The sun is shining and love is in the air! As summer sets in, we’re rounding up all the best romantic date ideas in and around Toronto. Perhaps you’re looking for love after a long and lonely quarantine. Or perhaps you already have a special someone and are looking to mix things up. Whatever the case may be, these summer activities are the perfect addition to your romantic life.
So without further adieu… Here are 15 romantic summer date ideas in Toronto.
WATCH THE SUNSET AT RIVERDALE PARK
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Everyone knows Riverdale Park is one of the best spots in the city to catch a sunset. The massive hill overlooking the skyline provides some of the best views in town. Sunsets = romantic, right? You can even ramp up the already magical idea with a little takeout from a local joint. Il Fornello on the Danforth is offering delivery to the park right now! Sunset views and a picnic? Sounds pretty darn great to us.
Where: Riverdale Park East, 550 Broadview Ave
BOOZY MINI GOLF
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Mini golf and boozing. Two fabulous ways to have fun. You can enjoy both this summer at The Smooth Putt pop-up presented by GREY GOOSE® VODKA. Grab your significant other and head to the Harbourfront this July to take part in a 9-hole game plus a delicious GREY GOOSE® VODKA cocktail. What more could ya ask for?
Where: Toronto Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W
When: Friday, July 9th – Sunday, July 18th
VISIT THE TORONTO ISLANDS
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The Toronto Islands make for an awesome summer day trip no matter who you’re with. But if you’re looking for romance this spot is a perfect fit. There’s tons of stuff to do while you’re there, like lounging on one of the beaches, walk the boardwalk, or have a picnic. Plus, you can celebrate Pride Month on your way over this summer with a trip on the Bud Light Pride Water Taxi. The vehicles are decked out with colourful rainbow decor, plus they’ve got a DJ on board and tons of great prizes.
Where: Toronto Harbour, 145 Queens Quay
PADDLEBOARD ON LAKE ONTARIO
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Once you arrive at the islands, be sure to book a spot for a couple of paddle boarding lessons. You can explore the waters of Lake Ontario with this outdoor and active date idea. Paddleboarding not your vibe? They’ve also got yoga and kayaks available for rent.
Where: Algonquin Bridge, Ward’s Island
GO ROLLER SKATING
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The next date idea is another active one, only this time we’re channeling throwback vibes. Live life 70s-style with this vintage-inspired pop-up happening at The Bentway this summer. There are more cutesy romantic movies featuring ice skating dates than we can count. So, mix things up and go for the warm weather version of the idea this summer!
Where: The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd
When: Kicking off Saturday, June 19th
CATCH A FLICK AT THE DRIVE-IN
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Speaking of vintage vibes, you can also bring the nostalgia factor into your summer fling with a night at the drive-in. Did we just enter a throwback rom-com, y’all? Ontario Place is screening all kinds of great movies this season. So, pack up some snacks and head on over!
Where: Ontario Place Drive-In, 955 Lakeshore Blvd
TRY ALL THE CRAZIEST ICE CREAM PLACES
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Since the weather is warm, you and your date may want to cool off with one of the city’s many frozen treat offerings. But don’t go for just any old boring ice cream spot, go for a crazy one! Toronto has got a ton of wild, out-of-the-box options that you and your person will love. Make it a summer-long mission and try them all!
Where: Check out our favourites here
OR ALL THE NEW AND EXCITING FOOD SPOTS
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While we’re on the subject of taste testing, you and your date may want to sample all the delicious eats and the new and exciting food concepts hitting the city this summer. There are tons on their way, that are sure to make for a perfect evening outing. Take the Street Eats Night Market for example. The spot is already becoming a popular post-wedding destination. Which is technically a date in a way…
Where: Check out our favourites here
PATIO HAPPY HOUR
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Say cheers! We’re sure you and your S.O. are already jazzed about the recent patio openings in the city. If you haven’t stopped by one yet, we don’t know what you’re waiting for. Whether you’re in a long term relationship or meeting someone for the first time, drinks are a staple date idea. These awesome patios will provide just the right ambience to make your happy hour meet up special.
Where: Check out our favourites here
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BEYOND MONET
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An exciting new art exhibit is on its way to the city and we think it’ll make for a great date spot. You and your special someone will be immersed in over 50,000 square feet of Monet’s best works brought to life. The exhibit will be the largest immersive experience in the country, created with a whopping 100 million pixels, surrounding guests in an unprecedented 360-degree cinematic experience.
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St W
When: Opening Thursday, August 12th
Tickets: Get yours here
HAVE A CHARCUTERIE PICNIC
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Keep things classic with a picnic date in the park. One local, family-owned Toronto spot is offering adorable charcuterie takeout boxes that’ll take that outdoor date to the next level. The joint is called Butcher by Nature and they’re located just moments from the popular High Park. Grab your box, sit in the grass, and let the romance commence.
Where: Butcher by Nature, 515 Annette St
CHECK OUT TORONTO’S BEST STREET ART
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Feeling a little more adventurous? Plan your own walking tour of the city’s best street art. There are tons of murals and insane works all over Toronto – you’ve just got to know where to look. We recommend mapping out a few of your favourites and hitting up them all in an afternoon.
Where: Find our favourite spots here
GO ON AN OUTDOOR HIKE
Or get out in nature with one of the many hiking routes in the city. From urban trails to parks and pathways, there are tons of opportunities for an outdoor jaunt. Some spots even have parks attached or nearby so you can pack a picnic for a mid-hike break.
Where: Check out our favourite routes here
EXPLORE AN ABANDONED AMUSEMENT PARK
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If you’re feeling really adventurous, you and your date can go exploring in one of Toronto’s abandoned locations. The old Ontario Place Theme Park still has remnants of crumbling roller coasters and rides on the now-abandoned site. It’s definitely an out-of-the-box date, but it does make for a fun afternoon.
Where: Ontario Place, 955 Lakeshore Blvd
OR SOME TORONTO RUINS
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If you’re out in Scarborough, you can also go exploring on the site of different Toronto Ruins. Check out the many sculptures on-site at the Guild Park and Gardens. This time of year, the place should be full of blooming flowers, providing the perfect mix of adventure and romance.
Where: Guild Park and Gardens, 201 Guildwood Pkwy, Scarborough
So, grab your significant other and get out there to hit up all the best summer date ideas in Toronto. Let us know which of these spots you check out first.
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