Romantic downtown and out-of-town weekend getaway ideas

Toronto

Make memories with the one you love in Canada’s largest and most vibrant city. Here are ideas for activities, dining and accommodations.

Cheer at a Raptors game

Feel the high-octane and contagious energy of Canada’s only National Basketball Association (NBA) team in action. Throughout the regular season from October to April, Toronto Raptors home games are held at Scotiabank Arena. 

Location: 40 Bay Street, Toronto

Royal Ontario Museum, after dark 

Experience Canada’s premier art, culture and nature museum, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), in a totally different way. 

In addition to its world-class permanent collection, ROM After Dark is a monthly evening event series for adults over 19 that features music, visual arts, food and drink.

Location: 100 Queens Park, Toronto 

Jazz Nights at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

Embark on an aquatic musical experience, watching sharks, sea turtles and other incredible sea creatures float by while listening to a live jazz band play.

Jazz Nights at Ripley’s occur on the second Friday of every month.

Location: 288 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto

Osteria Giulia, for seafood lovers

Seafood is the highlight at this MICHELIN-starred restaurant focused on the cuisine of Liguria—a region in northwestern Italy. Enjoy a candlelit dinner, including the house specialty, Focaccia di Recco—a traditional cheese-filled flatbread baked in hand-made copper pans.

Location: 134 Avenue Road, Toronto

Sample Georgian cuisine at Tiflisi

Expand your culinary at a Bib Gourmand restaurant. Located in Toronto’s Beaches neighbourhood, Tiflisi showcases the culinary diversity of the Republic of Georgia. The family-owned restaurant serves a tasty range of classics from Baje, pan-fried chicken in walnut sauce to Khinkali, traditional Georgian dumplings.

Location: 1970 Queen Street East, Toronto

Savour a pint at Bellwoods Brewery

Choose from a wide range of craft brews and beer-friendly menu and relax in the cozy inside or on the heated patio at this hip brewpub.

Location: 124 Ossington Avenue, Toronto

Kimpton Saint George 

This sophisticated hotel is conveniently located between two iconic Toronto neighbourhoods—The Annex and Yorkville.

After a day of exploring the city, enjoy elevated pub food at The Fortunate Fox and unwind in a comfortable suite featuring pillowy beds and beautifully appointed bathrooms.

Location: 280 Bloor Street West, Toronto

The Broadview Hotel 

Originally built in 1891, this east-end building has been restored as a stylish boutique hotel with a street-level bistro and bar and a stunning rooftop lounge overlooking the city skyline.

Suites with comfortable beds, Italian linens and locally made organic bath products will elevate your weekend getaway. The Get a Room Package is designed for romantic getaways with sparkling wine, breakfast and late check-out. 

Location: 106 Broadview Avenue, Toronto

 Shangri-La Toronto

Live like royalty for the weekend in the heart of Toronto’s vibrant downtown at this upscale hotel and spa, an oasis of luxury and calm.

Visit the Miraj Hammam Spa for an indulgent treatment, relax in the Lobby Lounge with an inventive cocktail and choose from two onsite restaurants. 

Location: 188 University Avenue, Toronto

Caledon

For a romantic getaway outside of Toronto, enjoy the rural charm and scenic landscapes in the Caledon countryside, under two hours’ drive from the city.

Hockley Valley Resort

With seasonal activities like skiing, snowboarding, hiking and golf, on-site dining options and spa, Hockley Valley Resort is the perfect getaway destination. Top off your trip with a visit to Adamo Estate Winery next door for wine tasting with cheeses or chocolate.

Location: 793522 3rd Line EHS, Mono

Mount Alverno Luxury Resort

Another romantic option for a mini vacation just outside Toronto is Mount Alverno Luxury Resort. This property defines rustic elegance with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, luxurious suites, a cocktail lounge and a fine-dining restaurant. Vista by Chef Denis specializes in Canadian cuisine with a French twist. 

The Romantic Paradise Experience includes a signature suite, a fresh fruit platter and homemade chocolates and cookies and a candlelit dinner for two.

Location: 20706 Heart Lake Road, Caledon Village

Ottawa

Celebrate your love with a romantic getaway in Canada’s capital. Start planning your activities, dining and accommodations.

Browse the National Gallery of Canada

Established in 1880, the museum’s permanent collection consists of more than 75,000 works of art from antiquity to the present day, including one of the most impressive collections of Indigenous and Canadian art in the world.

Location: 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa

Explore the Rideau Winter Trail

Ski, snowshoe, hike or bike this 12-kilometre series of groomed trails in and around the Rideau River. 

Glide along the Rideau Canal Skateway

Lace up for a day of ice skating along the world’s largest skating rink. The 7.8-kilometre-long skateway on the Rideau Canal—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—winds through the nation’s capital. Ice skates are available to rent.

