Break out of movie-and-dinner mode and try something new in Toronto.
Treat your date to a unique date in the city or unforgettable night on the town. Here are 12 ideas to surprise and delight.
1. See the city from new heights
For an adventure you and your date won’t soon forget, book a sky-high tour of the city with Toronto Heli Tours. You’ll experience the city's twinkling lights like never before and will feel like you are on cloud nine. Or, book another bucket-list Toronto experience.
2. Treat your date to a MICHELIN Star experience
Did you know that Toronto is the first and only Canadian city to have the MICHELIN Guide? Treat your date to a taste of one of Toronto's 13 MICHELIN-starred restaurants (or one of the 74 restaurants included in the prestigious guide. Whether it's for a special occasion or just because, book a reservation in advance and treat your partner to a meal they won't soon forget.
Can't get a reso? Try one of these alternatives to MICHELIN Guide restaurants.
3. Pamper yourselves with a day at the spa
Show your sweetheart just how much you appreciate them with a relaxing spa day. Kick back at the Hamman Spa, treat yourselves to a massage at a hotel spa or spend the day lounging at the 24-hour GoSpa. After all, doesn’t laying in the lap of luxury sound like the perfect bonding experience?
4. Taste-test something new
Shared experience is what bonds people the most, and there is nothing more fun (and delicious) than trying something new together! Make a list of dishes that either you or your partner have never tried and work your way through it. To get you started, you could try Jamaican patties, Indigenous food, Eastern European delicacies or go on a momo crawl in Little Tibet.
5. Go hotel lobby bar-hopping
There's something that's just oh-so-romantic about meeting up with your date in a swanky hotel bar. Dress to impress and spend the evening moving from lobby lounge to lobby lounge. We've rounded up a few of our faves (plus cocktail recommendations that are sure to impress).
If non-alcoholic drinks are more your thing, Toronto's best zero-proof cocktails are sure to impress.
6. Get out on the water
There's no better way to experience Toronto's skyline than from the middle of Lake Ontario. Whether on a sunset stand-up paddleboarding tour, or another way to make a splash, you and your date will never forget the magical experience of getting away from the city and seeing it from a new perspective.
7. Cheer on your favourite sports team
Get your adrenaline pumping! Whether you're cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs or supporting the Toronto Blue Jays (and checking out the new Rogers Centre fan experience), Toronto's epic sports scene makes it easy to plan a date night this season. If you can’t make it to a game in person, catch up on the highlights at one of Toronto’s top sports bars.
8. Save on a fun (and free) summer date
There are endless ways to have a fun summer date without breaking the bank. From art galleries to beaches, you and your date will be hard-pressed to run out of free summer activities. But if you are willing to splurge a little, Toronto's summer festival scene is the perfect epic weekend blowout.
9. Explore a new neighbourhood
With over 140+ diverse neighbourhoods, locals and visitors alike can find something new to discover in Toronto. Might we suggest embarking on a waffle tour in Koreatown, a romantic date night in Chinatown, or an adventure-filled streetcar tour of Gerrard East?
10. Go back in time at the Distillery Historic District
For the perfect walking date, take a stroll through The Distillery Historic District. Wind your way together along cobblestone laneways lined with chic design shops, art galleries and designer boutiques. Then soak up the spirit of times gone by at one of the many cafés and restaurant patios that occupy the charming Victorian-era distillery buildings.
11. Feed your love at St. Lawrence Market
For the ultimate foodie date, browse the charming bakeries, cheese shops, seafood boutiques and restaurants of iconic St. Lawrence Market. Snack on made-to-order sandwiches, then pick up caviar, oysters, chocolate and other indulgent treats for later. Make sure to stop at least a few of the iconic food stalls while you are there.
12. Spend the night together
Even if you live in the city, there’s nothing like getting away from it all à deux. Indulge in a staycation package at one of Toronto’s luxury hotels. Need inspo? Check out our guide to planning the perfect Toronto staycation.
