NIAGARA FALLS HONEYMOON AND ROMANTIC GETAWAY

We were pleasantly surprised, recently, to discover that Niagara Falls is still one of the most romantic destinations in the world. We shouldn't have been, considering that Niagara has been the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" for nearly 200 years.

The Maid of the Mist plies the Niagara River. Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Photo © Barb & Ron Kroll

Less than two hours after we left Toronto, by car, we were strolling hand-in-hand along a walkway, gazing at the thundering waters tumbling over Bridal Veil, Horseshoe and American Falls.

Feel the thunder

Donning yellow ponchos, we descended 38 meters to the tunnels, behind the falls, and ventured out through one of the openings. The incessant roar of the water deafened us, and the wind-buffeted spray dampened our faces and camera lenses, as we stood arm-in-arm, watching the seagulls soar, and the Maid of the Mist battling the current.

We then boarded the venerable boat, which plies its way up to the foot of Horseshoe Falls. Ever since the first Maid of the Mist made this journey, in 1846, millions of passengers have traveled the same route, including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

Aerial view of Horseshoe Falls. Ontario.

Photo © Barb & Ron Kroll

Bird's-eye panorama

Also unchanged, since 1916, is the Whirlpool Aero Car, which travels 540 meters across the swirling waters of the Niagara River's whirlpool rapids. The journey in the basket-like cable car looks dangerous, but an attendant assured us that the emergency rescue vehicles have never been used — although they are tested regularly.

The true power of the whirlpools and falls came vibrantly to life for us in the spectacular six-storey-high IMAX movie: Niagara: Miracles, Myths and Magic. Afterwards, we browsed through the attached museum to see the barrels and tightropes used by daredevils to challenge the falls.

Butterflies and rainbows

Colorful fireworks over Niagara Falls at night. Ontario.

At the Butterfly Conservatory, colorful butterflies flitted from flower to flower and even landed on our foreheads. It was also fun to stroll through herb, vegetable and rock gardens at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. Its splendid arboretum showcases one of Canada's finest collections of ornamental trees and shrubs.

Looking back on our visit to Niagara, we recall one incredibly romantic memory after another: Viewing the falls through giant picture windows while dining at the Minolta Tower and Table Rock restaurants. Sampling wines at Niagara wineries. Soaring through rainbows on a helicopter flight around the falls.

And watching cotton-candy pink, powder blue, soft green and warm amber lights illuminate the falls after dark, as the sky fills with dazzling fireworks.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Tourism Niagara: www.tourismniagara.com