wife, Mary, and their son, Maid of the Mist President Christopher M. Glynn.

Upon their return to Plains, Georgia, President Carter wrote to James V. Glynn: “It was good to be with you in Niagara Falls. Rosalynn and I had a great trip aboard the Maid of the Mist and are grateful for the special courtesies you extended to us.” The cherished keepsake is framed along with a photograph from the Carter’s meeting with the Glynn’s.

The Glynn Family and the entire Maid of the Mist crew extended their prayerful condolences to The Carter Family.

President Carter’s letter to James V. Glynn.

Governor Hochul Announces Construction of ‘Crow’s Nest’ Project at Niagara Falls State Park

08/27/24

Project To Extend Walkway From Gorge to Prospect Point

Part of Governor Hochul’s Summer Campaign to Help Kids and Families “Get Offline, Get Outside”

Maid of the Mist President Christopher M. Glynn (far right) joins local and state dignitaries in breaking ground for the Crow’s Nest extension. Maid of the Mist is contributing $1.7M to the project.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced construction is set to begin on the extension of the ‘Crow’s Nest’ at Niagara Falls State Park. The expansion project includes the construction of new stairs and an overlook structure which will connect the existing ‘Crow’s Nest’ feature to Prospect Point at Niagara Falls State Park, providing a new close-up view of the Falls. The Aug. 27, 2024 announcement builds on Governor Hochul’s summer campaign to help kids and families “Get Offline, Get Outside.”

“Niagara Falls State Park is the perfect place to get outdoors, get offline, and enjoy nature,” Governor Hochul said. “This project will provide another opportunity for New Yorkers to put their phones down and take advantage of all the beautiful natural resources that our state has to offer.”

The Crow’s Nest extension will allow visitors to exit the Lower Niagara Falls Gorge on foot, easing elevator congestion.

The ‘Crow’s Nest’ is a set of stairs located alongside the American Falls that allow visitors to climb halfway up the side of the Falls for breathtaking views of the Falls before requiring visitors to go back down into the Gorge and return to the upper level via the Maid of the Mist elevators. When complete, the project will provide visitors with a new option to experience the Niagara Gorge and relieve pedestrian congestion in the lower gorge during the busy season, where the only current means of egress is the elevator inside of the observation tower. The stairs will be operated as a one-way egress from the lower gorge during the busy season, and as a two-way access to the overlook during a portion of the off season.

Work will begin in early September 2024 and be complete for the 2026 season. The $9 million project is being funded by State Parks capital funding, The Maid of the Mist Corporation, The Niagara River Greenway and the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.

New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “This project perfectly exemplifies the ways we are working to enhance our visitors’ experiences to our State Parks. In this case, the stairs will provide recreation opportunities by expanding access to the lower part of the gorge and to Niagara Falls, an alternative to needing an elevator and the overlook will allow people to experience the Falls from a very close and unparalleled viewing perspective. We are grateful to all of our partners who have contributed to this project.”

New York Power Authority Chairman and Western New York Resident John R. Koelmel said, “The new construction will connect the crow’s nest feature to Prospect Point in Niagara Falls State Park, making it easier for visitors to take in the breathtaking view of Niagara Falls. Our support for the project is reflective of the Power Authority’s ongoing commitment to the community surrounding the Niagara Power Project.”

Representative Tim Kennedy said, “Our region is enriched by having one of the natural wonders of the world in our own backyard. This project will improve access with even more breathtaking views of Niagara Falls and provide a new way for residents and tourists to take in nature and enjoy the great outdoors with friends and family.”

State Senator Rob Ortt said, “I am always proud to support projects that enhance the crown jewel of the New York State Parks system. Creating more navigable paths at one of the most popular destinations at Niagara Falls State Park is long overdue and ultimately, will make for better visitor experiences for guests from around the world.”

Assemblymember Angelo Morinello said, “Thank you to Governor Hochul and all the partners who continue to add to our World Class Attraction, Niagara Falls and the Niagara Gorge. The completion of the Crows Nest and the additional access to the gorge increases the overall Niagara Falls experience for locals and tourists alike.”

Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino said, “This addition to the State Park experience will provide even more breathtaking access to our Niagara Falls. The “Crow’s Nest” extension will give residents and visitors an unmatched opportunity to enjoy the beauty and majesty of our natural wonder. We appreciate this investment and look forward to its completion.”

