Niagara Falls Date Night: 5+ Ways to Guarantee a Magical Evening
Looking to impress a new potential partner? Are you in a long term relationship and want something new and exciting to do? Ditch the typical dinner and a movie cliché and try something new and unique to Niagara. Whether you’re a local or an international visitor, many would agree that Niagara Falls has its unique brand of romantic charm and Niagara Parks has certainly been adding to it!
If you’re looking to spend some quality time with a loved one, a Niagara Falls date night is always a good idea. Keep reading as I have an example of an absolutely magical adventure you can enjoy with someone special. Let’s just say this would be a winner of a date night in my books while experiencing the beauty of this Canadian icon!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links where I may receive a kickback at no extra cost to you. It helps keep IBB alive so thank you!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Start with Dinner at the Table Rock House Restaurant
I know I just said that dinner and movie is cliché but as a gal who loves to eat, I always love it when date night includes a meal out on the town. And with incredibly delicious eats and one of the best views of the Horseshoe Falls, dinner at the Table Rock House Restaurant is a stellar way to start the night.
Head to the Table Rock Centre where you’ll find this top restaurant in Niagara Falls. On the menu, you’ll find a variety of flavours from the region as the Table Rock House Restaurant is FeastON certified, meaning at least 25% of the ingredients and beverages used to craft the menu are sourced from Ontario producers. That’s bound to impress your date, especially since the result is a plethora of dishes that are bursting with incredible flavours!
INSIDER TIP: This is one of the most popular restaurants in Niagara Falls so I highly recommend making a reservation, especially if you’re looking to impress your date! Planning ahead is always a good way to do that and it will increase your chances of getting a table by the window and a view of the falls.
Indulge in French-based cuisine with a international flair. The seasonal menu is always showcasing the incredible talents of Ontarian farmers, producers, brewers and distillers. No matter what time of the year you visit, their Ontario Burrata is a must. Their most recent rendition features a mix of sweet and savoury as pistachio butter sits atop Pingue mortadella with a sprinkle of cherries and toasted pistachios alongside a cherry vinaigrette and a drizzle of wildflower honey.
As for the rest of the menu, you really can’t go wrong with any of the dishes! I’ve had everything from pasta to salmon to duck and it’s all been absolutely incredible. If you don’t mind spending a little, I highly recommend doing the price fixe menu for $70 as it’ll save you a few bucks. It does mean you’ll pay a little extra if you want the burrata, but you’ll also get dessert which is always a good thing!
Grab a Drink at the Closest Rooftop Patio to the Falls
Step two for impressing your date: take him/her/them to the newest patio in Niagara Falls that’s still flying under the radar… for now!
Niagara Parks opened the Table Rock Bistro + Wine Bar in June of this year, officially capturing the title of the closest open-air rooftop patio to the Horseshoe Falls. What better spot to soak up the golden hour glow than with some of the best views of the falls?
The Table Rock Bistro + Wine Bar has an extensive wine and beer list all sourced from the Niagara Region. Beer is quite reasonably priced at $10 per pint while wine tends to be a little more expensive. One thing I do love though is they have a number of wine tasting flights that are on par with pricing at many of the wineries themselves. The big difference is you’ll get to try wines from four different wineries! You can build your own flight for beers too.
If cocktails are more your forte, you’ll have plenty to choose from including martinis and frozen drinks. While some of the liquors used aren’t sourced from Ontario, many of the ingredients are with plenty adding a new spin to local beverages you may have tried before! Whether you’re in the mood for some girlie drinks or something a little stiffer, there’s a beverage to suit everyone’s taste – even some great non-alcoholic ones!
Seating is on a first come, first served basis so if you’re looking to get one of the tables right by the edge for the best ambiance, you may have to be a little patient. However, midweek does tend to be quieter, especially as the peak summer season passes!
Explore the Niagara Parks Power Station
Okay this might not seem like the most exciting activity for a date night in Niagara Falls but hear me out. Ever since the Power Station opened, I’ve been talking about it like crazy. It’s one of, if not my favourite Niagara Falls attraction for a number of reasons.
The Power Station is cool in the daytime as you get to “follow the flow” and explore the exhibits, learning about the Niagara River, the history of the hydroelectric station as well as the technological developments that brought our understanding of electricity to where they are today. However at night, the museum is transformed by Currents, a captivating light show that is bound to dazzle you.
Projected from the upper floors, your eyes will be treated to incredible illuminations that illustrate the journey of water and the magic within it. What really sets Currents apart isn’t just the exceptional visuals but rather how many of the elements interact with the viewer as you meander the main floor.
