Hornblower's route is shorter and gets closer to the Horseshoe Falls.

Both boats go in the same general area—into the mist of the Horseshoe Falls and past the American Falls—but the exact route differs because they launch from different sides of the river.

Maid of the Mist (US side) leaves from the New York dock, crosses the river, first hugs the American Falls, then swings into the Horseshoe Falls basin, and loops back. Hornblower (Canadian side) leaves from the Ontario dock and heads straight into the Horseshoe Falls, getting closer and spending more time right in the mist. It also offers both a covered and a fully open upper deck—Maid of the Mist is all open, topside.

Practically, you’ll get almost the same experience from either boat: soaked, loud, awe-inspiring. The route difference matters most if you care about getting sprayed the heaviest (Hornblower wins) or having the classic view of the American Falls from the river (Maid of the Mist gives you that approach).