Find the perfect place in Ontario to fall in love this winter
Enjoy a romantic date with good food, drink and fun activities or whisk your partner away on an overnight excursion. From downtown to out-of-town, here are a few ideas in and around Toronto, Ottawa, Kingston and Niagara Falls.
Fun for two in Toronto
There are endless ways to make memories with the one you love in Canada’s largest and most vibrant city.
Where to eat and drink
Share a MICHELIN-starred meal
Toronto recently became the first Canadian city to be included in the famed MICHELIN Guide to the world’s top restaurants. Thirteen restaurants were awarded with MICHELIN stars and seventeen were recognized by Bib Gourmand for exceptional cuisine and ambiance, ideal for a memorable date night.
Sample special menus during Winterlicious
Toronto’s Winterlicious has turned into one of the city’s premier culinary events. From January 27 to February 9, 2023, more than 200 restaurants offer fixed-price menus showcasing amazing dishes at prices below the standard menu. It’s a great way to explore Toronto’s famed restaurant scene with someone special.
Bond over your favourite craft beer
Sample seasonal flavours or enjoy your favourite flagship craft brew at a local brewery or brewpub. From people-watching at Bellwoods Brewery, a popular Ossington hotspot, to doubles euchre games and brainbuster trivia events at Left Field Brewery near the Danforth, explore Toronto’s neighbourhood brewhouses.
Things to do
Cheer at a live game
Book tickets for the Raptors 905 or the Toronto Marlies and cheer on tomorrow’s sports stars. The Raptors 905 play in the G League, the NBA’s official minor league. Each game is an opportunity to cheer for the home team, and watch prospects play from teams throughout the NBA organization. Check the schedule and make a night of it.
The Toronto Marlies offer an exciting and more affordable alternative to a Toronto Maple Leafs game. The team operates as the farm team for the Leafs, which means tickets are much easier to come by at more competitive prices. The games are played at the Coliseum Arena where no seats are ever very far from the ice.
Engage in playful competition
The vibe at LOB Toronto is low key and relaxed. Play a nine-track bocce-golf course while also enjoying craft food and drinks.
Hone your mixology skills
Learn how to make each other’s favourite cocktails. Hosted at Grey Tiger cocktail bar at 1190 Bloor Street West, School of Hard Drinks offers fun and intimate mixology classes with a creative cocktail and spirits specialist. Check the events calendar at Reid’s Distillery in Toronto’s Leslieville neighbourhood for upcoming cocktail-making classes.
Night out at the museum … or aquarium
ROM After Dark (RAD) is a monthly themed event series that allows guests aged 19+ to explore the Royal Ontario Museum while enjoying live music, food and drink. The programming and theme change for every event, so check the schedule and see what’s up next.
Every second Friday of the month is Friday Night Jazz at Ripley’s Aquarium in downtown Toronto. Explore the aquarium, see animals like sharks and turtles, sip cocktails and enjoy the music of a live jazz band.
Places to stay
Book a boutique hotel
Situated in Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood at 280 Bloor Street West, the chic Kimpton Saint George is located steps away from restaurants, bars, museums, shopping and more. The property features an adjacent craft pub, The Fortunate Fox.
Securing a coveted spot in MICHELIN’s Toronto Hotel Guide, the Broadview Hotel offers a pied-a-terre experience in one of Toronto’s east end neighbourhoods at Broadview and Queen Street. Originally built in 1891, the building has been restored as a stylish boutique hotel with a stunning rooftop bar overlooking the city skyline.
Indulge in luxury
Shangri-la Toronto is an upscale oasis of luxury and calm located in the heart of Toronto’s vibrant downtown at 188 University Avenue. Relax and enjoy the skyline views, the deep soaking whirlpool tub and plush bathrobes and linens.
Another high-end property located at the CNE grounds on the shores of Lake Ontario, Hotel X features spacious rooms, fine dining and a cafe, all on-site. Hotel X is ideal as a base for exploring Toronto or for cloistering in for a night.
Out-of-town getaway
Retreat to the beautiful Caledon countryside
If you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day getaway outside Toronto, head to Hockley Valley Resort, just north of the city. With a skiing and snowboarding facility, on-site dining and spa and a boutique winery next door, it’s the perfect getaway spot. Treat your date to a magical five-course candlelit dinner in a snow globe, complete with twinkling lights and faux fur throws.
Alternatively, a newcomer to the Caledon area, Mount Alverno Luxury Resort defines rustic elegance with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, spacious and luxurious suites and a fine dining restaurant.
Couple’s getaway in Ottawa
Treat your significant other to a capital getaway.
Where to eat and drink
Innovative cuisine for adventurous foodies
Located at 40 Adeline Street and led by award-winning chef Briana Kim, Alice Restaurant serves an eight-course, blind tasting, vegetable and fermentation focused menu with wine and juice pairings. Hailed as modernist Canadian cuisine, the stunning 44-course tasting menu at Atelier on Rochester Street is a 4-hour dining experience like no other. Nestled in the heart of historic ByWard Market, Social Restaurant + Lounge invites you to explore creative craft cocktails paired with a main, shared oysters or a cheese board “sociable.”
Things to do
Be inspired by art
The National Gallery of Canada is home to a permanent collection of more than 75,000 works of art, including world-class collections of Indigenous and Canadian works. The gallery is free for visitors every Thursday night.
Outdoor fun along the Rideau
Explore the Rideau Winter Trail, a series of groomed ski trails, with cross-country skis or by snowshoe or lace up for a day of ice skating along the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world’s longest skate trail.
