A Tradition Since 1803: Niagara Falls Romantic Getaways

Niagara Falls has been a honeymoon destination for many years, a trend which is rumored to have begun with Jerome Bonaparte, Napoleon’s younger brother, in 1803. Whether or not there’s any truth to this rumor is a mystery, but regardless of its origins, Niagara Falls continues to be a honeymoon destination to this day. “It’s really amazing to me,” said Kelly, an Over the Falls representative, “we still see lots of honeymooners and couples. It’s a tradition that still stands.” The tour guides even offer honeymoon certificates to the visitors as a souvenir, and for the impulsive types, a shotgun wedding certificate is available onsite. It’s not just for honeymooners, though, Niagara has something to offer couples of all sorts for a particularly romantic trip. Some of the best attractions include a nighttime illumination of the falls, Skyline Tower, a journey behind Horseshoe Falls and an unmatched dining experience at Remington’s.

The Nighttime illumination begins at dusk. Lovers, honeymooners and friends will witness the white crests of the falls illuminated by all the colors of the rainbow in a breathtaking display. The lights are projected onto the falls on the Canadian side and also from behind the falls.

The Skyline tower affords visitors the opportunity to overlook the falls with both an aerial and panoramic view. “On a clear day, you can see the wineries of the Niagara all the way to Toronto,” stated Kelly. Table Rock also has an excellent view, which Kelly called “the most magnificent view of the falls.”

Trained and licensed tour guides give the dramatic history of the falls while taking visitors on a journey behind the scenic tunnels, since the famed steamboat the Made of the Mist will not be taking tours in the winter. There, the visitors walk behind the brink of Horseshoe Falls, literally feeling the pressure as the water crashes in white sheets from 13 stories up. The experience has often been described as “feeling the thunder,” and Kelly herself called it “awe inspiring.”

Visitors in search of an excellent meal often find themselves at Remington’s of Niagara. Remington’s has long been touted as one of the finest steak and seafood restaurants along the Niagara. “The secret to our success is simple: we use nothing but the best;” explains the Remington’s website, “from the finest and freshest ingredients in our cooking, to our elegant china.” The restaurant offers such palette-pleasing choices as the lightly breaded Veal Parmesan and the Chicken Penne Rustica as well as a large assortment of wines and cocktails.

For those who prefer warmer weather for their romantic endeavors, a ride on the famed Maid of the Mist is available during the summer for an up-close and personal view of the falls. The Maid itself has quite a remarkable history. The Maid was the very first steamboat ferry to be used in the area in 1846.  It was large enough to carry a stagecoach and four horses, and was employed as a typical ferry until 1848, when construction on the bridge offered a new opportunity. The Maid of the Mist, out of necessity, was then marketed as a sightseeing venture. The name “Maid of the Mist” has been used to denote such remarkable boats around the Niagara ever since. The Maids have carried kings, presidents, dukes, duchesses, princesses and movie stars, boasting such passengers as Teddy Roosevelt, Jimmy Carter, and Marilyn Monroe.

Niagara offers everyone a romantic setting, some breathtaking views, and is littered with useful amenities catering to the needs of the many visitors. Whether you’re going on your honeymoon, or just looking to get away with some close friends, the falls offer an exquisite and thunderous adventure.

The Niagara Falls Romantic Honeymoon Vacation package, which includes everything in this article and three nights of lodging, can be found on our website. You can also reserve both The Royal Canadian Illumination Tour (which includes the views of the falls, Skyline Tower, and the Maid of the Mist) and a seat at Remington’s of Niagara separately.