Niagara Falls, Canada. Personally, it’s one of my absolute favorite destinations! Beyond the amazing things to do in Niagara Falls, honeymoon history is alive and well. Couples have been heading there for decades, and there are lots of honeymoon ideas to include for a utopian trip.
My daughter and I visited in partnership with Niagara Falls Tourism. All opinions are mine (and hers!). This post also contains affiliate links.
TL;DR ~ Niaraga Falls’s honeymoon history is centuries old; therefore, heading to Niagara Falls, Canada, is romantic, exciting, and memorable for newlyweds.
Niagara Falls Honeymoon History
Niagara Falls Canada has long been hailed as one of the best honeymoon destinations. It all started in 1801 when honeymooners Joseph and Theodosia Alston visited the falls (with their servants and nine horses!) on their bridal tour.
In order to be fashionable, others followed suit, and in 1804 Napoleon’s younger brother, Jerome, visited with his bride. The destination became so popular that in 1841 a song entitled My Niagara Falls Honeymoon debuted.
The vast views of Niagara Falls Canada are stunning and romantic. Photo: Danny Hoang
The falls are indeed powerful, and there is an energy that draws people from all over. It’s no wonder that couples continue to pay homage to the beauty of nature while taking a romantic trip to Niagara Falls.
So, if you are looking for romantic honeymoon ideas, Niagara should top your list. Not convinced? Take a peek at the fun list of Niagara Falls Canada attractions to spark the fun and keep the romance alive!
Must-See Niagara Falls Canada Attractions
Wondering about things to do in Niagara Falls beyond seeing the falls themselves? There is SO much to do, and there is a lot of adventure in store for the couple who is willing to partake. It truly is one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world!
1. Take the Hornblower into the falls.
The falls are mesmerizing. In fact, 3160 tons of water go over each second. That’s a massive amount of water, which creates a thunderous sound and blows mist into the air. Experience all of it up close from the safety of a sturdy ship.
Take the funicular down to the cruise platform and don your red poncho before boarding the Hornblower. Then get ready for a thrilling ride as you and your new spouse get an up-close look at the beauty and strength of the falls. Cuddle close together as you ride and try to stay dry!
Quick Tip: You can actually get married on the Hornblower for a truly memorable micro-wedding or elopement.
A romantic trip to Niagara Falls should include a ride into the falls. Photo: Bianca Ackermann
2. Journey behind the falls.
Only those with yellow ponchos get to experience the thrill of heading behind the falls on the Canadian side. An elevator takes you down 125 feet to explore 130-year-old tunnels that are behind the fast-flowing water.
The area has several viewing portals where you can look straight through the rock at the water. However, there is also an observation deck where your biodegradable poncho will come in handy. Be sure to snap a few photos of yourselves together as this is as close as you can get to the power of Niagara Falls.
Quick Tip: Having a waterproof camera or covering for your phone will help protect your gear.
The power of Niagara’s waterfalls can be experienced up close! Photo: Adam Spruijt via Niagara Falls Tourism.
3. Explore the Clifton Hill area.
If visiting fun houses and oddity museums isn’t your thing, it totally should be! There are so many things to do in Clifton Hill that are both quirky and fun. Play dinosaur mini-golf, ride go-karts, and go high up in the enclosed Ferris Wheel.
The area is also filled with restaurants and souvenir shops that are worth visiting, too. See if you can recognize the celebrities at the wax museum and experience adventure both indoors and out.
One good thing is that the area is just up from the falls and open late, so you can enjoy some fun nightlife. Challenge each other to the g0-karts and mini-golf, but be sure to sit close as you overlook the area in the Niagara Skywheel. Such fun memories!
Quick Tip: Purchase passes that will get you into several attractions to save a bit of money.
The Clifton Hill area is filled with quirky things to do in Niagara Falls. Photo: Bianca Ackermann
4. Explore the Niagara on the Lake Wineries.
Love wine? Niagara has one of the best regions around. It’s filled with lovely wineries that you can use either a traditional or electric bike to get to. What a romantic way to spend the day among the vines.
