The last and final destination in our four-part series this year (the first three saw us traversing the globe to Italy, Hawaii, and Ireland, respectively) is - and has been for many decades now - a place whose name is as good as synonymous with the word honeymoon: Niagara Falls.
It's only fitting, I can't help but think, that this delightful series of travel posts caps off with a location in my own home country, whereas the first was devoted to Tony's (Italy) and the third, coincidentally, was the location (Ireland) where we spent the first couple of years of our life together as husband and wife.
When you think of Niagara Falls, what comes to mind first? For many it will be the majestic and incredibly powerful falls themselves, a series of three waterfalls (Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls) located on the Niagara River that gush across the international border that divides Ontario, Canada and New York, USA. Up here in Canada, the iconic waterfalls that we get to enjoy best of all is Horseshoe Falls, with the other two being on the US side of things.
This trio of breathtaking waterfalls are situational 75 miles (121 km) south-southeast of Toronto and 17 miles (27 km) north-northwest of Buffalo, New York, and thunder down between the twin cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario and Niagara Falls, New York.
The falls are located 17 miles (27 km) north-northwest of Buffalo, New York and 75 miles (121 km) south-southeast of Toronto, between the twin cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Niagara Falls, New York. Both sides of the border offer up sublime views and experiences of the Falls, but for the sake of simplicity and in the spirit of my own country, this post will focus primarily on Niagara Falls, Ontario here in Canada, which houses Horseshoe Falls, the largest of the three falls. With a height of approximately 173 feet (53 metres) and a width of some 2,600 feet (790 meters), this makes it the largest waterfall in North America.
As Ontario is one of the oldest Canadian provinces to have been inhabited by European settlers, Niagara Falls has been inhabited by both Europeans and Americans since before the American Revolution, which saw a good deal of United Empire Loyalists hop over the border and establish new lives in Canada, which was under British Rule (and today retains strong ties to the United Kingdom, with Canada currently being a federal parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy with the Queen as our official, non-political, head of State)
It's no surprise though, regardless of the political turmoil that helped foster the town's early growth that a settlement would spring up around such a stunning location and that it wouldn't take long for the first suspension bridge (which was located where the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge stands nowadays), opened in 1848, to span its mighty width. A mere five years after its creation, the Great Western Railway wound its way to Niagara Falls via Hamilton, Ontario and was linked to the Suspension Bridge, which made travel and transport to and the from this southerly Ontario destination considerably easier and, it could be argued, was the beginning of its life as one of the most popular and iconic tourist destinations in not only North America, but the whole, wide world itself.
Though, it should be noted, that the area had already been visited by travelers from various parts of the world prior to that, including Napoleon Bonparte's brother, Jérôme, who saw the falls with his bride in the early 1800s, making them one of the first known couples to specifically visit Niagara Falls as part of their honeymoon travels.
{Victorian artist Albert Bierstadt's beautiful oil painting called Falls of Niagara from Below, is one of many views of the falls that artists have immortalized on canvas over the past two centuries.}
Various theories account for the origin of the name of Niagara Falls, with some believing it is an Iroquoian word, others Mohawk, but what is commonly accepted amongst all is that is indeed derived from one of the local First Nations/Native American tribes who inhabited this beautiful area of Ontario long before the first Europeans or American settlers foot here. And when, my fellow history buffs might be wondering, did that happen? Though there too various theories and possible dates abound, it's well known that the famous French explorer Samuel de Champlain visited the area as early as 1604 and that members of his party are known to have reported back to him about the stunning waterfalls, which he in turn wrote about in his personal journals. Therefore he and his men may have had the honour of being the first non-indigenous people to behold the mighty falls.
Interestingly, two neighbouring areas were, in the 1800s, known as the Town of Niagara Falls and the Village of Niagara Falls (originally known by settlers as Drummondville), with an amalgamation transpiring to create the City of Niagara Falls in 1904 (the population of which was further bolsters in 1963 when the adjacent town of Stamford joined the city). For well over a century now, the area has been one of the largest sources of hydroelectric power to be found anywhere on the continent, which resulted in numerous manufacturing industries flocking to Niagara Falls, as well as tourists from near and far alike, who came to gaze upon the stunning waterfalls on both sides of the Canadian-US border.
Following the First World War, as cars made traveling to and from the falls even more accessible (and affordable), the tourism industry in the area took off further and it wasn't long at all before this corner of Ontario was well established as one of the absolute most popular destinations for honeymooners, who flocked from across the province, country, continent and sometimes even further afield to behold the amazing waterfalls on the border of Canada and America shortly after tying the knot.