Frosty fun at Winterlude
Winterlude is one of Ottawa’s largest and most popular winter events, celebrating the city’s cultural, artistic and culinary diversity. A long-standing tradition during the festival is the carving of intricate ice sculptures.
Places to stay
Upscale downtown accommodations
Sophisticated design, spectacular views and a prime location beside the Ottawa Art Gallery make Le Germain Hotel Ottawa the perfect choice for a couple’s getaway in the capital. Close to nightlife and shopping at the ByWard Market, Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market offers luxurious accommodation. Make your way to the rooftop bar, Copper Spirits & Sights, for great views of the city, cozy fireside conversations over cocktails and DJ weekends.
Out-of-town getaway
Play in the snow in Calabogie
About a one-hour drive west of Ottawa, Calabogie is a winter playground. After a day on the ski hills, snow trails or skating rinks, enjoy the room service, fireplace, soaker tub and tranquil forest views at Somewhere Inn Calabogie, a boutique motel surrounded by pristine nature.
Plan a romantic date in Kingston
Rich history and stately architecture combined with a contemporary foodie scene make Kingston a great host for date night.
Where to eat and drink
Celebrate Kingston’s culinary community
Just in time for a Valentine’s Day date night, Kingstonlicious is an annual fixed-price event that features everything from three-course dinners to more casual meals from participating restaurants throughout the city. It runs from January until the end of March.
Cocktails for two
Pair shareables, handhelds or even brunch with festive cocktails at Whiskey and Rosé on Brock Street. Just down the street, Musiikki Café & Whiskey Bar hosts live music events and houses one of Kingston’s best collections of whiskies, craft beers and high-end cocktails. They also offer fair trade, locally roasted coffee and unique blends of espresso.
Things to do
Enjoy a couple’s massage
Get pampered with a spa couples’ package at Dolce Bella Spa, which includes an hour-long massage followed by a gourmet lunch in a historic setting.
Become a detective team
Put your heads together to uncover clues and solve mysteries at Kingston Escape Rooms. Play as a duo or team up on a double date.
Go ice skating under the stars
Glide across the ice together during DJ skate nights at Springer Market Square. Skating is free at this outdoor ice rink, which operates from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., weather permitting.
Places to stay
Hip and historic hotels in Kingston
Select the romance package at Frontenac Club and lounge in a luxe robe by the fireplace or venture to the rooftop for perfect views of the city. For the ultimate de-stress, book a session at Stoked Sauna Co, a guided, outdoor sauna experience.
Established in 1850 and billing itself as a “youthful boutique hotel for the discerning traveller,” the Rosemount Inn is an eleven-room Victorian hotel with a modern interior and contemporary amenities and services, including a complimentary American-style breakfast.
Out-of-town getaway
Escape to the County
Scenic, rural and dotted with world-class wineries, Prince Edward County is about a 1-hour drive west of Kingston. An adults-only retreat in Milford, The Wilfrid features a wine cellar with local and rare finds, a Scandinavian-style sauna, and the option to add caviar and champagne to your booking. Wander The Resort and the Drake Devonshire are also great options for an unforgettable County getaway.
Niagara Falls is made for love
Find out why couples have been honeymooning in Niagara Falls for centuries.
Where to eat and drink
Locally sourced, wine-inspired cuisine
Treat your taste buds to terroir-driven cuisine in Canada’s most celebrated wine region. Choose from the three-course or bistro farm-to-table menu at AG Inspired Cuisine located inside the Sterling Inn & Spa. The Restaurant at Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery in St. David’s uses seasonal ingredients from its own on-site garden.
Book a private, guided wine tour
Customize a guided winery tour and tasting just for the two of you with Niagara Vintage Wine Tours.
Things to do
Experience the mighty Niagara Falls
Explore the wonder of Niagara Falls from different vantage points. Stroll along the Fallsview Trail and marvel at the partially frozen falls. Journey Behind the Falls takes you deep behind the thundering cascade.
The Niagara Parks Power Station is a decommissioned power plant in a historic building on the Niagara Parkway that has undergone an extraordinary transformation into an immersive and interactive landmark attraction. One of the highlights is a tunnel that leads to an incredible outdoor viewing platform of the Niagara River and the falls.
Or take in the full, awesome sight from above with Niagara Helicopters. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the falls, the Niagara River, whirlpool rapids and the Rainbow Bridge. Add romance to your adventure on a sunset flight.
Witness the Festival of Lights
Canada’s largest light festival runs through to February 20, 2023, and features enchanting light displays along the Niagara Parkway. Follow Niagara’s Hot Chocolate Trail on a self-guided tasting tour of a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic hot chocolates in the area while enjoying the Winter Festival of Lights.
Places to stay
Enjoy a room with a view
Several upscale hotel properties in downtown Niagara Falls offer rooms and suites overlooking the Horseshoe Falls—some of them so close you can almost feel the mist. Choose from a range of accommodations at Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa, The Oakes Hotel Overlooking the Falls, Sheraton Fallsview Hotel, Hilton Fallsview Hotel & Suites and Crown Plaza Niagara Falls.
Out-of-town getaway
Detour to 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 inviting accommodations.
An intimate boutique hotel, the Oban Inn offers peaceful views of Lake Ontario and special packages with accommodations, meals and spa treatments. 124 on Queen Hotel & Spa is another elegant Niagara-on-the-Lake property, perfect for squirrelling away for a cozy, romantic night.
If you’re looking for more romantic things to do and places to go in Ontario, check out:
Last updated: May 26, 2023