Location: 1 Donald Street, Ottawa

Celebrate at Winterlude

Since 1979, Ottawa has been celebrating all things winter with a fun-filled annual festival with intricate ice and snow sculptures, delicious food and drink and snow-based activities like tubing, skating and more.

Location: various across Ottawa

Savour a 40-course tasting menu at Atelier

Atelier is a critically acclaimed restaurant focusing on modernist Canadian cuisine. 

Put yourselves in the capable hands of Chef Marc Lepine and enjoy a stunning four-hour dining experience like no other. Guests are served a stunning 40-course tasting menu with dishes like citrus-cured tuna and smoked avocado purée and desserts like honey-lavender mousses.

Location: 540 Rochester Street, Ottawa

Enjoy a romantic meal at SOCIAL Restaurant + Lounge

Located in the ByWard Market, SOCIAL showcases progressive Canadian cuisine, a diverse wine list and carefully crafted cocktails. 

Pop in for “SOCIAL Hour” to share a plate of oysters over a glass of sparkling wine. Or reserve a table for dinner and enjoy dishes like lamb osso buco, seafood linguini and duck confit.

Location: 537 Sussex Drive, Ottawa

Experience southern charm at Union Local 613

Union 613 puts a modern twist on Southern cuisine with a terrific whisky selection, creative cocktails and famed braised beef short ribs or shrimp and grits. 

Location: 315 Somerset Street West, Ottawa

Le Germain Hotel Ottawa 

Sophisticated design, great views, a celebrated on-site restaurant and a prime downtown location just steps away from the Ottawa Art Gallery make this the perfect choice for a romantic getaway in the capital. 

Location: 30 Daly Avenue, Ottawa

Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market

Located in Ottawa's famed ByWard Market the Andaz is steps away from the historic Parliament Buildings, nightlife, shopping and the National Gallery of Canada. 

Modern rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Parliament Building and Gatineau Hills. Savour a Canadian-inspired meal at Feast + Revel and make your way to the rooftop lounge, Copper, Spirits & Sights, to watch the sunset and sip a handcrafted cocktail or local brew. 

Location: 325 Dalhousie Street, Ottawa

Calabogie

Approximately an hour drive west of Ottawa, the winter playground of Calabogie is a great destination for a couple’s weekend getaway.

Somewhere Inn Calabogie

After a day on the ski hills, snow trails or skating rinks at Calabogie Peaks, enjoy the wine bar, fireplace, soaker tub and tranquil forest views at Somewhere Inn Calabogie, a boutique motel surrounded by pristine nature.

MALIN+GOETZ bath products are an added bonus. Nightly bonfires and weekly movie screenings make this inn feel extra cozy.

Location: 5254 Calabogie Road, Calabogie

Kingston

Kingston's rich history and stately architecture, combined with a contemporary foodie scene, make it a great place for a romantic holiday.

Get pampered at Dolce Bella Spa

Located in a historical building on the Cataraqui River-Rideau Canal, Dolce Bella Spa offers a selection of indulgent facials and body treatments. Book the Spa Couples Package for a 60-minute massage followed by a gourmet lunch for two at the River Mill Restaurant. 

Location: 8 Cataraqui Street, Kingston

Team up at Sherlock’s Escapes

Put your heads together to uncover clues and solve mysteries in a fun detective-themed escape room. Choose from a selection of exciting and challenging cases and work as a team to get to the bottom of the crime.

Play as a duo or team up on a double date.

Location: 298 Bagot Street, Kingston

Go ice skating at Springer Market Square

Downtown Kingston’s Springer Market Square has been the city’s central hub for over 200 years. During the winter, the square is transformed into a public skating rink. 

Skate the day away with pit stops to warm up at Kingston Coffee House, right on the square. Or hold hands under the stars during DJ skate nights. Rentals are available at Trailhead Kingston. 

Location: 1 Market Street, Kingston

Celebrate sustainable cuisine at Miss Bao

Enjoy Asian fusion cuisine at Miss Bao Restaurant + Cocktail Bar, dedicated to creating a zero-waste operation. 

Location: 286 Princess Street, Kingston

Steal the moment at Heist Restaurant

Located in a historic building in the heart of Kingston, this restaurant serves exceptional food made with local, seasonal ingredients. Its curated wine list and creative cocktail menu make it a must-visit date night spot. The heist movie-themed menu is particularly clever.

Location: 168 Wellington Street, Suite 101, Kingston

Take in live music at Musiikki Cafe

Mussikki is a popular date destination for several reasons: it hosts live music events nightly, houses one of Kingston’s best collections of whiskeys and serves fair trade, locally roasted coffee.

Location: 73 Brock Street, Kingston

Frontenac Club

Established in 1845 and re-launched in 2020, Frontenac Club seamlessly blends the old and the new with luxurious rooms featuring a private patio, deep soaker tub and fireplace. 