Head to local wineries, and be sure to try ice wine while you are there. Take a tasting, and then grab a few bottles for souvenirs. The town of Niagara on the Lake is lovely, and it’s a fabulous place to grab lunch or spend a few hours reminiscing about your wedding day.
Quick Tip: If wine isn’t your thing, there are plenty of breweries and distilleries in the area, too!
Be sure to try ice wine while you are in Niagara’s wine region. Photo: Kym Ellis
5. Fly high in a helicopter over Niagara Falls Canada.
Ah! There truly is no experience like seeing Niagara Falls from above in a helicopter. Although it’s a short ride, seeing the falls from a skyward perspective is truly memorable and romantic.
Get your camera ready as you head into the sky during a helicopter ride that shows you the area’s beauty. You can also hear a bit of history during the ride. It all gives you an idea of the layout of the land as you see just how big the falls are.
Taking a helicopter ride is truly a must-do attraction for honeymooners. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will greatly enhance your trip!
Quick Tip: Try to sit in front for the best views!
A helicopter ride over Niagara Falls is exhilarating and exciting as you see the views. Photo: Zachary DeBottis
6. Speed down a zipline to the falls.
For a perfectly thrilling read, take a speedy, exhilarating ride on a zip line straight to the falls. Doing so offers one of the best views around (ok, besides the helicopter mentioned above).
The line itself is 220 feet up in the air, and the ride is 2200 feet long. Many riders reach speeds of over 40 miles per hour! Ride simultaneously—on separate lines—and see who finishes first.
Quick Tip: They give you a backpack to hold loose items like sunglasses and phones on the way down.
Take a wild zipline ride together on a romantic trip to Niagara Falls. Photo: Constante Ken Lim
7. Bond while doing an adventure course.
If you consider yourselves a sporty couple, then the difficulty of completing an adventure course will be completely memorable. Help each other successfully navigate obstacles, traverse swinging bridges, and walk tight ropes high above the ground.
It’s all safe, of course. A bit of training beforehand will ensure that you know safety protocols, and you can do the course at your own pace.
Going through the challenges together is a great metaphor for working through things and sticking together through whatever life throws your way.
Quick Tip: Wear closed-toed shoes with a good grip for a successful adventure.
A romantic trip to Niagara Falls Canada should include an adventure course. Photo: Jennifer Prince
8. Get into the history of Niagara Falls Canada.
Of course, we’ve all heard the stories of going over the falls in a barrel. Some actually made it successfully, although it’s not recommended to take your chances. However, other areas also offer glimpses of little-known history.
If you head to the White Water Walk, not only will you witness the surging rush of the river, but there’s a bit of history as well. Stroll together down the boardwalk and stop at several viewing platforms. You can also learn a bit about the geology and history of the area, including stories about the ice bridges that once spanned the river.
Quick Tip: Stop at the placards to read some interesting history and little-known facts.
Niagara Falls honeymoon history is all over with stories of both love and tragedy. Photo: Jack Chen
9. Head to the falls at Night.
As said before, the area of Clifton Hill is alive and well at night, but don’t miss the opportunity to see the falls! Back in 1860 (there’s that history again!), the water was lit in honor of the Prince of Wales’s visit. It was so stunning that they were illuminated on special occasions and for other visitors throughout the years.
Now you and your sweetie can have a romantic view of the area with a nightly show. It’s so stunning to see the water lit in all of its glory. Some of the attractions are also open late to take advantage of the beautiful glow. It’s a great time for a ride on the Skywheel or to take a Journey Behind the Falls.
Quick Tip: If you are there for multiple evenings, head to a different place each night to see the lights from various vantage points.
The falls are beautifully lit at night every day of the year. Photo: James Wheeler
Where to Stay in Niagara Falls
Although there are many Niagara Falls hotels, my favorite is the Old Stone Inn Boutique Hotel. The stone walls were part of a 1904 flour mill that burned in 1912. Although it saw several purposes in its years, it was converted into a boutique inn in 1977.
It’s conveniently located within walking distance of the falls and the Clifton Hill area. Although the location is central, it’s a nice, quiet place to stay. This Niagara Falls hotel is close to—yet far enough away from—the main attractions. For honeymooners, it’s a fabulous place to have a romantic night in Niagara Falls.
