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Things To Do in Niagara Falls for Valentine’s Day

January 31, 2024 ntritchew 6 Comments

Reading Time: 4 minutes -

There are many romantic things to do in Niagara Falls for Valentine’s Day, and we’d like to share a few suggestions. Niagara Falls has long been considered a romantic destination for travel, appealing to couples of all different backgrounds. We have everything from luxurious spas to horse drawn carriage rides to amusements…Wondering which one to choose? Check out our “hand picked” ideas below to get started.

Treat Your Loved One to a Spa Day

Niagara Falls is one of the most romantic tourist spots in the world, catering to couples and pampering them for years. Both here in the Falls and in gorgeous, historic Niagara-on-the-Lake, there are dozens of spas to choose from.

Are you undecided on which one to go with? These Niagara Spa Hotels provide spa services to make your Valentine’s Day reservations even better!

Christienne Fallsview Spa httpsl://christiennefallsviewspa.com/
Secret Garden Spa Prince of Wales https://www.vintage-hotels.com/prince-of-wales/secret-garden-spa/
5 Lakes Spa Aveda https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/iagdtdt-doubletree-fallsview-resort-and-spa-niagara-falls/spa/
The Spa at White Oaks Resort http://whiteoaksresort.com/niagara-spa.html
Americana Senses Spa https://www.americananiagara.com/spa/
Sterling Inn & Spa http://sterlingniagara.com/

Take Stroll Through Oakes Garden Theatre

Discover a serene escape at the base of Clifton Hill, featuring benches that offer a romantic view of the Falls. Oakes Garden Theatre, surrounded by ornamental iron gates and Queenston limestone, welcomes you with shaded lily ponds and formalized gardens. This idyllic spot in the heart of Niagara Falls serves as a stunning entrance to Queen Victoria Park, providing a romantic retreat for visitors.

Oakes Garden Theatre Details

Visit Clifton Hill for Some Romantic Fun!

Clifton Hill is not just a favourite destination for family enjoyment, but it’s also a great spot for romance! On the Niagara SkyWheel and in the lovely Oakes Garden Theatre, we’ve had a plethora of proposals. Both of these situations are ideal for romantic connections.

Take a romantic stroll down to Queen Victoria Park to see the nighttime illuminations of Niagara Falls. If you’re a competitive pair, don’t miss the Great Canadian Midway gaming facility, as well as the Strike Game Zone. Clifton Hill offers both entertainment and romance in a central, convenient location steps to Niagara Falls.

Valentine’s Day Hours (Wednesday, February 14th, 2024):

Niagara Skywheel: Noon-10pm
Great Canadian Midway: 10am-Midnight
Strike Game Zone: 11am-Midnight
Movieland Wax Museum: 11am-7pm
Wizards Golf: 11am-7pm
Ghost Blasters: 10am-Midnight

Indulge at the Fudge Factory

A visit to Clifton Hill isn’t complete without a stop at the Fudge Factory for some Valentine’s Day chocolate and treats! With so many options, you’ll be able to choose something delectable for your significant other.

Valentine’s Day Hours: 11am-7pm

Spoil Your Partner at Canada Trading

After your stop at the Fudge Factory, head inside the Canada Trading Company and experience a one-of-a-kind gift ideas. Whether you are shopping for a perfect gift for your sweetheart or picking up a souvenir for your romantic trip, the Canada Trading Company is sure to have something special to treasure.

4950 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N4

Canada Trading Details

Valentine’s Day Hours: 11am-7pm

Eat Out on Clifton Hill

As part of Boston Pizza’s annual Valentine’s Day fundraising drive themed around Heart-Shaped Pizzas, franchisees from coast to coast are ‘raising dough’ for local charities. Guests can purchase and sign paper hearts at the restaurant, which will be on display throughout the entirety of the campaign for a minimum donation of a $2. This gift can be added to your bill from now through February 14th to assist a local charity chosen by our Boston Pizza franchise.

