When it comes to romantic destinations in the United States, one city that has been top of mind for centuries is Niagara Falls. This Canadian-American wonder attracts of millions of tourists annually, many of whom are newlyweds and other loved-up pairs. If you’d like to surprise your other half with a romantic trip, read on for some top activities in the Honeymoon Capital of the World.
Luckily, the same things that make it great for a honeymoon also make the Niagara region of New York state a fantastic place for a romantic getaway. Here's some of our top picks so you can plan the perfect vacation.
See the Falls
First up, you’re obviously going to want to check out the iconic Niagara Falls, which is what draws so many couples to this part of the world. There are numerous ways to do that. For example, start by booking a luxurious room in one of the Niagara Falls hotels near the waterfalls. Many of these lodgings boast rooms that provide dreamy views of the Falls via floor-to-ceiling windows.
Next, it pays to take a boat tour to get right up close to the natural wonder. The Maid of the Mist operates trips on the American side of the Falls while Hornblower Niagara Cruises runs nearly identical tours on the Canadian side. Both companies get passengers as close to the waterfalls as possible, so you will get wet. You should wear the provided ponchos, but you might have to return to your hotel room for an outfit change anyway.
For a really romantic view of the Niagara Falls, you must ride the Niagara SkyWheel. This Ferris wheel is located in Clifton Hill, in Canada, and is the largest observation wheel in the entire country. The SkyWheel boasts gondolas which are both heated and cooled for year-round comfort, so you can snuggle up together easily as the wheel makes it four or so rotations. You’ll not only get wonderful views of the famous waterfalls but also of the surrounding region. You’ll have plenty of great photo opportunities, so you can always look back on your love.
For another can’t-miss experience, book a ticket for the SkyWheel after dark. That way, not only can you watch the lights of the city and surrounds from above, but you’ll also see the Falls Illumination light show. This lights up the waterfalls in every color of the rainbow and includes fireworks during the summer season.
Pack a Picnic and Head to the Botanical Gardens
Having a picnic on a beautiful day is another fun, romantic partner activity. In Niagara Falls, one of the best picnic spots has to be the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, which is about 10 minutes’ drive from the middle of town. This site was first developed back in the ‘30s, and today the gardens cover a massive 40 hectares.
One of the prettiest spots in the Botanical Gardens is the rose garden, which contains more than 2,400 different rose bushes. Make sure you also check out the Butterfly Conservatory. This part of the gardens is home to over 2,000 insects, which include from 45-plus different butterfly species.
If you want to ramp up the romance even further, take a horse and carriage ride through the park. This will take you around all the gardens and allow you some prime snuggle time.
Go Wine Tasting and Sample Local Cuisine
When you’re visiting the Niagara area, you must also be sure to enjoy plenty of good food and wine with your loved one. If you both enjoy visits to vineyards, you’re in luck since there are more than 25 wineries open to the public located just a 15 to 20-minute drive away from the center of Niagara Falls.
One of the best small Niagara towns for wine and romance is Niagara-on-the-Lake. This picturesque Canadian locale is home to many top vineyards including one of the region’s most famous, Inniskillin Winery. This company is known around the world for producing a particular type of dessert wine, icewine. It’s made from grapes which are picked after being frozen on the vines over winter.
Apart from doing plenty of wine tasting here and at other vineyards in the area, consider eating in one of the on-site restaurants found within wineries. This way, you can sample local cuisine, often crafted from local produce, and enjoy having wines expertly paired with your courses.
Plan a Renewal of Vows Party
While the Niagara region is famous for first weddings and honeymoons, nothing says you can't do it all over again ... with the same person! There are some fantastic venues all over the area with views of the falls, in hidden wooded areas, at the botanic gardens and other places that will make her fall in love with you all over again.
Go For a Bike Ride Together
The Niagara region, on both sides of the falls have fantastic bike paths along the river as well as other places where you can get fresh air and enjoy the area's natural beauty.
