The historic Maid of the Mist will return to the water for the 2012 season.

Maid of the Mist officials say they have completed talks with the Niagara Parks Commission and have decided to go ahead with the tours this year despite the company losing the contract to a California-based cruise company.

The boats will begin operating on April 12, three weeks ahead of last year.

The early opening is due to the unseasonably warm temperatures and ice-free conditions on Lake Erie and the Niagara River.

The new company will take over operation of the attraction in the Spring of 2014.