Growing up in New Brunswick, Niagara Falls always felt like one of those iconic Canadian destinations I was supposed to visit… someday. After moving to Ontario, I somehow managed to drive past the signs more times than I could count on cross-border road trips to Buffalo, always saying, “Next time,” or “We should go there one day.”
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This summer, my significant other had a rare but common stretch of time off, and we wanted to make the most of it. Rather than booking a flight or planning an elaborate vacation, we decided to check out Niagara Falls. What we experienced surprised us.
Sure, the Falls are every bit as impressive as you’d expect. But what I wasn’t anticipating was how easy it was to turn the trip into a summer weekend away. We had steak dinners overlooking the water, morning coffee with panoramic views, tourist attractions worth seeing, and a hotel room complete with plush bathrobes, an oversized soaking tub and front-row seats to one of Canada’s most famous natural wonders.
My advice: Pack something nice for dinner, comfortable shoes for exploring and always leave room for dessert.
Join us now. We’re going to Niagara Falls.
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Hyatt Regency Niagara Falls Fallsview located at 6700 Fallsview Blvd., hyatt.com.
Where to stay for a romantic Niagara Falls getaway
One of the newest additions to Niagara’s skyline, the Hyatt Regency Niagara Falls Fallsview is located just steps from the Falls. The hotel puts you within walking distance of Fallsview Casino Resort and the OLG Stage, as well as Niagara Parks attractions and plenty of restaurants. We just parked the car and enjoyed the weekend without driving.
The best part for us, though, was the room. The big windows framed an incredible view of Niagara Falls that somehow looked even more magical once the sun went down and the Falls lit up. The view that made us pause every time we walked back into the room.
For couples looking for an easy Ontario escape, it struck the perfect balance between staycation and vacation.
One of my favourite parts of the trip was how relaxed the next morning felt.
We had breakfast at the hotel, overlooking the Falls, followed by a second coffee from the Starbucks conveniently located in the hotel lobby before we made our way out for the day. Sometimes luxury isn’t about having a packed itinerary. It’s about not feeling rushed (Amirite?!).
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STK Steakhouse, at 6700 Fallsview Blvd., stksteakhouse.com.
Date night with a view in Niagara Falls
If you’re only making one dinner reservation in Niagara Falls, make it at STK—steak without the vowels.
Located on the ninth floor of the Hyatt Regency, the restaurant combines sweeping views of the Falls with the lively atmosphere the brand has become known for. It feels sophisticated without taking itself too seriously, making it just as suited to a celebration as it is to a spontaneous date night.
We got to try its Chef’s Selection tasting menu, which featured a variety of signature dishes, paired with cocktails overlooking the illuminated Falls. We picked one item from the appetizer list, mains and a dessert.
My favourite perk from the hotel: Once dinner was over, there was no waiting for an Uber or walking back through busy streets. We simply took the elevator upstairs, changed into our robes and called it a night. TBH, I can’t think of a better way to end the night.
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Head for lunch with one of Canada’s best views
If you’re looking for a lunch spot with an unbeatable view beyond your hotel, Table Rock House Restaurant delivers. It’s located at 6650 Niagara River Parkway, right beside Horseshoe Falls. The menu focuses on Canadian ingredients and seasonal dishes. But to be honest, it’s the view that brought me there.
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Lean into the tourist attractions—even if you’re local-ish
I’ll admit it: Before arriving in Niagara, I wondered if the attractions might feel a little touristy. They are, of course, but you should absolutely do them anyway. There’s a reason millions of people visit Niagara Falls every year.
We opted for a Niagara Parks Pass, which includes several of the area’s signature experiences, including the Niagara Takes Flight space, which is an immersive flying theatre attraction that emulates a bird’s-eye view of the area.
Even if you’ve visited Niagara before, it’s worth experiencing these things. You get a completely different perspective now, and they quickly became one of the highlights of our trip.
If you have extra time, I also recommend Journey Behind the Falls, the Niagara Parks Power Station and a walk along Niagara Parkway. For us, the simplest moments end up being the most memorable.
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Watch other people’s luck
Fallsview Casino Resort, at 6380 Fallsview Blvd., fallsviewcasinoresort.com
Whether you’re catching a concert, grabbing a late-night cocktail or trying your luck at the blackjack tables, Fallsview Casino Resort makes an easy addition to your itinerary.
TBH, I’m not much of a gambler, but it was still fun to people-watch and hear people cheering (and groaning) and watching all the excitement. Plus, you don’t have to be a poker pro to enjoy the casino. We only put a few dollars in the slots. ItIt actually reminded me of a mini Las Vegas casino. It’s no Wynn, but it’s fun.
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OLG Stage, at 6366 Stanley Ave., fallsviewcasinoresort.com.
Catch a show
I hadn’t realized how bumping Niagara’s entertainment scene is. The nearby OLG Stage regularly welcomes major performers. We missed performances by artists and comedians like Nelly, Nikki Glaser and Jerry Seinfeld. But noted for next trip.
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Before you head home
Before checking out, take one last walk along the Falls. It’s just too damn easy to get caught up in a busy itinerary, but my favourite moments from our trip were the quiet moments: Sitting with a coffee, watching the mist rise off the water and appreciating one of Canada’s most iconic landscapes.
If you have extra time…
A few more spots worth adding to your itinerary:
- Clifton Hill for arcades, mini golf, nostalgic fun and people watching.
- Niagara SkyWheel for incredible panoramic views, especially around sunset.
- Journey Behind the Falls to experience the power of Horseshoe Falls from below.
- Niagara Parks Power Station & Tunnel for one of the city’s most unique viewpoints.
- Queen Victoria Park for an easy scenic stroll.
- Niagara-on-the-Lake, just a short drive away, for wineries, boutique shopping and charming cafés if you’re extending your stay.