The 14th day of February dedicated to lovers and friends is upon us; Valentine’s Day! A special day devoted to spending time with loved ones and appreciating your significant other. We get it, finding the perfect thing to do on this special day can be difficult. This is especially true when you want to think outside the box! Let’s face it, when this special day arrives, you don’t want it to be a flop, especially when reservations can be hard to come by! Whether you want something cozy or adventure-filled, we’ve got the perfect list of Valentine’s Day activities for you and your lovebug.
1. Skate on the Rideau Canal
Let’s face it, you can’t make a list of romantic activities for you and your valentine without adding Ottawa’s famous Rideau Canal! Whether you are visiting Ottawa for the day or looking for a romantic weekend away, this activity is definitely one you won’t want to miss. Ottawa is full of romantic places to stay, such as the Fairmont Chateau Hotel. Enjoy a lovely dinner at some of Ottawa’s finest establishments, then make your way down to the Canal! It offers a stunning backdrop for you and your loved one, especially in the evening under the stars! When you’re done, be sure to warm up with a nice cup of apple cider or hot chocolate.
2. Rent a yurt or cabin with your Valentine
When the weather is cold and you feel like staying in, a yurt or cabin is a phenomenal (and romantic) Valentine’s Day getaway. No matter where you are in Ontario, there are many areas where yurts are accessible. There is a plethora of parks in our province that allow overnight camping in the winter months. Although winter camping may seem treacherous for a Valentine’s Day getaway, a cozy yurt is sure to change your mind. Depending on where you go, there are plenty of day activities that can be done around your yurt, such as skiing or snowshoeing. At the end of the day, get cozy and cuddle up by a fire. Many parks in Northern Ontario specifically offer yurts or cabins, such as Windy Lakes, Arrowhead Park, and Algonquin Park!
3. Treat your Valentine to a spa day
Whether it’s indoor or outdoor, a spa day is the perfect romantic activity. Ontario offers a plethora of spas, both indoor and outdoor. Let’s face it, there is nothing better than a bit of pampering and getting out of the hustle and bustle of everyday city life. If you’re near Whitby, you can check out their new Thermea Spa location. This spa features Thermotherapy, a 2000-year-old Nordic tradition that involves both hot and cold water. If you’re looking for something more than just a spa getaway, why not check into Blue Mountain Resort and check out their Scandinave spa? This is a great alternative after a day of skiing and sledding!
4. Take a cooking class for Valentine’s Day
Instead of going out to eat, avoid the hassle of a reservation and learn to cook on your own! Taking a cooking class at Toronto’s Eataly location in Yorkville is a fun, immersive Valentine’s Day date idea. If you love all things Italian food, this is something you won’t want to miss. From preparing handmade pizzas to fresh gnocchi to mouth-watering tiramisu, there are tons of authentic dishes waiting to be tasted by you and your partner. They even have a Valentine’s Day class on February 12th, where you can learn how to make fresh Northern Italian pasta. Be quick though, because these classes fill up quickly!
5. Go on the St. Lawrence Market food tour
Instead of making a reservation for one restaurant, why not try multiple? Located in the heart of Old Town Toronto, the oldest neighbourhood in the city is home to many different vendors and bakers alike. Perfect for a day out, the market offers its own guided tasting tour. This tour allows you to experience everything the market has to offer, from fancy mustards, rare-aged cheeses, and some of the best wine you’ll ever taste. If you are looking for more of a meal, don’t fret! When the guide is done, you can pick up some fresh, homemade perogies at European Delight, or an authentic Montreal-style bagel at St. Urbain Bagel. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, try going on a weekday.
6. Enjoy an underwater dinner at Ripley’s Aquarium
Yes, you read that correctly, an underwater dinner! Have you ever wanted to enjoy a meal while mesmerized by the incredible sights of your favourite underwater creatures? Well, you can at Ripley Aquarium’s Valentine’s Day dinner! Hosted every year on the 14th of February, this three-course dinner, catered by Daniel et Daniel, is hosted in the heart of the aquarium’s striking tropical rainbow reef exhibit. You can also face your deep water fears and eat in their famous shark tunnel. When you’re done with your meal, relax and unfold at their underwater lounge and enjoy some of the live entertainment the aquarium offers.
7. Attend a Valentine’s Day candlelit concert
Are you and your significant other a fan of live music, but no concerts are sparking your interest this Valentine’s Day? Don’t fret! Located at the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto, the Candlelight Concert series is a perfect musical experience for any type of music lover. Whether you want to experience Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, or want a new take on Nirvana or hip-hop classics, there is something for everybody. These magical concerts are taking place throughout February, and they even have Valentine’s Day-themed concerts on the evenings of February 10th-16th.
We hope that with these tips, you and your loved one (or friend) can have a splendid day filled with fun, laughter, and love! Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at isure!