{A Victorian photograph of a woman named Maria Spelterina who at the age of 23 in 1867 traversed the Niagara Gorge by tightrope (four times), complete with buckets on her feet for extra showmanship one time and while blindfolded another, successfully. She remains to this day, the only lady to have made it across the falls on a tightrope (numerous men have done so as well).}
The falls have long enticed tourists of all sorts - not just honeymooners - to their grandeur and beauty, as well as prompted some - to put it gently - brave souls who have taken it upon themselves to jump into, go over in a barrel (or other enclosure), walk a tightrope across, swim the length of, or otherwise do daring and potentially deadly things pertaining to the falls. The first known person to jump into the falls was a man named Sam Patch, who billed himself as the Yankee Leapster. He intentionally plunged into the falls in 1829, thankfully survived, and kicked off a long procession (especially during the 1800s and early 1900s) of daredevils who attempted to follow his lead (not all of whom survived their risky endeavors, which, is should be noted, are illegal to attempt and can be met with fines and penalties on both sides of the border). These days nearly all who wish to see Niagara Falls up close and personal right at water level do so via the famous Maid of the Mist boat.
In 1953 the falls got a further boast in popularity, resulting in increased tourism, when Hollywood leading lady Marilyn Monroe stared alongside Joseph Cotten in a movie set in and called, quite simple, Niagara. The falls have appeared in numerous other movies, TV shows, documentaries, books, and artist's works, as well as on countless postcards and family photographs over the decades. Plus its fair to say that they are truly amongst Canada's most beloved and well known tourist attractions and natural wonders alike.
Interestingly, Niagara falls is one of just two out of the four vintage honeymoon destinations in this series that I've had the great pleasure of seeing firsthand. Though I've only been to Niagara once, and it was in the absolute dead of winter in 2007, during a major snowstorm with temperatures that dropped down around -30C (-22F), while Tony was presenting at a conference there, that trip remains vivid and much loved in my mind. I'd welcome the chance to return again anytime - ideally during the warmer months, so that I could see and do more outdoor events (including taking a ride on the Maid of the Mist) and capturing scads of photographs.
Unlike the other three locations (Italy, Hawaii, and Ireland) in our vintage honeymoon series, Niagara Falls is neither a country nor a state, but instead a city and while certain attractions there have been in place for decades now, others are decidedly newer. Having long catered to the tourists who flock to the falls, Niagara is chock-a-block with exciting things to do, see, eat, and experience, ten of which are highlighted below.
They are by no means the only things to do while there, and it's well worth planning to spend at least a weekend, if not a few days longer, in the area to marvel at the natural wonders, immense local history, exciting modern attractions, various events throughout the year, and other great going ons while in that famous neck of the Canadian woods.
Have your photo taken in front of the falls to capture the memory of your trip forever
Get up close and personal with the falls on a Maid of the Mist boat ride
Step back in time at one of Niagara's many history museums
Take a stroll amongst the blooms at the Niagara Botanical Gardens
Send postcards to friends and relatives around the world from this most famous of tourist attractions
Take in the view from atop the Skylon Tower's observation deck
Enjoy a scenic ride on the Whirlpool Aero (Cable) Car
{To learn more about a specific image above or anywhere in this post, please click on it to be taken to its respective source.}
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While I saw Niagara Falls in the middle of a very snowy winter, far more people opt to visit it during the spring, summer and fall, and as those are also popular times of the year for honeymoons to take place in general, the following vintage clothing ideas to pack with you on your travels are geared towards the toastier months of the year.
Should you find yourself, as I did, there in the depth of winter however, make sure you pack along a very heavy coat or jacket, plenty of warm clothing (worn in layers), scarves, hats or toques, gloves, proper winter footwear and perhaps even a pair of long johns for extra heat, because, believe me, you're going to need it if you're in Canada during the winter, especially near the icy cold falls!
