Express your love language this Valentine’s Day in Ontario

Quality time

Spend quality time away from life’s busy day-to-day routine and create moments and memories together.

Laugh together: Visit a comedy club like Yuk Yuk’s or Comedy Bar in Toronto, or book a show at Second City to see the hilarious sketch comedy “Swipes Right,” which is all about the highs and lows of dating and romance.

Arrange a clay date: London Clay Art Centre offers pottery lessons for all skill levels, including “Taking it Slow” for absolute beginners. Learn how to use the pottery wheel at Sketch Clay + Pottery in Windsor. For those interested in devoting more time to learning a variety of artistic skills, consider the Art Gallery of Ontario’s “Introduction to Everything.”

Enjoy an evening at the opera: Take in the romantic storytelling of Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro” at the Canadian Opera Company.

Heat up the romance at a winter resort: Choose from a selection of romantic getaway packages offered by Resorts of Ontario, such as log cabin accommodation at Cedar Grove Lodge with a wood burning stove. Trek even further to the Algonquin Eco-Lodge where winter magic awaits you with beautiful snow-covered woods and a cozy, rustic interior to keep you snug and warm.

Enjoy wine by the fire: Taste-test new wines at your own outdoor fireside seating area or find other wine tours and experiences at Trius Winery & Restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Receiving gifts

Find the perfect gift for the one you love.

Purchase gifts that reflect your partner’s personality: Shop for unique and one-of-a-kind gifts at antique markets and specialty shops.

Buy merch for beer lovers: Visit breweries and cideries, where you can purchase beer-branded merchandise.

Gift earth-friendly products: Maker House Company in Ottawa sells upcycled and recycled products if you’re looking for eco-friendly gifts.

Shop at outlet malls: Check out gift ideas at Ontario outlet malls.

Acts of service

Treat your loved one to a special service or an act of kindness, to free them from the mental load of daily tasks and commitments.

Close your home kitchen and dine out: Treat your taste buds to diverse flavours and textures at Ontario restaurants and enjoy award-winning cuisine. Make a reservation for brunch, pair local food with wine at a winery restaurant, savour vegetarian food or keep it casual and fill your bellies at one of these winter food festivals.

Spend a luxurious night in the city: Make a reservation at the luxurious Park Hyatt Toronto and enjoy a cocktail on the 17th floor. Take in the dreamy views from the Iconic Writers Room, experience the tasting menu at the Joni Restaurant or check out what’s on their seasonal menu.

Physical touch

Express your affection with touch.

Rejuvenate at the spa: Vettä Spa, located near Horseshoe Resort in Barrie, provides relaxing treatments to relieve tension. Enjoy a Swedish massage at Scandinave Spa or book a couple’s massage. At St. Anne’s Spa in Grafton, the Couple’s Day Spa Experience is a day spa activity with experiences and treatments that invigorate the senses.

Go ice skating: Grab your skates and hold hands while enjoying the outdoors at Ontario city skating rinks or countryside skating trails and rinks. Warm up together with the most delicious hot chocolate after your skate.

Words of affirmation

Put your feelings into words.

Put your words to paper: Write beautiful words on beautiful stationery from Papery and Hanji Gifts in Toronto, or from Ottawa’s Paper Papier, Byward Market and Figg Street Co. Wonderpens in Toronto’s Annex has a wide assortment of fountain pens to help pen your next poem.

Climb new heights together: Put your faith in each other at an indoor rock climbing gym and cheer each other on with words of encouragement.

Give signage with words of encouragement: Specializing in rustic style and home decor, Unionville’s Lemonade Stand has a wide assortment of motivational signage and gifts with words of love for that special someone.

Find more romantic winter inspirations in Ontario.