25 Romantic Activities for your Niagara Getaway

Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission

If you’re looking for your next romantic getaway, look no further than the Niagara region in Ontario. Full of natural wonders, relaxing day getaways, and home to one of Canada’s most abundant wine countries, the Niagara area will enchant you. Here are twenty-five attractions that will ensure you have an unforgettable and truly romantic trip.

1. Watch the falls from the Niagara Skywheel

Clifton Hill is a must-see for those wanting a break from the infinite relaxation opportunities that Niagara Falls offers. The “Street of Fun” has it all: restaurants, theatres, museums, and even golf. Among the most enticing attractions is the Niagara Skywheel — the highlight of Clifton Hill’s midway. At 175 feet above the ground, the Skywheel is Canada’s largest observation wheel and offers an incredible view of the falls. Get your heart pounding and your views soaring at Clifton Hill. Details

2. Relax in the Healing Salt Cave Spa

Escape the hectic energies of life with immersion in the natural elements. Niagara’s Healing Salt Cave has natural and micro infusions of elements that have been proven to help protect from respiratory, cardio-vascular and dermatological conditions. At this holistic spa, you will discover an array of speciality options, ranging from immersion in the Healing Salt Cave to Pink Salt Floatation. You can also enjoy the typical spa activities such as massages, esthetic treatments, and a sauna. If you’re looking for a romantic spa atmosphere, look no further than the pink glow of the salt cave. Details

3. Take a romantic stroll through the Botanical Gardens

4. Tour and taste at the Peller Estates Winery

Peller Estates offers a variety of tour options to appeal to both your schedule and your interests. The winery, which has been a part of Ontario’s wine country since 1969, is located in Niagara-On-The-Lake. Spend an afternoon tasting wines at the Tasting Bar, or book the Greatest Winery Tour and experience the process that goes into making these luscious wines. The Winery also offers pairing events that range from cheese to chocolate to cigars and beyond. Be sure to check the website to find out what delicious event will be running while you’re there. Details

5. Gift your partner Niagara grown body and face products!

Visit Niagara Essential Oils & Blends located in Niagara-on-the-Lake — their facility tour is available all year round from Monday to Saturday. Their extensive range includes oils, body and face products, home décor and so much more. They use only pure essential oils in all their products and it is really worth a visit. You can roam the lavender fields or see how they distil the essential oils.

6. Watch the fireworks over the Falls

What’s more romantic than an evening of fireworks? Running throughout the summer and during the Winter Festival of Lights, you can find the schedule online to make sure you’re on time for this spectacular end to a night. Head to Niagara Falls on a holiday or charity night to see an extra-special show with themed explosions. Want to watch the fireworks from the water? Get the best view with Hornblower’s Falls Fireworks Cruise — though you should book early, this is Niagara Falls’ most sought-after attraction. Fireworks

7. Get close to the stars at The Crown Plaza

Get a taste of Hollywood at the Crown Plaza Niagara Falls. Previous clientele include Walt Disney, Shirley Temple and Jimmy Stewart. Perhaps most famously, Marilyn Monroe stayed here while filming Niagara. The hotel — which was Niagara’s first luxury hotel — has a history dating back to 1927. If you aren’t able to stay in the beautiful hotel, you can get a feel of the place from the acclaimed Rainbow Room restaurant, which utilizes the expertise of celebrity chef Massimo Capra. Details

8. Dine fresh at AG Inspired Cuisine

Not only is AG rated one of the best dining experiences in Niagara, but it is regularly hailed as one of the best in Canada. This high-end restaurant has their own farm and self-grows many of the ingredients used in the dishes. These ingredients are never stored in a fridge or freezer, ensuring a unique and fresh meal, every time. Appreciating the luscious local vineyards, the employees at AG Inspired Cuisine are always on hand to give you the perfect Niagara VQA wine paring. Details

9. Try your luck at the Fallsview Casino Resort

If spas aren’t your thing or you’re looking for something more exciting, head over to the Fallsview Casino Resort. As the name implies, the Fallsview has a stunning view of Niagara Falls, but it also features world class entertainment and an expanse of casino games to try your luck on. With slots, table games, poker, and tournaments, you will never get bored. For a break, you can buy a ticket to one of over 250 shows a year, all with a guaranteed seat at least 100 feet away from the performer. Details

10. Embark on a half day Sips and Suds Tour

Want a little variety with your wine tour? Check out the Half Day Sips and Suds tour. Including Beer, Cider, and Wine, this tour occurs every Saturday during most seasons. The four hour guided tour picks you up from one of three pick-up locations in Niagara Falls and features one brewery (Taps Brewhouse & Pub), one hard cider distillery (Small Talk Hard Cider Distillery,), and one winery (Lakeview Wine Co.). This tour has a little of something for everyone. Details