In addition, Boston Pizza’s Heart-Shaped Pizzas will be available for ordering on Tuesday, February 14th, 2024. Small and medium heart-shaped pizzas will be available for dine-in (where authorized), take-out, or delivery at all Boston Pizza locations, while supplies last. Each restaurant will donate $1 from each pizza sold to a local charity of our choice.

Valentine’s Day Hours: 11am-Midnight

Other Clifton Hill Dining Valentine’s Day Hours:

Kelsey’s: 11am-11pm
Wendy’s: 11:30am-8pm
Tim Hortons: 8am-8pm

Gaze at Niagara Falls Illumination

On Valentine’s Day, hourly from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., the Niagara Falls will be illuminated with pink and red lights to help loving couples celebrate this special day!

The Falls are lit in rainbow colours every evening beginning at sundown – don’t miss the unrivalled magnificence of the Falls at night!

Valentine’s Day Display Times (Pink & Red): Top of every hour for 15min starting at 5:30pm until 1am

Niagara Falls Cam Details

Take a Horse and Carriage Ride

Do you want to ride a horse and carriage in quaint Niagara-on-the-Lake? Sentineal Carriages offers a tour rich with history, as well as gorgeous homes and serene views.

Monday to Friday by reservation, Saturday from 11am to 10pm, Sunday from 11am to 8pm.

15 minute tour is $90+hst and is available by walk up only
30 minute tour is $130+hst and is available by walk up or reservation
45 minute tour is $190+hst and is available by walk up or reservation
60 minute tour is $235+hst and is available by walk up or reservation

During the Winter, these rides are weather permitting and by reservation only. With Valentine’s Day especially, you should call and make a reservation ASAP. Please call: 905-468-4943.

Sample Niagara’s Fine Wines

If you’re still looking for Valentine’s Day activities in Niagara, you might want to also consider a visit to one of our world-famous wineries! Niagara is “wine country,” and the stunning scenery is a must-see in any season. There are nearly 50 wineries in the Niagara Region, with 25 vineyards in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

See our top picks for local Niagara Wineries

Cyclamen Display at the Floral Showhouse

Valentines Hours: February 14 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Step into a world of botanical romance as the Cyclamen Display runs at the Floral Showhouse from January 13 to March 3, 2024. Banish the winter blues and immerse yourself in the vibrant hues of burgundy, pink, and magenta cyclamen flowers that promise to infuse warmth and romance into the chilly season.

Theme: The Heart of Resilience This year’s Cyclamen Display revolves around the theme “The Heart of Resilience,” celebrating the enduring qualities and remarkable resilience embodied by these beautiful plants. Be prepared to be uplifted by the vibrant colors and inspiring theme that define this year’s exhibit.

Get Details

Facts, History, News

Discover the Frozen Beauty: Vintage Winter Snapshots of Niagara Falls

January 11, 2024 ntritchew Leave a comment

Reading Time: 3 minutes -

Niagara Falls, a majestic wonder that captivates in every season, unveils a unique charm during the winter freeze. Transport yourself back in time as we delve into a mesmerizing collection of vintage photographs capturing the icy allure of the Falls from as early as the 1860s.

A Glimpse of Days Past: Exploring Historic Frozen Views

Prospect Point, 1860s

Early visitors to Prospect Point grace the foreground, with the iconic photostand of Platt D. Babbitt in the backdrop. Babbitt, an acclaimed American photographer born in 1822, carved his legacy with captivating daguerreotypes and ambrotypes of Niagara Falls. This frozen snapshot from the 1860s is a testament to Babbitt’s pioneering work, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s early photographic history. (Photo courtesy of the Niagara Falls Library)

Winter Wonderland Journey, 1885

Captured by Herman F. Nielson in 1885, this photograph showcases Niagara Falls in the midst of winter. Imagine a time when the falls would freeze sufficiently to create an ice bridge, spanning around 30 to 100 feet deep. Fearless individuals ventured onto the frozen expanse, traversing from one side to the other. The frozen beauty becomes a canvas for exploration and shared experiences. (Photo courtesy of Historic Niagara Falls)

