Outdoor excursions, public art, indoor activities and fantastic restaurants – the only challenge on a couple's weekend visit to Toronto is narrowing down your to-do list.
When you’re planning a trip with your S.O., it’s about more than just seeing the sights – you want to make memories together. And whether you’re sampling new foods, exploring new neighbourhoods or expanding your creative skill set, Toronto is just the place to do it. Here are some ideas for your next couple’s weekend getaway – romantic moments guaranteed.
LOOKING OUT AT THE CITY FROM THE CN TOWER
Have an incredible, memorable meal in a different neighbourhood. Every. Single. Night.
Toronto is renowned for its food. Delve into the city’s vegan scene at places like Planta in Yorkville, or take a trip around the world at globally inspired spots like Parallel (Israeli), Ascari Enoteca (Italian), Soso Food Club (Chinese) or King Solomon and Queen of Sheba (Ethiopian). For special occasions, splurge on the chef’s tasting menu at Canoe, one of Canada's top restaurants, or sharing plates at Lake Inez (which also has a wide selection of Ontario beer and cider on tap).
MUST EAT
Make a reservation at Piano Piano – it’s a locals’ favourite not just for its food and drink (though seriously, don’t skip dessert), but for its intimate vibe and live music nights.
Take in the view (and snap a cuddly selfie) at fun and scenic locales.
Okay, you know about the CN Tower. (Hot tip: the prix fixe lunch or dinner at 360 Restaurant includes both admission to the tower and a good excuse to linger.) But there are plenty of other places to take in the city skyline. Stop in at Casa Loma, whose steep staircase down to the road is popular with the city’s runners. Or pack a picnic and take a ferry ride to the Toronto Islands.
MUST VISIT
One of the city’s newer green spaces is Trillium Park, on the grounds of Ontario Place – and it has a fantastic view of downtown. Combine a visit with a movie date at the Cinesphere, which was built in 1971 as the world’s first permanent IMAX theatre.
Make something together (and go home with a DIY souvenir).
Toronto has a large and vibrant maker community, and classes to learn or update skills abound – with plenty of one-day options for visitors. Check out spots like The Workroom (sewing and textile arts), the Gardiner Museum (clay), and Playing With Fire (glass blowing).
MUST DO
Have a wedding on the horizon? The Devil’s Workshop offers a six-hour session where partners can make each other a custom ring, from start to finish.
Cheer on local teams – or get competitive yourselves.
Sports fans, the Raptors and Maple Leafs aren’t the only games in town (though they are pretty awesome). The city’s team-watching offerings also include the Toronto Wolfpack (rugby), the Toronto FC (soccer) and the Toronto Rock (Lacrosse). Runners can sign up for races like the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, which also offers half-marathon and 5K distances. (Aiming for a BQ? Note that this course is known for being fast.).
MUST TRY
You don’t need to be super-fit to visit Pursuit OCR, an indoor obstacle course for adults where you can let your inner American Ninja go wild.
See world-class art for free while exploring Toronto’s neighbourhoods
Nice days are perfect for strolls through the city to view public art. Downtown, hit up The Pasture, a set of seven life-size bronze cows by artist Joseph Fafard, nestled on the grass in-between the stark towers of TD Centre. (While you’re there, drop by the Inuit Art Gallery inside, which offers free admission.) You can even find Banksy piece Guard with Balloon Dog, salvaged from the side of a demolished building, inside office building One York. Also stop by some of the city’s well-known (and often massive) murals, like Equilibrium by Okuda San Miguel at Carlton and Jarvis, and a piece by artist Phlegm at Yonge and St. Clair Ave. W. (To find more public art, check out the StreetARToronto interactive map.)
MUST SEE
Street art and graffiti is a thing in Toronto, and while you’ll find examples all over the city, ground zero for the trend is Graffiti Alley, so well-known it has its own online reviews. Or, check out this guide to Toronto's most Instagramable street art.
