Romantic date ideas this winter

Greater Toronto Area (GTA)

The Chef Upstairs cooking classes

Spice things up in the kitchen! Interactive chef-instructed cooking classes are a classic winter date idea that’s fun for new cooks and experienced chefs.

Sharpen your skills and learn savvy new ways to whip up mouth-watering dishes from scratch. Then enjoy your delicious meal together with a glass of wine, beer or a soft drink.

Location: 516 Mt. Pleasant Road, Toronto and 555 N Rivermede Road B5, Concord

The Devil’s Workshop Silversmithing Studio

Make your memories last forever with the ultimate romantic souvenir. The Devil’s Workshop on Queen Street West shows you how to make your wedding bands in silver, white gold, rose gold or yellow gold.

Complete your date night with homemade pasta for two at Levetto, then stay at The Drake Hotel. Choose between classic or modern guest rooms or book the rooftop terrace suite for an extra luxurious night.

Location: 1106 Queen Street West, Toronto

Niagara Region

Fly high with Niagara Helicopters Limited

Experience unforgettable views from high above the famous Niagara Falls. This once-in-a-lifetime, 12-minute helicopter ride takes you to new heights along the Niagara River, over the Rainbow Bridge and around the Skylon Tower. It also passes by both the American Falls and Canadian Horseshoe Falls, so bring your camera and take some amazing photos.

Stay at nearby River Rapids Inn, which overlooks the picturesque Niagara River or at Sterling Inn and Spa, Niagara’s top boutique hotel. Another great option is one of the suites at the recently renovated Sheraton Fallsview Hotel with an amazing view of Niagara Falls.

Location: 3731 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls

Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington

Follow the Chocolate Trail

Discover pure chocolate bliss in one of Ontario’s prettiest towns on a self-guided tour of Stratford’s Chocolate Trail. Sample an assortment of delicious cacao-based treats and chat with local creators about their craft.

There are several great places to stay in Stratford, including The Parlour Inn in the heart of the city’s downtown area or The Bruce Hotel, close to the Stratford Theatre.

Location: Stratford

Elora Mill Hotel & Spa getaway

Rural chic meets luxurious sophistication at this country inn situated in the historic town of Elora, overlooking the picturesque Grand River. A top spot for couples’ spa vacations, Elora’s famous spa retreat offers a full body detox for the ultimate rejuvenation experience or a customized beauty treatment that caters to you and your significant other’s needs.

After you’re both feeling refreshed, head out for a romantic date at the Wild Tart for classic afternoon tea and delicious European pastries. If wedding bells are in your future, get a head start on scouting for your big day because this hotel and spa is the definitive destination for “I Dos.”

Location: 77 Mill Street West, Elora

Hamilton, Halton and Brant

Witness Winter Wonders at Royal Botanical Gardens

The Royal Botanical Gardens are known as an iconic place to visit with your romantic partner during the summer, but did you know that it’s equally beautiful during the winter? Known as Winter Wonders, this event transforms the gardens into a festive wonderland every year.

Take a romantic stroll with your partner along the gardens’ pathways, decorated with colourful lights and jolly sound installations. You’ll feel the holiday magic in the air as you explore the wide variety of flowers and plants inside the brightly lit greenhouse. Timed-tickets are required for entry and can be booked online.

Buy your date a souvenir from the gift shop, then make your way to The Pearle Hotel & Spa just a short drive away overlooking Burlington’s waterfront.

Winter Wonders runs every year from the end of November to early January.

Location: 680 Plains Road West, Burlington

Southwestern Ontario

Get the royal treatment at Clonmel Castle

Book one of the elegant suites at this Georgian revival-style heritage mansion in the village of Port Dover near Lake Erie. Make reservations for dinner at David’s Restaurant overlooking the lake or Schofields Bistro in town.

Location: 150 Prospect Street, Port Dover

Ottawa

Make a great escape in Ottawa

Join Escape Manor to experience one of Ottawa’s top-rated escape rooms in Hintonburg, ByWard Market, Nepean and downtown neighbourhoods. Put your heads together to solve puzzles, clues and riddles as you race against the clock on a themed adventure. Relationship building has never been so fun.