Nibble on a cheese board or go all-in with a bison striploin with hand-crafted cocktails or local wines at The Bank Gastrobar. Located on the water, venture to the rooftop for perfect city views.

Location: 225 King Street East, Kingston

The Rosemount Inn

Billing itself as a “youthful boutique hotel for the discerning traveller,” the Rosemount Inn is an intimate Victorian hotel with a modern interior and contemporary amenities and services, including a complimentary American-style breakfast.

Location: 46 Sydenham Street, Kingston

Prince Edward County

Scenic, rural and dotted with world-class wineries, Prince Edward County is about a one-hour drive west of Kingston.

The Wilfrid

The Wilfrid is a three-room, adults-only retreat in a historic farmhouse. The property features a private sauna and water circuit and wine cellar with local and rare finds.

Enjoy a curated playlist during the multi-course brunch and add a platter of caviar or two dozen freshly shucked oysters to your booking.

Location: 1375 Royal Road, Milford

 Wander The Resort

Scandinavian design blends with the country charm at this peaceful oasis. Ten spacious cabins dot the property, each stocked with staples and a fireplace to keep things cozy.

In-room additions include artisanal charcuterie boards, wine tastings, massages and meditation classes. The Couple’s Kit features a eucalyptus-based bath soak and local artisanal goodies.

Location: 15841 Loyalist Parkway, Bloomfield

Drake Devonshire

Voted by CN Traveller for one of the most romantic rooms in the world, Drake Devonshire is a 13-room boutique hotel that features locally inspired menus, art installations, cultural programs and a lakefront sauna and cold plunge.

The Winter Lovers’ Crush in the County Package includes a bottle of local wine and chocolates upon arrival, a pre-dinner wine tasting for two by a cozy fireplace and a romantic three-course dinner.

Location: 24 Wharf Street, Wellington

Niagara Falls

There are so many romantic reasons why couples have been honeymooning in Niagara Falls for centuries.

Journey Behind the Falls 

Get a unique view of the Falls from below and behind, made especially interesting during the winter as ice forms.

Descend via elevator and through 130-year-old tunnels to access outdoor observation decks and feel the rush of the mighty Falls.

Location: 6650 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls

Visit the Niagara Parks Power Station

The Niagara Parks Power Station is a decommissioned power station in a historic building on the Niagara Parkway. It has undergone an extraordinary transformation and is now an immersive and interactive landmark attraction. Learn the fascinating history of the site with the self-guided audio tour. 

The big highlight is a 670-metre tunnel that leads to an outdoor platform to view the Niagara River and the Falls. 

Location: 7005 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls

Take to the skies with Niagara Helicopters

Take in the full, awesome sight of the Falls, the Niagara River, whirlpool rapids and the Rainbow Bridge from above on an unforgettable 12-minute helicopter ride.

Add romance to your adventure on a sunset flight.

Location: 3731 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls

Enjoy wine-forward food at AG Inspired Cuisine

Located inside Sterling Inn & Spa this restaurant offers a true farm-to-table experience. 

Location: 5195 Magdalen Street, Niagara Falls

Savour garden fresh at Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery

Critically acclaimed Chef John Vetere creates a simple yet irresistible farm-to-table menu at this popular winery restaurant.

Location: 1366 York Road, St. Davids

Explore wine country with Crush Wine Tours

Take your crush on an all-inclusive, expert-led tasting adventure to top wineries, cideries and distilleries.

Location: 4520 Ontario Street, Beamsville

Sheraton Fallsview Hotel

After visiting nearby attractions in Clifton Hill and Niagara Parks, enjoy a romantic Italian meal by celebrity chef Massimo Capra and admire the Falls from the comfort of your room. 

Casino Niagara is connected to the hotel so you won’t have to go far to try your luck at one of the 1,400 slot machines or 30 gaming tables. Or visit Christienne Fallsview Spa. The Couples Retreat includes a 55-minute couples massage as well as 20 minutes in the Infinity hydrotherapy tub.

Location: 5875 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls

Grandview Boutique Hotel

Constructed in 1891 as a private residence on a ridge overlooking the Niagara Gorge, this boutique hotel features stunning views, a gourmet breakfast and organic toiletries.

Location: 5359 River Road, Niagara Falls

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Under a 30-minute drive from Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake beckons with even more wineries, heritage architecture, small-town charm and romantic accommodations.

The Scotsman Hotel

Owners of this hotel were married in Niagara-on-the-Lake and years later opened The Scotsman to pay tribute to the town that continues to fill their hearts with love.

The hotel has five extravagant suites, each with Sonos speakers. Enquire about the Butler Service, which includes ironing your clothes and unpacking your luggage. 

Book the Intimate Couple’s Evening Package for a horse and buggy ride, flowers, local fine-dining, a couple’s massage, sparkling wine, a charcuterie board and Civil Pours cocktails. To top it off, an indulgent breakfast awaits in the morning.

Location: 95 Johnson Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake