Maid of the Mist gives you a great view of the islands, but you can't get off.

You can see Goat Island and Luna Island clearly from the boat — you’ll be right next to them. But the boat doesn’t dock at any island. To actually walk on them, you need to cross the bridges from the American side. The tour is strictly a ride into the spray zone.

It’s a quick walk from the parking lot or the visitor center to the islands anyway. If you want both views and boots-on-the-ground, do the boat first, then walk over. Takes maybe 20 minutes.

Either way, you’ll see the islands. Just not from both sides at the same time.