Once you’ve finished cracking all the codes, head to Beckta Dining & Wine for fine dining in a romantic, candlelit setting.

Location: Multiple locations across Ottawa

Southeastern Ontario

Rejuvenate at Black River Retreat

Experience an ultra-private couples’ retreat at this cozy cabin sanctuary in the secluded woodlands of Tweed. Stroll along forest trails surrounded by a tranquil winter landscape. Dip into the cedar hot tub only steps from your cabin, cuddle by the rustic fireplace or roast s’mores under a canopy of stars.

In this elegant, intimate setting, you’ll feel like royalty when sharing a romantic, mouth-watering meal for two.

Location: 107939a Hwy #7, Tweed

Ice skate in Springer Market Square

Glide hand-in-hand with your partner on the ice rink at Springer Market Square, in the heart of Kingston. The square is open all winter long with free public access, so you can stop by and enjoy a skate anytime.

After you’re done skating, warm up with two cups of hot chocolate from the vendors near the rink or walk over to Atomica Kitchen & Cocktails and enjoy a date with delicious pasta or pizza on their heated sidewalk patio.

Location: Springer Market Square, Kingston

Kawarthas and Northumberland

Millbrook Valley Chocolates workshops

Chocolate lovers are invited to the charming town of Millbrook to experience an impressive variety of chocolate gourmet delights. You’ll even find vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and socially conscious chocolate selections.

Be sure to make a reservation for classic fondues and look out for special couples-only chocolate workshops during the week of Valentine’s Day.

Stay the night at Field Day Art and B&B, located in the Robert Armstrong heritage home in Millbrook that doubles as an artist’s retreat and a cozy overnight lodge. The Millbrook Trail System is accessible from the rear of the B&B, making it the perfect place for a late-night stroll under the stars.

Location: 32 King Street East, Millbrook

Retreat at Northumberland Heights

Book a couples’ retreat at Northumberland Heights, just an hour east of Toronto, and experience service on your own terms. Choose from various luxurious deals, including a personal jacuzzi, a steam shower and a private in-room massage.

Watch for their special couples’ vacation packages offered throughout the winter season, which come with credit for their spa and massage facilities, a three-course dinner and yoga classes.

Location: 795 Northumberland Heights Road, Cobourg

Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley

Go off-grid with Cabinscape

Embrace the essence of a quiet wilderness getaway with Cabinscape. They offer custom-designed, ecologically sound, off-grid tiny houses in remote forest locations.

Hike the trails and pause for stunning views and vistas, then cozy up by a fire and watch the stars.

Locations: Muskoka, Haliburton, Kawarthas, Calabogie and Lanark County

Snowga at Abbey Gardens

Among unique Ontario getaways, this one is particularly special. Combine snowshoeing and yoga in the Haliburton Highlands. Explore beautiful nature trails, join a gentle yoga session offered by Yours Outdoors at the Abbey Retreat Centre and complete the morning with a delicious lunch.

Treat yourselves to a brewery tour and tasting at Haliburton Highlands Brewing, followed by dinner and an overnight stay at Sir Sam’s Inn and Spa, a luxury, kid-free resort at the edge of Eagle Lake.

Location: 1012 Garden Gate Drive, Haliburton

Cozy up at Somewhere Inn Calabogie

Make this four-season, redesigned roadside motel—nestled among the stunning forests, mountains and lakes of the Ottawa Valley—your basecamp for adventures like fat biking, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing.

Try local cuisine, discover neighbourhood breweries and snap a selfie at the seasonal Polar Lounge (named after the large stuffed polar bear at the entrance) at the On The Rocks Restaurant.

If you prefer to stay inside, visit Somewhere Inn’s bottle shop to sample local Ontario craft beer and organic wine. Don’t miss the daily bonfires and s’mores at sunset.

Location: 5254 Calabogie Road, Calabogie

Grey, Bruce and Simcoe

Baking workshop with Red Hen Artisanale

Is there anything more inviting than the aroma of freshly baked bread? Hone your baking skills together during an engaging baking workshop in a cozy country setting.

Craft the perfect sourdough or buttery croissants. If you’re a sweet tooth, learn the art of puff pastry or wow your significant other with a decorative pie. Virtual and in-person sessions are available, as well as group or private classes.

