Cold weather is upon us, which means you’ll need a few extra layers before you head out the door. If you’re hoping to make the most of this snowy season with your special someone, these winter date ideas in Toronto are totally worth trying.
From skating trails to moonlight trips to the art gallery, you’re sure to impress your date with these creative and romantic things to do.
Here are 12 of the very best winter date ideas in Toronto to heat up your love life during the coldest months of the year.
Check out a hidden speakeasy
Don’t have any ideas for your next date night? Why not sneak around a bit?
If you’re in the mood for cocktails but would rather avoid the crowds of King West, you can introduce your date to the city’s best-kept secrets.
Explore bars concealed behind storefronts and art galleries, and pair your bevvies with tasty international bites.
Where: See Toronto’s best hidden bars and speakeasies
Skate at Toronto’s outdoor rinks
There’s something so romantic about gliding on the ice hand in hand. When it comes to outdoor skating rinks, Toronto has no shortage of fantastic options.
From ice trails through the city to DJ skate nights in the heart of downtown, these rinks will make you want to lace up your skates all season long.
Where: See Toronto’s best outdoor rinks here
When: Until March 2023
Sip hot chocolate
What better way to warm up with your favourite person than with a cup of hot chocolate?
Load it up with mini marshmallows, some extra flavouring, or even a little booze to make it a lil’ spicy. Whatever you’re craving, Toronto has exactly what you’re looking for.
Where: See Toronto’s best hot chocolate spots
Go on a tabogganing adventure
We’ve got many days of snow to look forward to this winter and there’s no better way to take advantage than with an afternoon outdoors.
You and your loved one will feel like little kids again while you’re zooming down the hills at top speeds.
Get active and enjoy the winter fun at tobogganing hills around the city. There’s even a brand new one to check out this year!
Where: See Toronto’s best tabogganing hills
Enjoy a gorgeous winter walk
This city is full of peaceful nature trails that are maintained throughout the season for locals to enjoy all year round, even in the colder months.
We Ontarians aren’t deterred by a little wind chill — just throw on a few extra layers and you’re good to go.
Where: See the best winter trails in Toronto
Date night at the museum
Get ready for a fun night out at the museum! ROM After Dark is a monthly event that takes place after sunset and comes with access to all of the museum’s exhibitions.
According to The ROM, this monthly 19+ event features a range of “experiential activities, curated music, visual arts, pop-up performances, and distinctive food and drink, designed for adults looking for a fun, art-driven night out.”
When: See event schedule
Where: The Royal Ontario Museum
Wander in an Asian night market
Superfresh is a unique night market experience with whimsical details and neon lights that resemble the bustling night markets of Asia.
Wander your way hand-in-hand through this unique space, sample delicious food, and sip soju at the colourful bar.
The market’s vendors showcase many different regions through their menu offerings, from Northern China and Nepal to Taiwan and Korea, as well as arts and community programming.
Where: 384 Bloor Street West
When: Monday, Wednesday from 4 pm to midnight; Thursday to Saturday from noon to 2 am; closed on Tuesdays
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Everyone has been to the AGO at least once, but before you roll your eyes, hear us out. The AGO is open until 9 PM on Wednesdays and Fridays, and trust us when we say that an evening at the gallery is more romantic than it sounds.
Smaller crowds and the glow of city lights as you make your way down the AGO’s iconic staircase only add to the special atmosphere. What better way to get to know someone than through their opinions on art?
Where: 317 Dundas Street West
Par-Tee the night away
Challenge your S/O to a round of nostalgic fun. This mini-golf course has 27 themed holes and you can take your beer or cocktail with you while you putt.
You and your date will feel like kids again and you can even make it a pizza party with the Detroit-style pies served up at the Par-Tee Putt kitchen. You’ll get 90 minutes of unlimited play with your reservation.
Where: 26 Duncan St, Toronto
Cost: $25 per person
Pamper yourselves at a spa
We could all use a little extra R&R these days, and there’s no better way to treat yourself and your better half than with a day at the spa.
Enjoy all of the luxuries that Toronto’s best spas have to offer, including saltwater pools, steam rooms, saunas, massages, facial treatments, manicures, and more. Lucky for us, this city’s got a ton of gorgeous spots to choose from.
Where: See Toronto’s most relaxing spas
Sip cocktails with sky-high views
There’s something so romantic about sharing a drink on a rooftop bar with your S/O surrounded by the glow of twinkling city lights.
Whether you’re in the mood for a lively vibe, a casual pub, or a sophisticated night on the town, you’re bound to find exactly what you’re looking for, and with stunning views to boot.
You can also head over to Toronto’s newest rooftop bar Evangeline at Ace Hotel, with panoramic golden-hour views, roaring fireplaces, and greenery.
Where: See Toronto’s best rooftop bars
See an old-timey movie
Take your lover back to simpler times with a trip to the cinema to see a classic or black-and-white movie. Toronto’s Fox Theatre almost always has classic films on its program schedule.
Where: 2236 Queen Street East
