The Official Guide to a Niagara Falls Honeymoon

It's a miraculous "unofficial" world wonder. Niagara Falls, which runs along the Niagara River, flows into New York and the Canadian border and is a beautiful spot for a minimoon or road trip honeymoon. The Niagara Region is home to some of the best wineries in the world, beautiful hiking trails, tourist attractions, and unique experiences all year round. While there are a variety of ways to view the falls up close, our Niagara Falls honeymoon guide will help you experience the best the region has to offer.

Is Niagara Falls Good for a Honeymoon?

Pros of a Niagara Falls Honeymoon

Depending on the departure destination, Niagara Falls isn't too difficult to access. If travelers are heading to Niagara Falls from New York City, they can hop on the train upstate. Some East Coast world travelers tend to take Niagara Falls for granted with it being right in their backyard, but it's worth the visit. Seeing this incredible natural wonder could be a spectacular experience that you and your new spouse share together.

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Cons of a Niagara Falls Honeymoon

The American side tends to be quieter without much development, while the Canadian side is over-crowded with tourist attractions. Doing some strategic planning and skipping around can help to avoid some of the touristy or generally "rundown" areas. Making the best of your Niagara Falls honeymoon means planning to experience the absolute most out of it.

The Best Times of Year to Go on a Niagara Falls Honeymoon for Good Weather

The best time to visit Niagara Falls is June through August. If you and your spouse tend to enjoy the cold or have a winter wedding scheduled, there's still experiences to be had in the winter, including ways to view the Falls up close while it's partially frozen during the winter time.

Things to Do During a Niagara Falls Honeymoon

There are quite a few creative ways to view the falls, and if it's your first time there, it's highly suggested that you accomplish as many as possible to really soak in the power of the falls. Tear through top rapids, zipline through the misty waters of the falls, reach out and feel the force behind Bridal Veil Falls, and so much more along the way. If you're looking for other destinations to explore before making a decision, research our list of the best honeymoon locations first.

Cave of the Winds

Be prepared to be completely soaked, even with the poncho they hand out, if you go on a Cave of the Winds experience. You'll be able to touch Bridal Veil Falls, a section of Niagara Falls, and experience the strength of the falls. Once guests head down 53 meters to the gorge, there's a very short walk over to the boardwalk through the falls. This can even be done during the winter months (a shortened version). You can't go up and touch the falls in the winter, of course, but there's a platform where visitors can view the Horseshoe Falls and Bridal Veil Falls partially frozen during the winter.

Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour

The jet boats are an incredible experience if you love a good thrill. It starts slow, bringing riders through the calm waters of the Niagara River, before heading into the whirlpool and working its way up to class five rapids where, at times, the front row is completely underwater. If you choose the front seat, be aware that riders are unable to change seats during the 45 minute tour. The front can be a little shocking, hitting these rapids at high speeds. Afterwards, guests can change their clothes and grab a quick lunch at the Silo for a hotdog or The Brickyard in Lewiston for BBQ.

Maid of the Mist

The Maid of the Mist is a classic option and something that first timers to the area absolutely should do when planning a trip to Niagara Falls. It's a great way to get a better view of the American side of the falls. It can sometimes be difficult to see from above. Canada has a better view from the platforms on their side, but from the water, everybody gets a great view.

Devil's Hole State Park

If you're up for a pretty challenging hike, Devil's Hole down to the Niagara Gorge is absolutely stunning. Parts of it can be a little bit dangerous, with narrow paths dropping down to the gorge and sizable stone steps leading to the bottom that you'll eventually have to climb back up. Make sure you have plenty of water to get back up and tread carefully. If you can make it down to the whirlpool and relax on a rock, viewing the rapids from a safe distance, it's a romantic spot to take a moment to yourselves.