The Power Station’s nighttime programming begins at approximately 7:00 pm (time may vary depending on the season) as Currents runs on a loop, restarting every 30 minutes. If you catch it part way, not to worry as it will restart shortly so you can enjoy the enchanting display in its entirety.
However, that’s not all the Niagara Parks Power Station has to offer as night falls…
Enjoy the New Night Access to The Tunnel
Before the summer of 2024, The Tunnel could only be enjoyed during daylight hours. Now, you can meander down this unique walkway to experience the falls at night!
Descend approximately 55 metres (180 feet) to where the water used to flow to power the generators you just saw illuminated above. Follow the red brick pathway as you admire the new light displays that only add to the ambiance as they guide you away from the elevators. Take a peek at the interpretive signs that talk about the history of the power station or focus your attention on your date as you meander the 670 metres (2200 feet) to the end. Here the path will open up to the Tunnel’s viewing platform as you enjoy one of the best views of the Horseshoe Falls as they’re illuminated a menagerie of brilliant colours!
INSIDER TIP: If you purchase your Power Station night pass in advance online, look for the option for $10 nighttime parking. This will save you $25 on the daily parking fee at the Table Rock lot! Or if you’ve already taken your ticket while entering the lot, go to the ticket counter and they will give you a voucher to scan when you leave which will save you the $25.
The temperature is cooler in The Tunnel so I’d recommend bringing a jacket. Or, this is where you can be chivalrous and offer your jacket to keep your partner warm and toasty!
Catch the Fireworks Over the Falls
As if Power Station couldn’t get any more amazing at night, there’s one final reason to make this part of your Niagara Falls date night this summer – and that’s the fireworks.
Most people catch this bursting summertime display along the Niagara Parkway in front of the Table Rock Centre. What many don’t realize is that you can now experience the fireworks from The Tunnel’s lookout platform! Watch from this unique vantage point as you see the American Falls illuminated like a vibrant patchwork while the stunning fireworks display erupts above them. Wouldn’t leaning in for a kiss as the sky is ablaze with colour make this one of the most romantic things to do in Niagara Falls? I’d say so, but I might be biased!
To catch the fireworks from the Tunnel, get on the elevator around 9:15 to ensure enough time to reach the end and get ready for the show. This should allow you enough time to get a spot right along the safety bars for an unobstructed view of the fireworks display.
More Things to Do For Your Niagara Falls Date Night
And there you have it, the recipe for a perfect Niagara Falls date night that’s bound to wow your significant other or potential love interest! However if you’re having an amazing time and don’t quite want the fun to end, here are some other things to do in Niagara Falls as the fun with Niagara Parks all comes to an end at 10:00 pm.
Stroll Along the Niagara Parkway – If the conversation is captivating and you wish for it to continue, head back up the elevators and take a stroll along the Parkway. It’s always a beautiful sight to see the falls illuminated from above and you have plenty of pathway to roam as you ramble. I recommend passing by Queen Victoria Park to see the trees filled with lights and to get a closer view of the American Falls.
Be a Tourist Along Clifton Hill – It’s not called Canada’s Las Vegas for nothing as the sights and sounds of Clifton Hill are certainly a spectacle. Take a stroll up this iconic laneway and see what attractions tickle your fancy. Maybe a ride on the Skywheel is in order for an added splash of romance? Or a round of glow in the dark mini putt? Of course, just exploring the strip is entertaining with all of the people watching to be done.
Unleash Your Inner Child at the Great Canadian Midway – It’s important not just to find someone to grow old with but also someone to keep you young so unleash your inner child with some arcade games! I’m always a fan of some air hockey or a round of skee ball but there’s plenty of games to enjoy that will entertain you for hours.
Check Out the Fallsview Casino Complex – Feeling lucky? You can always head into the Fallsview Casino and see what fortunes may await you. Always gamble responsibly or you can avoid leaving anything to chance and just stroll around the building. It’s quite stunning with a number of bars and restaurants as well as the iconic fountain that’s the centrepiece of the complex!
Transport Yourself to Cuba at Havana – I’m saving the best for last as this is my favourite spot for nightlife in Niagara Falls. Havana is located in the heart of downtown Niagara Falls and they’re serving up some fantastic Cuban beats every Friday and Saturday night! Grab a Cuba Libre or one of their amazing spicy mango margaritas and show off your moves on the dance floor as you’re surrounded by the energy of the tropics!
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Disclaimer:
This article was crafted in partnership with Niagara Parks however, all of the content and opinions outlined here, as always, are honest and speak to my personal experience.
Tara
So many great ideas – and that parking tip is a gem!