{An event as fabulous as your honeymoon calls for a hat that is every bit as sensational and this gorgeous 1940s navy blue straw hat with red millinery poppies fits that bill to a tee. $75.00 from Lucky Dry Goods.}
{Don't let the wind and humidity of southern Ontario do a number on your lips (which you'll want to ensure stay kissable-y soft on your honeymoon for sure!). Instead use this lovely handmade Sweet Maple Lip Balm to keep them soft, subtle and scented with one of Canada's most famous products: maple syrup. $3.00 for a 0.15 ounce tube from Ginger and Waldo.}
{Tuck this vivid, beautiful 1950s Niagara Falls souvenir handkerchief into your favourite vintage handbag or tie it around the handle for an instant pop of outfit colour, and ensure you're never without a hankie on your travels. $22.00 from Variety Vintage Clothing.}
{Though the Niagara Falls are a decent distance away from the sea, all that water more than warrants a nautical inspired outfit and this great 1950s navy blue, red and white sailor dress celebrates that spirit splendidly! Fits up to 36" bust/26" waist. $116.00 from The Vintage Studio.}
{Whenever I travel, I love to - if possible - bring along accessories that relate directly to my destination, so if the falls were on the horizon, I'd be mighty tempted by this lovely vintage Niagara souvenir bracelet featuring that most iconic of Canadian images, the maple leaf. $13.00 from Dawn of the Seventies.}
{Sport one of Canada's national colours, red, on your hands and look all the more glam when you slip on these beautiful vintage red gloves that feature a subtle, alluring moiré silk-like pattern to them. Fits approximately a glove size 7 or 7.5 hand. $14.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.}
{Pick up this absolutely lovely (unused) vintage Niagara Falls souvenir photo album to tuck treasures like postcards and brochures that you pick up on travels into once you get home (or simply as a great vintage reminder of your special honeymoon trip). $9.99 from Eclectic Buffalo Girl.}
{Tuck your daily essentials into this vivid, timelessly pretty woven red vintage cello handbag to keep your hands free while you're out and about exploring the many attractions of Niagara Falls. On sale at the time of writing for $28.80 from JL Vintage.}
{Picture perfect pretty 1940s navy blue pumps are every bit as versatile as black or brown shoes, yet celebrate the spirit of the abundant water of the falls more than either of those hues. These vintage footwear gems fit a modern size 9 foot and are $76.66 From Eve With Love.}
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Canada is nothing short of an amazing country with a vastly rich history and an incredible array of things to do and see, though as I've delved into here over the years in various posts (including most recently in The real truth behind 15 Canadian stereotypes), many outside of its expansive borders, even our lovely neighbours to the south in America, aren't overly familiar with this great land and its engaging history, nor its present day attractions.
Regardless of it you know next to nothing about Canada, are a foremost expert on all things Canuck, or fall somewhere in between, there's always oodles more to learn and appreciate about this breathtaking country. The following selection of books, some are specific to Niagara Falls and/or Ontario, others pertain to Canada in general, and all make for some truly excellent and informative reading, no matter if you're headed to see the falls anytime soon or not.
Pick up a few from Amazon, your local bookstore, the library, or even while traveling through Canada itself, pour yourself a glass of ice wine, SunRype Apple juice, or a frosty much of beer (all Canadian specialties), and settle in for some engaging reading about this mighty and magnificent country.
-A Camper's Guide to Ontario's Best Parks by Donna Carpenter
-Greatcoats and Glamour Boots: Canadian Women at War, 1939-1945 by Carolyn Gossage and Roberta Bondar
-A Great Game: The Forgotten Leafs & the Rise of Professional Hockey by Stephen J. Harper
-A Little history of Canada, Second Edition by H.V. Nelles
-A Traveller's History of Canada by Robert Bothwell
-Along a River: The First French-Canadian Women by Jan Noel
-Around the Shores of Lake Superior: A Guide to Historic Sites by Margaret Beattie Bogue
-Canada's Favourite Recipes by Elizabeth Baird and Rose Murray
-Dictionary of Canadianisms: How to Speak Canadian, Eh by Geordie Telfer
-DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Canada by DK Publishing
-Explorer's Guide Western New York: From Niagara Falls and Southern Ontario to the Western Edge of the Finger Lakes by Christine A. Smyczynski
-Exploring Niagara: The Complete Guide to Niagara Falls and Vicinity by Hans Tammemagi and Allyson Tammemagi
-Fresh Canadian Bistro: Top Canadian chefs share their favourite recipes by Craig Flinn
-Canuck Chicks and Maple Leaf Mamas: Women of the Great White North - A Celebration of Canadian Women by Ann Douglas
-Fresh Water: Women Writing on the Great Lakes by Alison Swan
-Fodor's Toronto: with Niagara Falls & the Niagara Wine Region by Fodor's
-Greetings from Niagara Falls: Wish You Had Been Here by Jessie A. Turbayne
-How to Be a Canadian by Will Ferguson and Ian Ferguson
-Imagining Niagara: The Meaning and Making of Niagara Falls by Patrick McGreevy
-Inventing Niagara: Beauty, Power, and Lies by Ginger Strand
-Lake Effect: Voices of Toronto's History by Elizabeth A Hawksworth
-Lake Superior Flavors: A Field Guide to Food and Drink along the Circle Tour by James Norton