WildPlay Niagara Falls MistRider Zipline

If you love adventure and testing your fear of heights, try the Niagara Falls MistRider zipline together on the Canadian side of the falls. There's really not too much skill involved as far as hiking or athletic ability. You just climb to the top of the platform, sit back and relax while taking in the views as you zip through the mist coming off of the falls at 40 MPH.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake is only about 20 minutes from the Canadian border near Niagara Falls, Ontario in Canada. There are a ton of beautiful smaller scale hotels offering unique experiences and spa amenities to guests and newlyweds in the area. Along Queen Street, there is a variety of boutique, locally owned shops, selling everything from hats and accessories to retro candy and cheeses. The area is also surrounded by quality wineries and breweries to check out. The Oast House is a vibrant red barn that you can't miss, with incredible beers, particularly their seasonal ones like strawberry rhubarb ale in the summer or their concord grape and pumpkin beers in the fall. Right next door is Stratus Winery where they offer elegant wine tastings and sell some award-winning, high end bottles. Be sure to check out Trius Winery for some great photo opportunities behind the scenes, in addition to delicious sparkling roses, reds, and whites to taste. With Niagara-on-the-Lake being so close to the Canadian border, experience some of the fun of the Canadian side of Niagara Falls and the tourist attractions, but end the evening escaping to Niagara-on-the-Lake to spend the night.

The Best Hotels and Resorts in Niagara Falls for a Honeymoon

Old Ivy Walk

Not far from the main strip is a bed-and-breakfast with a European feel, complete with beautiful antique pieces and charm. Depending on the room of choice, guests can end up with a romantic fireplace, a spacious soaking tub, and stunning antiques to browse. In the mornings, enjoy a home-cooked breakfast with the other guests from all around the world.

Pillar and Post Inn & Spa

Pillar and Post Inn & Spa is a staple in Niagara-on-the-Lake, known for their incredible spa and their vintage decor. With modern amenities that are expected, in addition to vintage flair like four post beds and spacious soaking whirlpool tubs, the rooms have quite a bit of character. There's room service available for guests in addition to activities daily ranging from healthy experiences like a yoga class, to a wine tasting featuring the area's wide range of bottles. They even have a heated pool and an indoor saltwater pool among, in addition to open air hot springs on the property for guests to enjoy.

Prince of Wales Hotel

This Victorian hotel has gained the attention of visitors, bringing elegance to the area. Prince of Wales Hotel is just a five minute short walk from the main theater in town, the local shops, and the beautiful waterfront of Lake Ontario. The rooms have plenty of modern amenities, in addition to whirlpool tubs and crackling fireplaces. Guests can enjoy afternoon tea, the hotel's indoor pool, spa treatments, a fitness center, and even a shuttle service if they don't feel like walking to dinner in their heels.

Sterling Inn & Spa

Many of the hotels on the Canadian side are just basic, chain hotels where you know what to expect. The Sterling Inn & Spa is just about 15 minutes from the Rainbow Bridge. The hotel has a spa attached, so guests can enjoy treatments to unwind and relax after the stress of planning a wedding. The rooms have rainfall showers, jacuzzi soaking tubs, comfortable beds, and beautiful views of Niagara Falls.

Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino

On the American side, The Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino is the perfect place to stay. It's a AAA four diamond hotel attached to a casino where you can try your luck. It has delicious restaurants, boutique stores and is within walking distance to the American side of the falls. If you're there for your honeymoon, splurge on one of the rooms with prime views of the falls and a soaking tub, so you can relax in the bubbles, overlooking the falls lit up at night.

What to Pack for a Niagara Falls Honeymoon

Depending on the time of year you decide to go, be sure to have a really warm coat, hat, gloves, scarves, and good boots if you go in the winter time. If traveling there during the spring, summer, or fall, bring sneakers, athletic clothing, shirts, sweaters, and a nice outfit or two for dinners.

Niagara Falls Honeymoon Tour Packages

The Niagara Falls honeymoon packages offer a variety of amenities for different kinds of travelers. If you're looking for spa treatments while traveling, TripAdvisor has you covered. Even if you're traveling as a family with kids, they have the perfect accommodations for you. Couples can also craft their own Niagara Falls honeymoon package using services like Viator.