A romantic getaway in Niagara Falls, Ontario offers an escape from everyday life, and provides plenty of opportunity for you to let loose in one of the honeymoon capitals of Canada.
Niagara Falls, for many Canadians, is a place that they go to celebrate something. It may be a wedding, a bachelor party, or it might be something such as an anniversary or a weekend away.
It’s one of the big players in Ontario travel, that’s for sure.
It’s an ontario city that is set up for celebration. The city offers a wide array of experiences that cater to whatever you’re looking for, but in our humble opinion, they’re especially well set up for a romantic escape, and that’s why they’ve ultimately become the de-facto honeymoon capital of Ontario.
In fact, you could argue that Niagara Falls is in the conversation for the honeymoon capital of Canada, and I don’t think anyone would look at you too funny.
The main reason for this is because there are a multitude of activities to keep you occupied during the day, ample quality restaurants, as well as being a city that’s focused on having a lively nightlife and, not to mention, it’s something of a paradise for those who like to gamble.
We didn’t want to provide your prototypical list here, so we’ve included a few ideas that you may not have immediately though of for your Niagara Falls romantic getaway. As always, we hope it serves you well.
Please note: This post may contain some affiliate links. That means, simply, that we may get commissions from some of our recommendations at no additional cost to you.
About Niagara Falls
Firstly, we’d like to acknowledge that present day Niagara Falls was settled first by the Attawandaron Peoples, and then by the Haudenosaunee. The Haudenosaunee remained in this area until Europeans arrived in the 17th century.
Today, the city proper has a population of a little under one hundred thousand, though it’s often included on the Canadian population census alongside St. Catherines, Ontario, and the population of the two respective cities would make it one of the top 20 biggest cities in the country.
Niagara Falls is part of the Ontario’s “Golden Horseshoe,” which accounts for about 20% of our nation’s population in total.
The city has been heavily developed from a tourism perspective, which can dissuade some people, but if you know where to look, it’s easy to find some unique and memorable experiences. That being said, there are no shortage of museums, theatres, concert venues, high rise hotels, neon signage, and more.
Beyond the city though, there are also plenty of golf courses, parks, and wineries if you’re keen to get out of the city for a moment and take a breather.
What Should You Do on Your Niagara Falls Couples Getaway?
At We Explore Canada, we try not to be too conventional so, as we noted above, we’ll try to add a few interesting options to the mix, but we also recognize that there are some classic experiences that should be included below.
Let’s get to it.
Appreciate the Magic of the Butterfly Conservatory
A little less than 10 kilometres north of Niagara Falls is where you’ll find the Butterfly Conservatory.
Many people don’t realize that this is one of the largest glass-enclosed butterfly conservatories in North America. What’s more romantic than standing under a couple thousand butterflies as they fly freely above you?
We’d recommend taking your time here, and soaking in the information on the self-guided walking tour with your significant other. In all, over 2000 different butterflies representing 45 different species call this place home.
You can learn more about tickets here.
See the Falls in a Whole New Light with Niagara Helicopters
I still remember the moment that we were approaching the Falls via helicopter, and Bri and I locked eyes as if to say, “can you believe what we’re seeing?”
There are certain experiences that, when they’re happening, you inherently understand that you’ll remember them forever, and this was one of them for us.
Niagara Helicopters was also professional and communicative from the start, and that allowed us to focus on simply taking in the ride.
If you really want to take your romantic weekend in Niagara Falls, Ontario to another level, Niagara Helicopters actually offers a wedding package in what they call their “Chapel in the Sky.” They can even arrange a minister for you!
We didn’t personally go that route, but it might be perfect for you. That would be one heck of a story!
Take Note of Shows, Festivals & Events Happening in Niagara Falls
There’s always something happening in Niagara Falls, and that’s part of the reason that people return to the city again and again.
Niagara Falls Tourism actually does a brilliant job of listing all that is going on in one place. On this page, you’ll find everything from magic shows to live music, historical talks to theatre performances, unique restaurant offerings to timely events at nearby wineries.
Again, that’s part of why the romantic getaway in Niagara Falls is so well known – because you’re sure to find something for the two of you to enjoy pretty much any day or night.
