Whether drawn by love, wanderlust, or serendipity, visitors find themselves swept up in the grandeur – and good luck – of Niagara Falls. Straddling the border of Canada and the US, this powerful natural wonder has bewitched visitors for centuries. The well-worn phrase “good things come in threes” rings especially true when faced with the trifecta of waterfalls – Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls – that together form the formidable Niagara.

Since the 1800s, Niagara Falls has been celebrated as one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the Americas. Lucky-in-love newlyweds first flocked to Niagara-on-the-Lake to soak in the breathtaking views, particularly of the waterfalls, which surge at an astonishing 2.4 million litres per second. Today, couples from around the world continue to visit, drawn by the falls and the town itself. 

Throughout history, this luck also beckoned the boldest daredevils. Thrill-seekers craving adrenaline and glory faced the ultimate challenge: barrel riding. The first recorded ride was in 1901, when 63-year-old schoolteacher Annie Edson Taylor sealed herself inside a barrel and miraculously survived the tumble down the 51-metre drop. Since then, not every rider has been so fortunate – proving that conquering Niagara Falls demands more than just courage. 

If you find yourself among the fortunate standing before the mist-shrouded majesty of the falls, there are a handful of ways to make your visit truly memorable. Begin with a thrilling cruise that carries you to the thunderous base of the cascades, where the roar of the water envelops you. For a breathtaking vantage point, take to the skies aboard a scenic helicopter flight, offering panoramic views of all three magnificent waterfalls. 

Niagara on the Lake offers its own quiet charm. Wander by beautifully preserved 19th-centuray dwellings, peruse quaint boutiques, or savour a tasting of the region's famed Icewine - a sweet dessert wine made from grapes frozen on the vine.

As dusk falls, the cascades are illuminated with a kaleidoscopic light display. Especially when admired from the refined comfort of a Fallsview Room at Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa, there is no finer way to end the day. Whether it’s the vistas, the mesmerising roar, or the sheer wonder of the moment, your visit will leave you with a lasting sense of awe – and a touch of Niagara’s auspicious magic.  

Words by Felicia Arhontissas