There’s something incredibly romantic about exploring Niagara in the summertime with your favourite plus one. Restaurants with waterfall and vineyard views, spectacular scenery to take in on leisurely strolls, and unique activities that have a special way of nudging couples out of their typical date routine make Niagara the perfect place for couples to enjoy time together. Whether you’re looking for a first date that wows, an encounter that will help seal the deal on your relationship status, or a romantic reminder that you’re thrilled to be in the forever zone with them, here are eight Cupid-approved date ideas to consider this summer.
As far back as the mid-1800s, Niagara Falls’ spectacular scenery has been attracting the newly I-Do’ed! Even if nuptials are nowhere in sight for the two of you, following the lead of the original honeymoon hipsters is a fun way to experience the Falls and secure a frame-worthy couples photo while you’re at it! Skip the lines with Niagara City Cruise’s exclusive First on the Boat Niagara Falls Tour and Journey Behind the Falls experience. The three-hour adventure is limited to just 20 people, and offers VIP perks, like the best possible boat views of the Falls, an expert Niagara Falls storyteller who shares insider details like the very restaurant view enjoyed by Princess Diana, and a pre-booked time slot to climb right down the stairs into the rocky caves behind Niagara Falls. For a retro date with a sky-high view, head to the historic Whirlpool Aero Car, which has been wowing riders with spectacular views of the swirling Niagara Whirlpool and the Class 6 whitewater rapids of the Niagara River for over 100 years!
Savouring a late-night dinner with a view of the Niagara Falls skyline is an excellent way to enjoy the added romance of a stunning summer fireworks show. Every night at 10 pm between May 16 and October 13, the Niagara Falls skyline explodes with sound and colour as Canada’s longest-running fireworks series lights up the sky. Extra-romantic restaurant options with an excellent view of the skyline include Watermark Fallsview Dining, Table Rock House Restaurant, Prime Steakhouse, and Massimo’s Italian Fallsview Restaurant. Can’t wait that late for dinner? Treat your date to a Falls Fireworks Cruise and set sail for panoramic skyline views, stunning illuminations, and a fabulous floating fireworks experience.
What’s even better than giving your sweetheart a bouquet of flowers? Inviting them to step into an immersive experience filled with thousands of blooms. Grab some iced coffee to-go and make your way toward Niagara-on-the-Lake along the scenic Niagara Parkway to visit Niagara Parks’ famous Floral Clock. The 40-foot clockface, filled with 100s of colourful plants, is the perfect place to tell your date you’ve got nothing but time for them! Niagara Parks’ Floral Showhouse is another excellent bloom-filled date destination. Just a short walk from the Falls, the facility’s South House overflows with stunning tropical plants, including an incredible collection of orchids. The North and Centre houses host a rotation of themed floral exhibits throughout the year.
Why take your date to a movie when you can stroll through a historic tunnel to take in one of the most romantic views of Niagara Falls? Niagara Parks Power Station at Night and Tunnel After Dark experience offers unprecedented access to this iconic Niagara Falls landmark. After making your way along the Power Station’s 2,200-foot-long underground tunnel, take in an illuminated nighttime view of the Horseshoe Falls from an observation platform at the edge of the Niagara River. If you’ve got a big question to ask your sweetheart, this is a sensational spot to do it!
Inject some young-love energy into your Niagara Falls visit with a romantic ride on the Niagara SkyWheel. As you rotate on one of Canada’s largest observation wheels, you’ll soak in unparalleled views of the Horseshoe and American Falls, the Niagara River, Niagara Parks and other landmarks. If you can take your eyes off the scenery for a moment during the eight-to-12-minute ride, it’s the perfect place to plant that first kiss!
Booking a couples treatment at one of Niagara’s world-class spas is a creative way to add some self-care for two to your date. Excellent destination spa options in Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake with couples treatment options include Christienne Fallsview Spa, The Spa at White Oaks Resort, Sterling Inn and Spa, 100 Fountain Spa at Pillar and Post, Burning Springs Spa and Thermal Pools, and Five Lake Spa Aveda.
Early risers should absolutely make a date of watching the sun rise over Niagara Falls together. Table Rock Centre and Niagara Parks Incline Railway are both excellent options for catching this one-of-a-kind view. Not an early bird? Swap the sunrise for afternoon rainbow hunting. Late afternoon, when the sun’s angle is lower in the sky, is an ideal time to watch for rainbows that stretch across Niagara Falls.
Dining with a view of the vines is the ultimate way to wrap up a day with someone special in Niagara. Dining destinations known for their vineyard views include the MICHELIN Guide-recommended Trius Winery Restaurant, as well as Vineland Estates Winery Restaurant, The Good Earth Food & Wine Co., Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery, Westcott Vineyards, Megalomaniac, and Two Sisters Vineyards’ Kitchen 76. For the ultimate escape, book an overnight stay at a winery that offers accommodation options, like Lundy Manor’s luxurious suites or Honsberger Estate Winery’s cozy cottages.
Browse our Attractions, Arts and Entertainment, History and Heritage, Wineries, pages and @visit_niagara on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for trip inspiration and to learn about upcoming events. Then, browse through accommodations and dining options to discover even more delightful places to add to your trip.
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