One ferry is full and the other is not

NIAGARA FALLS tourist hot spot of Niagara Falls has gained a new photo-op for social distancing Canadian visitors on board ferries taking them into the mist of the falls: crowds of Americans.

Although cases of COVID-19 continue to rise across the United States, neighbouring Canada has largely managed to contain the spread of the virus, helped by strict social distancing measures and mandatory masks in several provinces.

At the famous waterfalls on the U.S.-Canadian border, Canadian ferries are limited to just six passengers per boat, out of a 700-person capacity. But on the U.S. side, the ferries are operating at 50 per cent capacity, according to Maid of the Mist boat tours.

“We actually took a picture of the (American) boat,” said Julie Pronovost, visiting from Quebec with her family last week. “I don’t find that it’s very safe to be on a boat like that. It’s much better here.”

Maid of the Mist could not immediately be reached for comment but its website

I DON’T FIND THAT IT’S VERY SAFE TO BE ON A (HALF-FILLED) BOAT.

said it was following the guidance of New York State public health officials. The boats contain markers to keep visitors spaced out, and face coverings are compulsory, among other safety changes, it said.

Mory DiMaurizio, general manager and vice president of Canada’s Hornblower Niagara Cruises, said the limits placed on its business by the Ontario government were “disappointing” and that it was “frustrating” to see the American boats relatively full.

“However, we’ve made lemonade out of lemons,” DiMaurizio said, referring to a new VIP cruise the company has created — a near-empty boat, plus a meal and funicular ride included with the ticket. Health precautions include temperature checks and mandatory masks.

The popularity of the C$69.95 per person cruise has “actually surprised us,” DiMaurizio said.

Since the outbreak began, the United States has reported around 118 coronavirus cases per 10,000 residents, while Canada has around 30.

Canadian authorities are dealing with both unwanted tourists slipping though the border and permitted travellers — including essential workers, those en route to Alaska, and families reuniting — who break the strict quarantine laws, causing concerns about possible outbreaks in several provinces.

Tourists at the falls last week said they felt much safer with the six person per boat limit.