11. Stroll hand in hand along Class VI Rapids

Visit White Water Walk and see the raw power and peril of the Niagara River’s Class 6 white-water rapids. The roar of the river provides a deceptive calmness, the perfect ambiance for your walk among the many viewing platforms that put you right at the river’s edge. Details

12. Take in a show at the Shaw Festival

Not only is the shaw festival where many well-known Canadian actors get their start, but it is also a major facet of Canadian culture. The festival, which began in 1962 as a theatre festival devoted to the plays of Bernard Shaw, now shows an array of works by Shaw, by his contemporaries, and more modern plays that explore and push against the status quo — all across three or four theatres in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Shaw Fest runs from April to October, so make sure you book your ticket to one of this year’s 14 plays. Details

13. Take a romantic bicycle tour of Niagara-On-The-Lake

Niagara-On-The-Lake has been called “Canada’s Prettiest Small Town”, and what better way to take in the beauty of this place than on a romantic bicycle tour. On the Waterfront Trail, not only will you get to pass through the vineyards of the region, but you will enjoy the historic 19th century homes, the cycling path at Fort George, and the magnificent foliage that has put this area on the map. The trail is fully signed, making it easy for bikers of any skill and experience level to enjoy the scenery as it passes by. Details

14. Dine on the lower Niagara River onboard a paddle wheeler

15. Go on a trail ride along the Niagara Escarpment

Sometimes the best way to experience nature is on the back of a horse, especially if the area is a protected woodlands or forest. Taking a horse ride along the escarpment of the Niagara region is a must do. The stables offers rides for beginners as well as old hands. Details

17. Stop in for seafood at the Tide & Vine Oyster House

For a top-notch seafood experience, dine at Tide & Vine Oyster House. This flagship restaurant has a collection of accolades under its belt and is the home of Niagara’s Oyster Fest, which takes place in June. Having begun their journey shucking oysters out of a VW camper van throughout Niagara, founders Mike Langley and Kat Steeves have an ultimate appreciation for both what they do, and the region they do it in. Allow Tide & Vine Oyster House to show you something mouthwateringly special. Details

18. Enjoy a meal in the revolving Skylon Tower

If you haven’t noticed by now, Niagara entices with some of the most acclaimed dining experiences in the country, but the restaurant at the top of Skylon Tower comes with its own perk: a 775 foot view of the falls in a revolving dining room. That’s right, aside from the both indoor and outdoor observation decks and the chance to watch the 2D/4D film “Legends of Niagara Falls”, you can partake in continental cuisine or the Summit Suite Buffet Dining Room. You can reserve a table at either restaurant or book your tickets to the entertainment on the Skylon Tower website. Details

19. Mingle with butterflies at the Butterfly Conservatory

Once you’ve had your time relaxing and dining in Niagara, take a moment to get away and watch the delicate and breezy butterflies at the Butterfly Conservatory. This is the perfect casual romantic addition to your afternoon. Over 2,000 butterflies of 45 different species live in the conservatory and you will be amazed by the bursts of colour and movement as you make your way through the self-guided tour. Butterfly magic is the perfect addition to any trip. Details

20. Choose your experience with Niagara Vintage Wine Tours

21. Cuddle in a helicopter above the falls

There are so many ways to see the falls — by bus, by boat, by candlelit dinner — but if you want to experience a view that is truly unique, book yourself a trip on a helicopter tour. Perfect for cuddling and making memories together, the Niagara Falls Canada Helicopter Tour takes you up the Niagara River, past the Whirlpool Rapids and the Rainbow Bridge to overlook the falls. The seats are first come first serve to those without a reservation, but you can save money by pre-booking. Weather permitting, these flights take off every day between 9AM and sunset. Details

22. Beer lovers rejoice at the Niagara Brewing Company

Located on Clifton Street (the “Street of Fun”) is a treat for all the beer lovers out there. Not only does the Niagara Brewing Company offer their own brews, but you can have a delicious meal at the pub that will compliment your beverage. The brewery itself is located only 200 metres from the falls. The brewmaster, Rick Neheli, takes his craft seriously. Stop in to this warm and welcoming atmosphere for a chat about beer or a recommendation from the expert himself. Details

23. Find something special at the HandMade Market in the Twenty Valley

The Twenty Valley is home to all sorts of history, delicious eateries, and wine escapes — but nothing so aptly collects the artisanal atmosphere as well as Jordan’s HandMade Market. Over 110 vendors offer gourmet food and wine, treasures to take home, and art. The Market also features live music to complete the ambiance. This market runs in all weather, though you’ll have to check their website to discover whether the market is open, or to find the countdown for the next one. Details