Concession Stands on Ice, 1910

In the winter of 1910, the frozen landscape of Niagara Falls transformed into a bustling marketplace on ice. Concessionaires, braving the elements, set up huts and shanties made of wood on the frozen bridge. These makeshift stalls offered a variety of treats, from warm tea and coffee to souvenirs and even liquor. The photograph not only freezes a moment in time but captures the entrepreneurial spirit amidst the icy grandeur. (Photo courtesy of Niagara Falls Archives)

Frozen Wonderland Expedition, 1903

An intrepid adventurer stands beneath the icicled Niagara Falls, surrounded by an enchanting frozen wonderland. The photo, circa 1903, encapsulates the allure of exploring the icy domes beneath the falls, creating a magical tableau that echoes through the ages. (Photo by Buyenlarge/Getty Images)

Icy Spectacle of 1885

A frozen panorama of Niagara Falls in 1885 transports us back to an era where nature’s grandeur embraced the wintry chill. The cascading waters suspended in icy stillness evoke a serene yet powerful spectacle that defines the essence of winter at the falls. (Photo courtesy of Vintage Niagara Collection

Step Into the Past: Reliving Niagara’s Winter Magic

These vintage photographs not only freeze moments in time but also transport us to an era where the frozen beauty of Niagara Falls became a canvas for exploration, commerce, and pure wonder. As you immerse yourself in these captivating snapshots, let the icy allure of Niagara Falls in winter weave a timeless tale of nature’s grandeur.

Things To Do

Fun Things to do for Winter in Niagara Falls

December 11, 2015 clynn Leave a comment

Reading Time: 6 minutes -*Pictured Above: A beautiful Winter view of the Niagara Falls by Christine Hess Photography*

So far, the weather in Niagara Falls is feeling more like Spring this year, but before you know it the temperatures will start to dip below the freezing mark. So what is there to do here? Plenty! Here is a list of a few fun things to do for Winter in Niagara Falls.

Niagara Helicopters

What better way to experience the beautiful snow-covered views of Winter in Niagara Falls than from soaring above? You’ve seen pictures of the Niagara Falls before, but none as unique as these views. The Niagara Helicopters is open year round (*dependant on weather conditions), and features large windows for non-obstructing photographs. Individual headsets with taped commentary in 12 languages is offered, as well as wheelchair accessibility.

The journey begins at the Sir Adam Beck Generating plant and follows the Niagara River from the Whirlpool area, over the Whirlpool Rapids and the Rainbow Bridge. The helicopter passes by the American Falls and the Skylon Tower. The helicopter then changes direction and follows the curve of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The helicopter levels off and continues along the route back to base.

Visit them online at www.niagarahelicopters.com

Phone: 905-357-5672

Clifton Hill Fun Pass

No trip to Niagara Falls is complete without purchasing a family fun pass that is a guaranteed good time for everyone in your family! The Clifton Hill Fun Pass is sold year round — even in the midst of snowstorms and a ground of ice, you will find the Clifton Hill Fun Pass available. This is one of Niagara’s favourites with a 50% off savings compared to its individual pricing. As an added bonus, when you purchase the fun pass *online only* you will receive another bonus Niagara SkyWheel admission for FREE!

Niagara Parks Wonder Pass

Purchasing the Niagara Falls Wonder Pass will let you get up close and personal with the awe of Winter in Niagara Falls, plus allow you to save over 55% on top of experiencing three amazing attractions. You will get the Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara’s Fury and the Butterfly Conservatory. You’ll also receive two days on the WEGO transportation service: a hop-on, hop-off system connecting Niagara Parks attractions with your hotel.

*Pictured Above: A photo from the Journey Behind the Falls on a particularly snowy day.

For more information please visit the Niagara Parks online at www.niagaraparks.com

Ice Skating

*Pictured Above: The Gale Centre Arena. 4171 Fourth Av., Niagara Falls.