Hop on Over to the Dufferin Islands
Located about 6.5 kilometres south of the Falls are the Dufferin Islands. They’re one of the best kept secrets in the region, as you and your partner can explore over 10 acres of small islands connected by quaint bridges and footpaths.
A visit to the Dufferin Islands is also a nice way to make sure that your Niagara Falls itinerary is a little different from the conventional trips. It can be easy on your couples trip to Niagara Falls to just do what everyone else is doing, but this is a nice way to make your trip unique.
If you go in winter, it’s also worth noting that between November and January, it’s a headquarters for the Winter Festival of Lights.
Quite honestly, the Dufferin Islands are an ideal place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Niagara Falls for a moment.
Make a Bet or Two at a Niagara Falls Casino
So, there are two casinos to have on your radar for your little Niagara Falls couples getaway.
Firstly, Casino Niagara offers two floors of gaming options. They’ve got something like 1500 slot machines if that’s your thing, as well as nearly 50 different gaming tables. As many casinos do, they’ve also got live entertainment every night and a few different venues to enjoy a bite or a beverage.
The more upscale and well known option is the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort which has over 3000 slot machines and 100 gaming tables. This is the casino that attracts the more big ticket entertainment, plus a greater array of dining (and even shopping) options.
Have Dinner Right Beside the Falls at the Table Rock Restaurant
This is as close as you can get to the Falls while enjoying a meal, and it’s an ideal spot to treat the special person in your life.
Table Rock is well aware of that, which is why they offer a three course Date Night Prix Fixe Menu, and comes with a sparkling wine cocktail.
If you like fish, the Manitoulin Island Rainbow Trout (with a lemon pepper crust) is a lovely dish. You’ll be happy to know that much of the menu is sourced locally from within the province.
Treat Yourself to a Night Away at the Sterling Inn and Spa
If you’re looking for more than just a day-trip, and perhaps want to spend the weekend, then the Sterling Inn and Spa is a great bet.
It can be hard to find cozy and intimate accommodation in Niagara Falls, but that’s where the only boutique hotel in the city comes in.
Their rooms are designed with couples in mind, and when you add an award winning fine dining restaurant and full service spa to the mix, you’ve got a recipe for success.
What Else Can You Do on Your Romantic Weekend in Niagara Falls?
Despite the title above, we recognize that you might actually spend more than just a weekend in Niagara Falls, especially if you’re celebrating your honeymoon.
In light of that, we thought we’d add a few more recommendations for you here. Here’s what else you may want to consider:
- You can Journey Behind the Falls, which is a classic Niagara Falls experience. We’d recommend taking in the sight of the Falls, and then taking part in the experience so you’ve got all the context you need to enjoy it.
- If you’re looking for an aerial view, you might want to consider heading up the Skylon Tower. It’s first and foremost an observation tower, but it’s also a revolving restaurant and has an arcade.
- Walk around Clifton Hill. Clifton Hill is the more touristy part of Niagara Falls, but because it’s essentially like a theme park, it tends to be popular with kids, as well couples looking to blow off a little steam. It’s basically an entertainment neighbourhood. Ripley’s Believe it or Not is one of the speciality museums in this area that’s very famous.
- Check out the Bird Kingdom, which is actually the world’s largest free-flying indoor aviary! Photographers tend to love this spot because you can get close up many different exotic birds.
- The Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is also quite popular since they’ve got a pretty epic wave pool. We figured we’d mention it in case that makes you even more keen to stay at the resort.
- In the warmer months, take a moment of pause at Queen Victoria Park. It’s always well maintained, and usually featured a bright array of flowers.
Enjoy Your Romantic Getaway in Niagara Falls
It’s easy when we stay in one place to slip into a routine where the days pass quicker than we’d like, and all of a sudden months go by.
That’s why taking a trip like this can be so worth it. You’re out there exploring, creating new memories with your special someone. Not to mention, in Niagara Falls, there’s something for everyone, so you’re sure to find things that are worth forming memories about.
As always, we sincerely hope this serves you well, and wish you safe and happy travels.
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Christopher Mitchell is a Co-founder of We Explore Canada. He’s visited over 80 countries and has lived on 4 continents, but now has his eyes set squarely on exploring this incredible country and helping others do the same.