No matter what time of year, Toronto offers scenic backdrops and views for all romantic occasions.
Feel the love! Toronto’s neighbourhoods are filled with romance and scenic views for every season. Even in the colder months, go on romantic strolls — it’s a great way to warm up and a good excuse to stay close to each other! So bundle up in the winter, grab your partner and explore these 10 scenic spots with romantic views.
Love Locks at the Distillery District
Love locks around the world are spots for lovers to put a seal on their adoration for each other, and Toronto’s own Love Locks and Love sign couldn’t be in a more romantic spot — the Distillery District.
The Distillery District’s cobblestoned streets, quaint shops, restaurants tucked into nooks and cozy patios all year long make it the ultimate date night spot in the city and it just oozes intimacy. Grab dinner at Madrina Bar y Tapas, follow up with snuggly drinks at El Catrin (you can sit by the fire pit on their outdoor patio in the summer or winter), grab a hot chocolate from Balzac’s and then finish the night strolling the tiny streets and stopping at the Love Locks for a pic.
Allen Gardens Conservatory
This botanical garden right in the heart of downtown Toronto is one of the most romantic spots in the city. One of Toronto’s oldest parks, the Allen Gardens Conservatory originally opened in 1860 and quickly became a meeting spot for locals through the decades.
Today it has six greenhouses including its most picturesque Palm House, and no matter what the season is, a stroll through the tropical domed paradise will inspire love. With beautiful plants and flowers from around the world and a gorgeous scent, the chances of seeing a proposal happening here, or some wedding photos, are pretty much a given. A must at any time of year, it’s especially nice in the winter, as a warm and cozy reprieve from the cold.
The Toronto Islands
Some will say the best views of the iconic Toronto skyline are actually from the collection of islands just off the mainland in Lake Ontario. And it happens to be the perfect romantic backdrop all year long.
Grab one of the island ferries from downtown and get ready for a romantic adventure. Whether you pack a picnic for the summer months (or even the winter!), rent a bike, or rent kayaks and paddle the lake, there are so many ways to take in the view. And come winter, it may just be the coolest thing to see the skyline while skating on Lake Ontario — so lace up your skates on a frosty cold winter day. (Note: make sure to check if it’s safe enough to skate before you go.)
#ShowLoveTO
Dotted around the city are big red hearts, lit up, just waiting for the perfect kissing photo op with your significant other. Search for the hashtag #ShowLoveTO on Instagram and you might find locations from the westside to downtown and midtown. It’s a way to show love for someone special, but also the loved-up city of Toronto.
Skating The Bentway
Love knows no season! That means you can have romantic date nights all year long in the city — and one thing Toronto does really well is making the outside during the winter So. Much. Fun. There are loads of places to skate outside around the city, but one of my favourites is The Bentway for easy skating, a unique view of the city (under an overpass!) and a chance to make a winter date swoon-worthy.
Yorkville Ice Show
Every winter, the swanky neighbourhood of Yorkville has an incredible ice sculpture show. Showcasing some beautiful ice carvings by local artists, you can stroll around hand-in-hand, snuggle up at one of their outdoor tables, grab a hot drink from GoldStruck (opt for a vanilla latte with heart-shaped latte art) and see a free art show all at once.
The Humber Bridge
Another great outdoor spot that locals love and tourists should consider is the Humber Bridge in Humber Bay Shores. The romance here is all about walking along Lake Ontario, by the beach, along the boardwalk and then getting to the Humber Bay Bridge, for a great view. Don’t count this spot out during the winter — when the lake freezes it creates a magical, icy view that looks like it’s from a fairytale.
Casa Loma
All year long Casa Loma has to be one of the most charming destinations in Toronto. Who doesn’t love a good castle backdrop for that kissing photo? Aside from the obvious castle-in-the-background options, the grounds and gardens give a pretty view of Toronto’s neighbourhoods and skyline.
You can up the romance factor by booking a cozy morning latte and croissant at the Liberty Caffe, duck into the castle’s Don Alfonso 1890 restaurant under a stained-glass ceiling for a luxe cocktail and then book an intimate booth at Blueblood Steakhouse for dinner.
Sunnyside Pavilion
This westside gem comes with a rich history. Built in 1922 as the Sunnyside Bathing Pavilion, the Mediterranean-inspired plaza was originally meant to be the spot for sunbathing and swimming the lake. Today it has views of Lake Ontario, an amazing little beachside café, which is packed with locals watching beach volleyball in the summer months.
It’s also the perfect spot for that romantic photo op with its high arches, views and leafy-green courtyard. The actual pavilion is closed during the winter months but you can discover Sunnyside’s winter magic with a wintery walk along the boardwalk.
CN Tower
Take your love to new heights — with the best views, too! Just a trip to the top of the CN Tower alone can spark some l’amour as you look out over the city (it’s especially pretty at night when you can see all of Toronto’s twinkling lights). But there are many ways to increase the romance levels here.
You can book a table at the 360 Restaurant for those incomparable views, drinks and food (it’s also known as one of the city’s most popular date spots). Or for the adventurous couple — grab hands and hold on tight with the Edge Walk that takes you soaring above the skyline as you walk along the edge of the tower. Talk about getting your heart racing!