Check out what’s on the menu at the Flying Chestnut Kitchen in Eugenia and book a night at a local accommodation such as Danby House in Markdale, Pretty River Valley Country Inn in Nottawa or the newly opened Dorchester Hotel in Collingwood.

Location: 384265 Concession Road 4, Priceville

Snowshoe with Free Spirit Tours

Embrace the glorious outdoors together. Take a guided snowshoe hike in the Kolapore Uplands Wilderness Area, part of the Bruce Trail, and marvel at the stunning snow-capped pine trees.

Once you’re ready to relax, make your way to Georgian Hills Vineyards for wine and cider tasting paired with local cheese.

Stay the night at Living Water Resorts & Spa and admire the beautiful view together of Georgian Bay from your charming hotel suite—it’s perfect for ordering room service and spending a romantic evening indoors.

Location: Collingwood

Muskoka, Parry Sound and Algonquin Park

Celebrate romance at Couples Resort

Perfect for rekindling the romance in your relationship, appropriately named Couples Resort is located on the edge of Algonquin Park, on the shores of the glittering Galeairy Lake.

Enjoy a luxurious spa day with champagne, private hot tubs, a wood-burning fireplace, room service and first-class gourmet dining in the heart of nature at this five-star boutique resort.

Take a scenic walk through the forest with the stars shining above you—if you’re lucky, you may even spot a shooting star. You and your partner can also participate in the resort’s more athletic activities like ice skating, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Location: 139 Galeairy Lake Road, Whitney

Northern Ontario

Enjoy the Nordic spa at Cedar Meadows Resort

Just ten minutes from the Timmins airport in Northeastern Ontario, Cedar Meadows Resort is an upscale resort and spa on 70 hectares of forest. Choose from a wide variety of offerings, including the Love and Romance packages designed for couples.

Experience the health benefits of a Nordic Spa, and don’t miss the Wilderness Tour through the wildlife park to see some of the furry residents. For a fun night out, head to Full Beard Brewery Co. for their themed pop culture trivia night.

Location: 1000 Norman Street, Timmins

Revitalize at The Greenhouse Spa

Escape together with an uber-relaxing appointment at The Greenhouse Spa, located within the Quattro Hotel and Conference Centre. Choose from a wide range of wellness services, including facial treatments, massage therapy and much more. Book their Couple’s Spa Escape for you and your partner to enjoy a 60-minute massage therapy treatment, plus a Greenhouse and Sports pedicure.

Make it an overnight romantic getaway with the Champagne Getaway package that includes massage and pedicure treatments, a stay in a premium suite, champagne and a breakfast buffet. And reserve a dinner table at Quattro Vinotecca, located inside the spa’s attached hotel.

Location: 229 Great Northern Road, Sault Ste. Marie

Rent a sauna from Cedar Sauna & Rentals

Ward off the chills this winter by renting a sauna for you and your partner to share. Cedar Sauna & Rentals offers various sizes of mobile birdhouse and barrel saunas, made with high quality insulated cedar that can be delivered to your home.

Each sauna includes a stove, heat shield, chimney and sauna rocks. The largest birdhouse available for rent even comes with a changing room. Rent a sauna for the weekend, a full week or a whole month and create your own home winter retreat during the winter holidays, for Valentine’s Day weekend or for another special occasion.

Order in delicious dishes from Lot 66 Restaurant + Wine Bar and your partner’s favourite flowers to set the mood for your romantic date.

Location: Thunder Bay

A sleigh ride for two at Gammondale Farm

This just might be the sweetest way to spend a winter afternoon. On Sue and Gerry Gammond’s farm just south of Thunder Bay, you can take a romantic, old-fashioned cutter Christmas sleigh ride for two around the foot of Candy Mountain with a cup of hot chocolate in hand. After your ride, pay a visit to the farm’s goats, sheep, rabbits and hens.

Enjoy a romantic dinner for two at Neebing Roadhouse and wrap up your picture-perfect holiday getaway by booking a stay at the Best Western Plus NorWester Hotel.

Location: 426 McCluskey Drive, Slate River Valley