Maid of the Mist President Christopher M. Glynn said, “We believe our $1.7M investment in this innovative project will further enhance the Maid of the Mist Experience,” said. When the extension is finished, it will expedite people moving up to Prospect Point, alleviating some of the pressure on the Observation Tower elevators during our busiest times, such as the Memorial Day and Fourth of July weekends.”

Governor Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign builds on her efforts to promote healthy living among young people and families across New York. Governor Hochul recently signed nation-leading legislation – theStop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act and New York Child Data Protection Act – to protect kids from addictive social media feeds and shield their personal data from online platforms. Learn more about Governor Hochul’s Get Offline, Get Outside campaign.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 79.5 million visits in 2022. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us onFacebook, Instagram, Twitter, and the OPRHP Blog.

Working on Maid of the Mist one of the ‘coolest’ jobs during extreme heat

06/20/24

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WKBW-TV) — Meghan Strassburg might have the coolest job in all of Western New York as a crew member on the Maid of the Mist in her hometown of Niagara Falls. For her, it’s a family tradition as her grandfather, brother, cousins and other family members have all worked for the Maid of the Mist.

“It’s awesome on a summer day because I’m able to go right in the middle of the horseshoe, and get blasted with cool water,” said Strassburg who takes the trip to the falls and back 23 times per day. “I say to myself, I’m never going to find another job like this where I come in contact with thousands of people from all over the world,” explained Strassburg. “We’re able to bring them on this amazing ride and watch them enjoy themselves…It’s amazing, best job ever!”

The Maid of the Mist welcomes more than one million people each year. In the peak season of summer, thousands of people ride the boats each day.

On Wednesday (June 19, 2024) Strassburg took 7 News’ Michael Schwartz through her routine aboard the Maid of the Mist. It includes checking on the hundreds of passengers on each trip, docking the boat, and connecting two electric chargers to the boat once docked. The Maid of the Mists has two vessels. They take seven minutes to charge, as the crew is on a precise schedule. In 2020 the company became the first all-electric zero-emission tour boat in North America.

Schwartz also went into the captain’s wheelhouse to see how the crew navigates the powerful and precise ship. The captain told Schwartz that every day is different, due to the power of the Niagara River and winds that provide for dense mist clouds.  It’s through the mist where passengers get soaked standing on the bow of the boat, which is less than 1,000 feet from the falls. 

“We’re able to bring them on this amazing ride, and watch them enjoy themselves,” said Strassburg.

https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/best-job-ever-maid-of-the-mist-crew-proves-to-have-cool-job-in-the-heat

‘It doesn’t get less spectacular’: First female Maid of the Mist captain relishes her journey

05/01/24

Kaitlynn McHenry looked ahead through the wheelhouse window. Right before she steered the electric Maid of the Mist boat close to the base of the gigantic Horseshoe Falls, she grinned at her fellow boatman, Jim Egloff.

“It’s pushy today, Jim,” she said, as the boat bobbed in the tumultuous waters in the Niagara River.

Through the wheelhouse, one could hear the loud cheer of wonder and amazement from the two-tiered decks. McHenry smiled; the ever-so familiar sound from the sea of blue ponchos onboard played like music to her ears.

“There are people who have been waiting their entire lives to come here. Every time they show up, they’re emotional because this is something they’ve dreamed about doing. And that’s absolutely the best part of the job: watching these people up there in total awe, being able to take it all in,” she said.

McHenry is the first and only female captain in the Maid of the Mist’s 139 consecutive years of touring below Niagara Falls.

Boats were, however, never on McHenry’s radar when she was a pharmacy student at the University at Buffalo.

“It was a total accident. I did not grow up around boats,” she said.

A summer job as a deckhand on a tour boat run by a family friend out of Fairport set her sail in a different direction. She kept returning to the job, and eventually decided to “just keep playing on boats,” she said.

The Rochester native quickly mastered the nautical ropes of line handling and getting the vessel through lock chambers, as well as other important facets that helped inform her expertise. As soon as she received her captain’s license nearly 15 years ago, her mentor trained her to become a boat handler, from handling vessels to changing oil in the engines and more.

McHenry remembers her first-ever solo journey as a captain to be windy and “nerve-wracking.”