The City of Niagara Falls offers public ice skating at little cost:

Niagara Falls Gale Centre (four-pad arena)
4171 Fourth Ave
905-356-7521

Willoughby Memorial (Chippawa) Arena
9000 Sodom Rd
905-295-6554

Public Skating Information: 905-356-7521 ext 5600

Skate Niagara Ice Show

*Pictured Above: Olympic & World Gold Medalists Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir*

If ice skating interests you, but you would rather be a spectator, than you won’t want to miss the 2nd annual Skate Niagara Ice Show being shown once again at the new Meridian Centre on February 26th, 2016 for ONE NIGHT ONLY.

Skate Niagara has once again brought together a star-studded ensemble of Canada’s Olympic and World Champion skating icons, and this year it is bigger and better than ever! Hitting the ice for a night of entertainment and artistry starting at 7:30 pm are Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, the sensational duo who made history by becoming the first Canadian couple to win the Olympic Dance title at the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010. The six-time Canadian National Champions took home the Gold Medal in the 2012 World Championships and the Silver Medal at the Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014.

Also performing:

Kurt Browning, a Guinness World Record holder for the first person to successfully land a quadruple jump in an international skating competition. Four-time Canadian figure skating champion and four-time World Champion, Kurt was awarded the Lou Marsh Trophy for Top Canadian Athlete in 1990. He was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, Skate Canada Hall of Fame and is honoured with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame;
Nancy Kerrigan, an American former figure skater. She is the 1994 Olympic silver medalist, the 1992 Olympic bronze medalist, a two-time World medalist, and the 1993 U.S. National Champion;
Kirsten Moore-Towers, a St. Catharines native pair skater, ranked fourth in the World. She is the 2013 Four Continents silver medalist, 2014 Olympic team silver medalist, and 2011 Canadian National Champion. Kirsten helped Canada win silver at the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi and at the 2014 Canadian Figure Skating Championships. Since June 2014, she has partnered with Michael Marinaro, creating a team with a strong work ethic, natural athletic talent, whose energy is highly contagious;
Javier Fernandez, a European figure skating champion who is the first man to ever win a World Figure Skating Championship and represent Spain in figure skating at the Olympic Winter Games since 1956. Javier is the 2015 World Champion, two-time bronze medalist at the World Figure Skating Championships, a three-time European Champion, the 2014 Grand Prix Final silver medalist and the 2011 Grand Prix Final bronze medalist;
Nam Nguyen, a first time Canadian champion at the 2015 nationals, who has an infectious smile and inspiring energy and enthusiasm. Nguyen has won three Canadian national men’s titles from 2007-2008, becoming the youngest skater to win Juvenile, Pre-Novice and Novice. Nam took home the 2010 junior level bronze medal at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships and performed at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Figure Skating Gala.

Nancy Kerrigan will choreograph the show, with assistance from former competitive figure skater Liz Manley.

For more information please visit them online at www.skateniagaraiceshow.com

Tickets are available online at www.ticketmaster.ca or www.meridiancentre.com, and at the Meridian Centre box office

Sledding

There are plenty of areas to fully enjoy Winter in Niagara Falls doing this fun, family friendly activity. Here are just some places in Niagara Falls to grab the family and take advantage of the snow:

1. Stamford Collegiate High School: 5775 Drummond Road, Niagara Falls.

2. Firemen’s Park: 2275 Dorchester Rd, Niagara Falls.

3. *For smaller kids* FH Leslie Park: 5250 Valley Way, Niagara Falls.

A couple of places located just outside this city:

1. Burgoyne Woods Park: 30 Edgedale Road, St. Catharines.

2. Chippawa Park: 128 Fitch St., Welland.

3. HH Knoll Lakeview Park: located at Sugar Loaf Street and Elm Street, Port Colborne.

4. Jaycee Park: 543 Ontario St., St. Catharines.

5. Sugar Bowl Park: 100 Gilmore Road, Fort Erie.

Niagara Icewine Festival

Nothing says “Winter in Niagara Falls” like a festival! The Niagara Icewine Festival spans over three weekends in January (15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31), and you will have the opportunity to taste this Niagara specialty made from grapes left to freeze naturally on the vine. The Niagara Region is recognized as producing some of the world’s finest icewine, and now is your chance to try it out during this festival.