Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and if you’re hoping go on a romantic date that won’t drain your wallet, you have clicked on the right article! We know that champagne dinners and dozens of roses aren’t always in the cards, and sometimes you just need a free or cheap date in Toronto. No worries, pal. We’ll show you how to make that special day special while staying within budget!
Here are 7 adorable free or cheap Toronto date ideas that don’t break the bank.
TRY NOT TO BLUSH AT SCARBOROUGH BLUFFS
Feeling like going on a real adventure? Take advantage of the alarmingly mild weather winter has given us and go on a hike at the Scarborough Bluffs. Check out the beautiful view of Lake Ontario and stroll along the water at Bluffer’s Park! This is perfect for an outdoorsy duo.
Where: 1 Brimley Rd S, Scarborough
Cost: Free
HANG OUT AT A BOARD GAME CAFE
Got some change for drinks? Some of the board game cafes in the city offer unlimited playing for cheap. So, who’s crushing who at Connect 4? Hope you two aren’t too competitive.
Where: Try Snakes and Lattes, multiple locations
VISIT THE GALLERIES AT 401 RICHMOND
If you’re into local artists and a free gallery experience that is a touch less basic than a date at the AGO, look no further. Grab your honey and roam around this historic warehouse turned arts and cultural hub that’s a goldmine for Toronto-produced work. Complete with multiple coffee and gift shops, you’re welcome to pick up a bit to eat and a souvenir while you’re there!
Where: 401 Richmond St W
Cost: Free
PERUSE THROUGH THE PLANTS AT ALLAN GARDENS
Escape the winter cold in this lush indoor conservatory. It’s like stepping right into summertime! You’ll be so immersed in the beautiful surroundings that you and your date will forget that there ever was snow on the ground three feet outside of the door you just walked through.
Where: 160 Gerrard St E
Cost: Free
GRAB A CHEAP DINNER AT QUEEN ST WAREHOUSE
If you and your significant other have been living under a rock and *don’t* know about this place, we’re about to blow your mind. This trendy dinner spot offers every single item on their menu for only $5.95. No, that’s not a typo. Everything (except drinks). Want a burger? $5.95. Want some pasta? $5.95. Feeling like tacos? $5.95! There really is no beating prices like these. Bonus points for a Lady and the Tramp-style noodle moment.
Where: 232 Queen St W
Cost: $5.95!!
GLIDE ON THE SKATE TRAIL UNDER THE GARDINER EXPRESSWAY
Dreaming of playing out a scene from your favourite Hallmark Christmas movie? Head over to this skate trail hidden away under the Gardiner. You guys can hold each other for “stability” and “accidentally” fall into eachother’s arms. But hurry, public skating is only open until February 17th!
Where: 250 Fort York Blvd
Cost: Free
CHECK OUT A FREE INSTALLATION
Toronto is lucky when it comes to free installations. Pop by Winter Stations’ exhibit at the waterfront with light up loops that you and your date can explore. Or, stroll through the Distillery District during Toronto Light Fest for a goldmine of cute couple photos ops.
Where: York Street Park, York St and Queens Quay W & The Distillery District, 55 Mill St
Cost: Free
So, what’s stopping you? Is it that you’re actually single and read through this whole thing silently wishing that someone would just sweep you off your feet already? Nope, just us? Alright. Well, we hope you and your sweetie have a lovely time with these free or cheap date ideas in Toronto.