“I was a little nervous the first time, but I was really excited because I had been working towards it for a long time,” she said. “It was my time to shine, and it was a really great trip.”

McHenry had first been on the Maid of the Mist as a passenger in her 20s. She does not remember as much about the natural wonder during that trip as she does about the boat. She was fascinated by what the boat captain was doing and how different it was from the boats she was used to handling in Fairport. She recounted watching the captain dock and manipulate one of the old diesel boats.

“I don’t know if I saw the falls because I was so fascinated with the actual boat part of it,” she said.

In 2019, McHenry was working as a structure operator for the New York State Canal Corp., responsible for locks, lift bridges and the dam system on the canal, when she received an unexpected recommendation from the local Coast Guard inspector to interview for a job on the Maid of the Mist. Flattered, McHenry participated in the interview without any intention of taking the job, since it was quite an “intimidating” challenge, she said.

“If it was up to me, I would have never applied for it. But I met with some of the upper management and sat and talked for quite some time and I drove home and was like, ‘I guess I’m moving to Buffalo,’ “ she said with a laugh.

McHenry was one of the seven captains from all over the country with a variety of maritime backgrounds who came to be trained.

In 2020, on Memorial Day weekend, she captained her maiden Maid of the Mist voyage with passengers, and remembers it to be an “overwhelmingly, exhilarating day.” The hordes of tourists surprised her.

“I’d never seen just a constant flow of people like this before, and I didn’t know ponchos made sound,” she recalled, reflecting on how she ran back and forth between the deck and the wheelhouse. “It was kind of a whirlwind day.”

McHenry has been on hundreds of trips since, including a fascinating one on April 8 during the solar eclipse moment of totality. After discussions on how to handle the boat and factors such as reduced visibility and darkness, McHenry’s eclipse journey was one for the books. During totality, it got quite dark as the birds took off from the shoreline and circled overhead the boat that had stopped near the American Falls during the nearly four-minute period.

“It was really spectacular to watch. And just as quickly as it was there, it was gone,” she said.

The Maid of the Mist put its boats into the water a couple of weeks early on April 3, ahead of the eclipse, due to the mild winter. Usually, the boats start operation on April 15 and depart every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.

Helming the Maid of the Mist is a different experience with every trip, she said, due to the changing water current, as well as the wind. The constant challenge, however, adds to the thrill of it.

“We are never bored,” she said. “It doesn’t get less spectacular. What we get to do now is share it. That’s even better.”

Being a woman in a man’s world often comes with challenges, but McHenry is grateful for how smooth her journey has been due to support from peers and mentors.

“I was very lucky in my journey to the wheelhouse and in my journey as captain. I had amazing support and encouragement. And I was able to become a skilled captain because of that,” she said. “I really hope that in the future … what I experience on my way to the wheelhouse is the norm for women who want to work in this industry.”

McHenry dreams of a time when there will be an all-female crew. Having risen from the ranks of deckhand to captain, she hopes to mentor others in the maritime industry.

“I like the possibility that I could be one of those people who from my past I admire so much,” she said.

Published by The Buffalo News (Apr. 30, 2024)

Maid of the Mist supports state literacy initiative

04/15/24

Learning to read is the single most important activity in a child’s education. Studies show that children who read at home are better prepared to succeed in formal education. For the second, consecutive year, Saints Peter & Paul School in Williamsville, N.Y., hosted a weeklong program to encourage childhood literacy.

PARP (Pick A Reading Partner) is a statewide literacy incentive program that asks a partner (parent, grandparent, babysitter, older sibling, cousin, friend, etc.) to read with a child for 15 minutes a day. PARP, developed in 1978 by New York State Senator James Donovan, encourages a love of reading in children and cements the necessary bond between the home and school. 

Saints Peter & Paul School brought the program back this year to encourage a lifelong love of reading in its students. The year’s theme is “Every Hero Has a Story.” On Apr. 12, local heroes read books and answered questions about how reading is important in their work.

Maid of the Mist provided tickets that will be used as incentives for students to continue their reading adventures. 

“The purpose of PARP is to motivate a love of reading and strengthen communication skills between school, community, and home,” said school principal Marc Bandelian. “Saints Peter and Paul School is hosting PARP again this year because of our mission to encourage strong literacy in our curriculum and foster a lifelong passion for reading.”