Coordinating a romantic getaway that requires hours of planning can feel anything but spontaneous. Fortunately, there’s an easier way. Agreeing on something as simple as whether the two of you want to escape to the city or the country is all it takes to kick your couples’ adventure into gear!
Once you’ve landed on your goal of spending time together in the country or on a romantic urban escape, all that’s left to do is pack your bags and hit the road to Niagara! Here are two sample itineraries to inspire your upcoming getaway.
Rural Romance In The Niagara Benchlands
The Niagara Benchlands’ beautiful Escarpment views, rolling vineyards, fruit orchards and farm markets are a gorgeous side of Niagara often missed by those en route to the attractions and excitement of Niagara Falls. For couples looking for a peaceful escape filled with off-the-radar wineries, fabulous farm-to-table meals, and some easy-going outdoor activities, the Niagara Benchlands is an ideal destination.
Once you arrive in Niagara, you’ll likely be ready to stretch your legs a bit, so start your day in Jordan Village. Grab a cup of coffee and a freshly baked Morning Bun at RPM Bakehouse and walk south down Main Street, stopping to browse at the unique shops along the way. When you arrive at the Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre, walk toward the outdoor shelter in the back, and you’ll find a set of wooden steps down to a beautiful path. Follow the Twenty Valley Trail for an easy walk and get back on the road at 21st Street, where you can continue your stroll back up the hill to return to your starting point at RPM Bakehouse.
Since no visit to Niagara Benchlands would be complete without getting a taste for the award-winning wines and craft beverages produced in the area, spend a few hours poking around at the selection of spots that suit your fancy and plan on having lunch at one of your stops. Excellent options for wine lovers include Sixteen Mile Cellar, Hidden Bench Estate Winery, Kew Vineyards, Tawse Winery, Thirty Bench Wine Makers, Wending Home Estate Vineyards and Winery, and Westcott Vineyards.
Sober sippers who would like to experience the beauty of Niagara wine country minus the alcohol have some fun options too. Rosewood Estate Winery and Meadery offers a fascinating Bee Experience that invites visitors to suit up in protective gear and venture into a live beehive to witness the intricate workings firsthand. Vineland Estates Winery produces a wonderful selection of zero-alcohol Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Rosé that guests can purchase by the glass wine to enjoy seated or sip on as they stroll the vineyards. e-bike The Bench runs its electric bike rental and touring operations from Vineland Estates Winery, should you wish to plan a pedal while you’re there.
Craft beer fans will want to make time for tasting flights at Bench Brewing Company and Newark Brewing, and perhaps spread their wings a little wider into the thriving craft cider scene bubbling up in the Niagara Benchlands. A+ cidery sip stops include Fielding Craft Cider Company, Niagara Cider Company, Redstone Winery, Rood Apples at Creekside Estate Winery, and Vieni Estates.
Freshen up from your afternoon of touring in the room you’ve chosen for the evening. Couples looking to continue the theme of rural relaxation can book a stay with a vineyard view at Inn The Orchard. Those who prefer a stay that’s within walking distance of a delicious dinner out can opt for Jordan House, Inn on the Twenty, or The Ramada by Wyndham Jordan.
A farm-to-table feast is a must when visiting such an agricultural hotspot, and Niagara Benchlands restaurants offer a wide range of price points. Dine on affordably priced but simply delicious pasta creations made with locally sourced ingredients at Just Cooking Rustic Italian in Vineland. The Good Earth Food & Wine Co. celebrates Niagara’s seasonality, emphasizing local products in its delicious dishes. Restaurant Pearl Morissette has earned two MICHELIN Stars for its painstakingly produced tasting menu.
The next morning, cap off your rural retreat with brunch in a barn! Honsberger Estate Winery serves a delicious farm-to-table brunch in its warm, inviting Small Barn Restaurant.
An Urban Getaway in St. Catharines
With a buzzed-about dining scene, engaging arts activities, and a diverse array of things to see and do, St. Catharines is a bit of a best-kept secret when it comes to romantic escapes.
Make Port Dalhousie your first stop and take a stroll on the pier out into Lake Ontario with a hot drink from one of the great local coffee stops, like Thistle Bookshop and Café, 416 Coffee, or Balzac’s. Those who prefer a sail to a stroll can book a romantic Lake Ontario experience aboard Niagara Nautico’s beautiful boat, the Black Diamond.
After your walk, stop for a delicious St. Catharines brunch at Pique-Nique, Mirepoix, The Diner House 29, the MICHELIN GUIDE-recommended Fat Rabbit or The District.
Depending on your interests, Downtown St. Catharines offers plenty of intriguing options for spending an afternoon together. Art lovers will enjoy browsing the collections in the various galleries at Niagara Artists Centre and at White Galleon. Making the short drive out to 13th Street Winery to walk the massive outdoor sculpture garden is also highly recommended. Henry of Pelham Estate Winery also has an interesting collection of original paintings on display from a range of Canadian artists. Those who enjoy the thrill of thrifting will have a blast exploring the vintage stores and vinyl shops located in Downtown St. Catharines. Film enthusiasts can sneak in a matinee screening of the latest documentaries, new features and classic films at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre’s The Film House.
Following your afternoon’s explorations, settle yourselves in at Holiday Inn & Suites St. Catharines. The city’s largest hotel offers rooms and suites designed for comfort that include a work desk, mini-fridge, microwave, Keurig coffee maker, flat-screen HDTV, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary parking. The hotel is pet-friendly and offers a full-service restaurant, a to-go cafe, an indoor pool, and a fitness centre, Parkway Social, which is a huge bowling alley and entertainment centre and the rooftop patio, Lounge Six Sky Bar.
Enjoy a romantic dinner for two at a St. Catharines favourite, such as the French bar-inspired Les Incompetents, the small but sensational OddBird, Wellington Court, Bolete, Mele Tratoria, or Ma Chinese Cuisine. Consider timing your trip to coincide with a concert that’s within walking distance of your dinner at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre or The Warehouse Concert Hall. Helliwell Hall also regularly showcases amazing live bands.
The next morning, grab some of Niagara’s doughnuts for the road. Beechwood Doughnuts’ fresh, handmade, vegan doughnuts will convince even the most skeptical foodie that plant-based foods can be every bit as delicious. Humble Doughnuts sources all-natural ingredients and uses a signature slow-fermentation process to achieve a deeper, more sophisticated flavour in their light, airy brioche-style doughnuts.
Find even more fun diversions for your next Niagara couples’ getaway around the Niagara Benchlands and St. Catharines in our Flip Side Files and by browsing our Culinary, Wine and Craft Beverages, Farms and Markets, Arts and Action, Outdoor Adventure, and Stay pages.