-Lake Superior: The Ultimate Guide to the Region by Lake Superior Port Cities
-Maritime Tales of Lake Ontario by Susan Peterson Gateley
-Much to Be Done: Private Life in Ontario From Victorian Diaries by Frances Hoffman and Ryan Taylor
-National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of Canada by National Geographic
-Niagara: A History of the Falls by Pierre Berton
-Niagara: Daredevils, Danger and Extraordinary Stories by Maria Da Silva and Andrew Hind
-Niagara Falls by Joel A. Dombrowski
-Niagara Falls: An Intimate Portrait by John Grant et al
-Niagara Falls: 1850-2000 by Paul Gromosiak and Christopher Stoianoff
-Niagara Falls: With the Niagara Parks, Clifton Hill, and Other Area Attractions by Dirk Vanderwilt
-100 Canadian Heroines: Famous and Forgotten Faces by Merna Forster
-Only in Canada You Say: A Treasury of Canadian Language by Katherine Barber
-Ontario's Ghost Town Heritage by Ron Brown
-Ontario: Image, Identity, and Power by Peter Baskerville
-Ontario Provincial Parks Trail Guide by Allen MacPherson
-Ontario Waterfalls by Harold Stiver
-Proud Past, Bright Future: One Hundred Years of Canadian Women's Hockey by Brian McFarlane
-Queen of the Falls by Chris Van Allsburg
-Remembering Niagara: Tales from Beyond the Falls by Robert Kostoff
-So, You Want to Be Canadian: All About the Most Fascinating People in the World and the Magical Place They Call Home by Kerry Colburn and Rob Sorensen
-The Anne of Green Gables Cookbook by Kate McDonald
-The Canadian Housewife: An Affectionate History by Rosemary Neering
-The New Niagara: Tourism, Technology, and the Landscape of Niagara Falls, 1776-1917 by William R. Irwin
-The Penguin History of Canada by Robert Bothwell
-Top 10 Toronto by Lorraine Johnson
-Top 100 Unusual Things to See in Ontario by Ron Brown
-Toronto: An Illustrated History of Its First 12,000 Years by Ron Williamson
-Toronto Between the Wars: Life in the City 1919-1939 by Charis Cotter (I have this book, it's wonderful!)
-Toronto Star Cookbook: More than 150 Diverse and Delicious Recipes Celebrating Ontario by Jennifer Bain
-Toronto Street Names: An Illustrated Guide to Their Origins by Leonard Wise and Allan Gould
-Trans-Canada Rail Guide, 5th edition by Melissa Graham
-Unbuilt Toronto: A History of the City That Might Have Been by Mark Osbaldeston
-Weird Canadian Words: How to Speak Canadian by Edrick Thay
-Wild Shore: Exploring Lake Superior By Kayak by Greg Breining
-Wow Canada!: Exploring This Land from Coast to Coast to Coast by Vivien Bowers and Dan Hobbs
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There are few places in the breadth and scope of the world that call to mind thoughts of happy honeymooners beginning their lives as husband and wife together quite like Niagara Falls. In fact, the city is so well known for loving its "lovers" that every couple who honeymoons there and wishes to receive one, has been able to pick up an official Niagara Falls honeymoon certificate signed by the Mayor from the Niagara Falls Visitor Bureau since 1949 (which also includes a free pass to many local attractions).
Imposing in scale, yet intimate in appeal, the falls have beckoned newlyweds and sightseers, as well as those who opted to inhabit the area, to their water soaked shores for centuries now and will, I highly suspect, always continue to do so. They are truly a humbling and incredible sight to behold in person. Their torrent of water pouring endlessly into the gorge below, lit up at night by beautiful (often colourful) lights, easy to cross on the Maid of the Mist, and more than incredible enough to inspire each and every person who sees them in a myriad of different ways.
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It has been nothing short of a sincere honour to bring you this series of vintage honeymoon travel destination posts over the past four months. I've learned more about each of these destinations myself and hope you have as well, in addition to potentially being inspired to hop on a plane, train or in your car, as the case may be, to see (or revisit) one of these diverse, fantastic areas of the world yourself.
Regardless of where you honeymoon, certain elements remain the same across time and location: a new couple coming together to celebrate their union while traveling away from home, with dreams and plans aplenty swirling through their heads as take in the local sights, scenes and activities. Just as with a wedding itself, one doesn't have to spend a small (or large) fortune on their honeymoon. It can be something as simple as a weekend getaway to another area in your own state or province, or as a grand as an around the world tour. Ultimately, only you and your partner know what's best for you, your budget, tastes, mood and circumstances in general.
Some of us, myself included as I touched on in the first post of this series, never went on a honeymoon. The great thing though there those of us who haven't yet, can potentially do so at any point in time. Yes, traditionally a honeymoon follows a wedding, but there's no law that says it has to. Since starting this series, and in general, I've heard firsthand accounts of couples who took their honeymoon five, ten, twenty, even forty years or more after they tied the knot. I fully belief that Tony and I will embark on ours one day down the road and who knows, it might even be to one of the four destinations highlighted in this vintage travel filled series. Only time will tell, but I certainly wouldn't say no to any of them - especially Italy!