Old Stone Inn Boutique Hotel is one of my favorite Niagara Falls Hotels. Photo: Jennifer Prince
Are you heading to Niagara Falls?
If you live on the east coast of Canada or the United States, this tops the list of short honeymoon ideas! You don’t necessarily need to stay long, although you can spread your adventures out over the course of several days.
Couples have been heading to the falls for centuries. Whether you are looking for simple honeymoon ideas or are up for an adventure, Niagara Falls Canada, just might be the perfect fit. Customize your time to be what you envision as a fabulous time.
Oh, and—sorry, America!—I definitely think that there is more to do on the Canadian side. Also, the US falls are more lovely, and you can see them better from Canada.
It’s all a win-win in my book! A romantic trip to Niagara Falls can be quite a memorable experience. Happy honeymooning!
Header image by Bianca Ackermann
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Neely MoldovanIts been on our list for quite a while to visit. I have never been to any part of Canada.
KileenSuch a wonderful and romantic place to visit! I would love to visit here again! Its such a magical place!
StephanieMy parents visited Niagra Falls on the Canadian side when I was a baby. They have photo evidence that I was there, but obviously I remember nothing! I’d love to go “again” one day and see it all for myself. I’m not much of an outdoor adventurer, but I think it would be really neat to check this experience off my bucket list!
LilyOkay, I think visiting Niagara Falls is officially on my bucket list now! It looks like so much fun!
DeborahI’ve been to the New York side of Niagara Falls but I’ve really wanted to visit the Canadian side!
SuladysOhhhh my gosh. I love visiting the falls from the Canada side. We stayed at a hotel that looks down at the falls and even at night it was absolutely beautiful. I’ll have to try the adventure course the next time I go back to visit ???? So excited that you shared this because I realized I missed out on quite a bit in the area.
MelindaI have been but didn’t realize there was so much honeymoon history! I love how you tied together making a relationship work and the adventure challenge. And yes to ice wine in Niagara on the Lake!
CeciliaI have been to Niagara Falls (on the NY side), but I didn’t realize there is so much to do there. We did walk through the quirky Clifton Hill area and we were able to see the colorful falls lit up at night. Had no idea there were viewing tunnels behind the falls though. That sounds like such a cool experience!
AradhanaBeautifully written and love all your pictures of the iconic falls. I got excited at the idea of driving into the falls, so adventurous! I like how you mention about exploring the site from multiple vantage points; the night view of the falls is equally stunning! Love it and hope to make it there someday.
Adele GeeThis is something I did not know – that Niagara falls is a popular honeymoon spot. Although I can now see the attraction. I also think that the Canadian side has more beautiful views.
Debra SchroederGreat backstory on how the Falls became a honeymoon destination. I’ve always wondered what the draw (pun intended) was. I’ve never been to either side but sounds like the Hornblower is the way to go! I’ll have to plan a trip especially if I can add on several stops at the wineries.
AndaNiagara Falls is indeed mesmerizing, but I had no idea it has been a honeymoon destination for so long. We have only visited the American side of the falls, but I’d love to return and see the Canadian side as well. The night views look gorgeous! It’s nice that they provide information regarding the geology and history of the area.
Linda (LD Holland)We have stayed in Niagara Falls many times. These days we look for great rooms with views over the falls. But I must admit in early times of making sure we stayed at the tacky honeymoon resorts with heart-shaped tubs and lots of mirrors! That is the honeymoon destination image we initially had. We still have not done the zipline so yet one more reason to go back. The other tip I would add is to visit in the winter when the falls freeze. The night light colours are stunning on the ice. Soon be time for another visit!
ValI’ve never been to the Niagara Falls and had no idea that they are considered to be one of the best honeymoon destinations, how cool! But after seeing the picture of the falls all lit up at night I can see why… By the way, riding into the falls looks absolutely amazing, just like the helicopter ride (good tip about sitting in the front!). And I wouldn’t miss the zipline, I did it once in Nepal and it’s super thrilling!