Niagara Falls: The Place For Honeymooners

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Niagara Falls is one of the most romantic North American destinations there is. The white man’s first view of the falls was in 1678 when Jesuit missionary, Louis Hennepin, was curious about the thundering roar he heard off in the distance. Niagara Falls is just as mesmerizing today as it was in the 17th century.

Niagara Falls became famous as a honeymoon getaway after the Marilyn Monroe movie Niagara (1953).  The area is perhaps best known for some of its honeymoon suites with heart-shaped beds and mirrors on the ceilings. Today,  however, the Falls are a family destination, especially on the Canadian side but it has not lost any of its romantic appeal.

There are two sections and two countries that makeup Niagara Falls. The American falls include the Bridal Veil Falls which are dwarfed by their Canadian neighbor, the world famous Horseshoe Falls. The water flows down the Niagara River from the four Great Lakes behind it and over the Falls at a rate of forty-two million gallons per minute. It is a sight to behold. The mist alone generated by the roaring waters is spread far and wide up onto the city streets that line the gorge.

The traditional way to get up close and personal with the Horseshoe Falls is to take a ride on the Maid of the Mist, a sturdy passenger boat that has been carrying passengers right into the base of the falls since 1846.

There are several Maid of the Mist boats these days to handle the crowds of visitors who come each year to see this wonder of the world. You can climb aboard on both sides of the border but most of the boats set sail from the Canadian side.

Another exciting way to view Niagara Falls is the Journey Behind the Falls tour. You buy your tickets  and descend through 150 feet of rock by elevator to a passage that literally takes you right behind the torrents of water pouring over the rocks above. There are two lookout spots and you are bound to be soaked as you behold the power. But don’t worry, plastic rain ponchos are provided to give you some semblance of being dry. Watch out for your shoes!

The Journey is in Canada but the Americans have a similar tour that takes tourists to the base of the Bridal Veil Falls. Called the Cave of the Winds tour the stairs take you within twenty feet of the pounding waters at the bottom.

As far as facilities are concerned for the romantic at heart the best ones are found in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The city now boasts two casinos. The first one, Casino Niagara, opened in 1996. In 2004 the Fallsview Casino Resort, a larger and more Vegas-styled casino,  opened to rave reviews. Niagara Falls has now become the top spot for entertainment and shows in south-western Ontario.

Not to be outdone by the Canadians, the Seneca Indians on the American side were given permission to open a casino resort. Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel opened the casino in 2003 and  followed it in 2006 with the opening of the largest hotel complex outside of Manhattan. The casino was built to keep the American gamblers from crossing into Canada and dropping money into the provincial economy. It is definitely worth a visit.

The best and most romantic view of the Falls is from the Fallsview Casino. However, if budget is a consideration, there are many other hotels situated in and around nature’s spectacular site. The Sheraton, Crown Plaza and Hilton chains are all represented here. There are numerous restaurants and nightclubs to pick and choose from.

Summer is high season in the region but Niagara Falls is simply spectacular as the temperatures drop

and the falls freeze over into icicles. The city shines colorful spotlights on the water year round and on certain days of the week during the summer you can see the fireworks go off overhead. New Years Eve packages are also very big in the local hotels.

Niagara Falls is an amazing romantic getaway destination. Boat rides and walks through the beautifully manicured gardens welcome you to this natural phenomenon. These are the most powerful falls in North America and the view alone is sure to bring the two of you together for the memory of a lifetime.

Embrace each other!

Tagged with: American Destinations • Bridal Veil Falls • Canadian Neighbor • Cave of the Winds • City Streets • Family Destination • Gallons Per Minute • Honeymoon Getaway • Honeymoon Suites • Horseshoe Falls • Jesuit • Journey Behind The Falls • Lookout Spots • Louis Hennepin • Maid of the Mist • Niagara Falls • Niagara River • Passenger Boat • Romantic Appeal • Shaped Beds • White Man • Wonder Of The World

Filed under: Canadian Romantic Getaways

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