Niagara Sunset Cruises Review: Fall Colors

Now that the rich colors of fall can be seen adorning almost every street in Toronto and the humidity of summer has dissipated into a warm memory I am ready to make the most of my favorite season of the year! As many of you know, despite my world travels Niagara Falls is still one of my favorite places to visit and autumn is a great time to explore this region as it is brimming with fall beauty and the summer crowds have thinned.

Over the weekend my husband and I enjoyed a lovely cruise aboard the charming Niagara Belle which reminded me of the Southern vessels that sail along the Mississippi River from New Orleans. In the fall there are fabulous lunch and dinner cruises with a delectable harvest menu and stunning views. The cruises leave from the base of the Niagara River in Queenston, Niagara on the Lake and Lewiston NY if you are in the States.

Unlike the large cruise ships we usually take from the Port of Miami that are brimming with thousands of guests this mini getaway was quiet and relaxing with an intimate dining experience. After exploring the boat and snapping some photos we were seated at a private table and served steaming hot chocolate or apple cider (just what I needed on a crisp fall day), followed by delicious apple pecan salad. The second course was comfort food at its finest, a hot bowl of sweet potato and veggie strew which was nutritious, gluten-free and hearty. For dessert we enjoyed spiced pumpkin pie with cream and fresh coffee, there was also a bar onboard for those who prefer wine or beer.

Aside from the peaceful atmosphere and the serene views of the colorful river I enjoyed the historical commentary on the significant points of interest along the shore and how important the area is to Canada and the U.S.

Although the weather was a bit cool I made sure to dress appropriately so I could enjoy the deck which has a 360˚ panoramic view giving everyone onboard a spectacular vantage point. Whether you prefer to walk around, sit inside and enjoy the warmth or kick back on a lounge chair to feel the wind in your face the tour is calm and picturesque with pretty little towns dotting the banks, yacht clubs, sail boats, interesting architecture, forts and lush forest.

The lunch cruise is a fabulous way to de-stress and escape the hustle and bustle of city life and it is a unique idea for anniversaries, birthdays and other special events. We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon aboard the Belle and the fantastic crew makes the experience fun for the whole family!

The company also has a Captain’s cruise which is a seafood lover’s dream since fresh lobster is served and there are wine tasting tours available for those who want to sample some of Niagara’s finest! For more information you can visit the website by clicking HERE.

Photo from niagarasunsetcruises.com

Hornblower Cruises, The Best Way To See Niagara Falls!

Summer may be over but since the weather is still beautiful I’ve decided to make the most of it. Although I’ve vacationed around the world and have had many wonderful adventures one of my favorite places to visit is Niagara Falls. Living in Toronto means that one of the most beautiful natural wonders on the planet is just a drive away and this magnificent attraction is one that millions of people around the globe travel from far and wide to marvel at.

There is a lot to see and do when you visit the Niagara region, you can munch on sweet treats at the Fudge Factory, dine at one of the many fabulous restaurants, golf, picnic, tour the wine vineyards, shop and much more but the main reason people visit is to stand at the top of the falls, feel the cool mist on their faces and make lasting memories. If you want an even closer view the best and most popular way to experience this powerful force of nature is by boarding a Hornblower Cruise and sailing head first into the excitement! The boats float so close it makes you feel like you can reach out and touch the cascading water and the view is breathtaking!

To celebrate our 6 year anniversary my husband and I decided to do something exhilarating, and a bit unconventional. After a delicious lunch we decided to take a Hornblower Cruise and enjoy a romantic moment under the thundering falls! The experience sums up our relationship perfectly- thrilling, exciting and fun!

It is no surprise that this tour is rated the number one attraction and it is a fabulous adventure for families, couples and people of all ages! The large viewing decks can accommodate the entire crowd to ensure that everyone has a great vantage point and whether you want to get soaked and feel the wind on your face or remain dry behind the viewing glass there is a perfect spot to see the action! You also receive a pink poncho to protect your clothes from getting wet and after the cruise you can stop by the snack bar or gift shop for souvenirs!

The day cruises leave every 15-20 minutes with the option of a guided historical tour so you can always fit it into your schedule. The evening cruises are longer so you have time to enjoy the falls illumination and fireworks display.

If you plan to visit Niagara Falls a Hornblower Cruise is definitely a once in a lifetime experience you will never forget! For more information you can visit the website by clicking HERE.