I don’t think I’m telling you anything here … but winter in Toronto is a long time. Once the Christmas market part is over, we still have 4 months to keep busy despite the cold, and we may run out of ideas for activities. I’m here to help! I’ve put together a list of 50 date ideas for Toronto in winter.
Before going any further, don’t forget to find me on Instagram, Pinterest and Youtube.
Outdoor date ideas
Go ice skating
We’re kicking off this list of winter date with a classic in Toronto. There are so many rink options in the city that you can take the opportunity to explore different neighbourhoods. It’s a low-cost activity, too: you can buy your skates and then try out all the free rinks in town.
Stroll along the frozen lake
For that winter date in Toronto, you’ve got plenty of options. If you live downtown, take in the frozen Harbourfront and the birds that land on the ice. If you prefer the Humber Bay area, you can enjoy the frozen lakefront with a view of the skyline. But my favorite spot is the beaches of Woodbine. Full of snow, it’s really pretty. The vegetation set in the ice is incredible to see, I think it’s magnificent. You can catch a glimpse of it in this video.
Visit Colonel Samuel Smith park
This park has plenty to offer: an ice-skating course, a lakeside stroll, and winter wildlife watching by the lake. A great idea for an affordable winter date in Toronto to get some fresh air and enjoy a moment of peace and quiet.
Discover Toronto’s most original homes
To conclude this list of winter date in Toronto, I have a rather original idea: take a little tour to discover Toronto’s most original houses. I made a video last year of these most intriguing houses, which you can find on Youtube for inspiration.
Explore the Winter Stations
Every winter, a series of art pieces are installed on Woodbine beach at the lifeboat huts. Unused during the winter, this is an opportunity to give them another life and attract visitors. There are local artists, but also artists from all over the world. It’s always interesting to discover the winners of the competition. From February 17 to March 30, you can discover the Winter Stations of the artists who were most inspired by the theme of dawn.
Christmas markets
If you’re looking for a date idea in Toronto in early winter (technically it’s still fall, actually), I’ve got a full list of Toronto Christmas markets for you to explore! You’re bound to find something that suits you!
Christmas activities
We’re keeping with the Christmas theme and I’ve got a few more date ideas if you’re reading this article during the Christmas period, you can enjoy Christmas shows, lights and more. Read my full article on must-do Christmas activities in Toronto.
Creative activities
Testing pottery
A great idea for expressing your talent. You have several options in Toronto, like this one on Bay and Dundas in the heart of downtown. There’s also Clay With Me on King West and Parkdale Pottery Studio. You’re spoilt for choice in all 4 corners of the city!
A self-portrait session
If you want to have fun taking photos without the pressure of a photographer’s eye: I’ve got just the experience for you. I’ve tested Monography, and it’s really cool. You’re in your own mini studio, you’ve got the remote control, and off you go for 30 minutes of photos. I came away with so many photos! You have several options in the city!
Create your own candle
I don’t know about you, but in this house, we love candles. And I still have to restrain myself from booking a workshop right away as I write this list. Create your candle, learn more about how to care for your candle and of course choose a scent you like. I found a workshop at Kandl, and the big plus is that they also have a homemade kit if you prefer to do it at home.
Making your own perfume
A friend of mine recently tried out a workshop to create her own perfume. It’s a fun activity to create your own scent, to find something that really suits you. I really like the idea. You can create your own perfume, ask for advice and leave with your own unique scent. You can go to Orris above Yorkville, which is a big plus: they keep your perfume info, so if you want to make the same one later, you can!
Expressing creativity
As adults, opportunities to be creative can become increasingly limited. Well, I have a suggestion for spending an evening expressing your creativity. I’ve got a pretty cool option at Artbox Studio (outside downtown Toronto). You can paint on traditional canvases, but also in the dark with fluorescent colors or even on bears to make a pretty work of art for your home. There are other options in town, but I have to admit this one caught my eye and I was this close to booking.
Singing your heart out
Book a karaoke bar and sing your heart out like nobody’s watching! Or can hear you. This winter I tried out Karaoke Forever for a friend’s birthday party: we had a blast! You book a small room, you can put on Youtube, so there’s no limit to the music you can play: the microphone is yours!
Ideas for indoor dates
Coffee date
There are countless cafés in Toronto to suit all tastes and styles. Themed cafés, like the Lazy Cat Cafe, high quality coffees or specialties that will inspire you to try something new. But also beautiful cafés with superbly crafted decor. You’re bound to find what you’re looking for. And to help you, I’ve put together a list of my favourite coffee shops in Toronto.
A stroll through the museum
Are you up for an afternoon of culture in the warmth? Of course, you’ve got the ROM, the AGO, but also several small museums with great temporary exhibitions. I’ll probably have to do a whole article on museums to give you some ideas. In the meantime, I encourage you to do your research and read my article on the days when Toronto’s major museums are free.
See a movie that’s no longer in theaters
You read that right. Some cinemas have older films that are no longer showing. And it’s always nice to see a movie you love on the big screen again. You can go to Tiff Lightbox or Hot Docs.
Spa day
What could be better than a day of pampering, recharging the batteries and slowing down in the warmth while it’s cold outside? You’ve got plenty of options in Toronto and even outside if you want to venture out of town. A few months ago we tried Thermea in Whitby. By taking the Go Train from Union Station you can avoid the stress of Toronto traffic. If you want to stay in Toronto, you have several options, including Elmwood Spa, which offers couples packages, the Four Seasons or Body Blitz (for women only), which I loved.
Explore second-hand stores
Another activity we love doing together: exploring second-hand stores in Toronto, and I have a list for you. We like to leave with a list of what we’d like to find, or inspiration on Pinterest and see what the day’s finds have in store for us. We often take the opportunity to have a snack or a meal afterwards! Two birds with one stone.
Attend a standup show
I’ve tried several, Comedy Bar on Bloor and Yuk Yuk’s Comedy. In fact, I’d never been there before a friend treated me both to an evening there last year. I loved it. The second time I went with my boyfriend, it was really funny and apparently you can also see artists testing their shows before going on tour. If you’re lucky, you might get some exclusives! An idea for a winter date in Toronto that’s sure to make you laugh.
Organizing a photo shoot
We continue this list of Toronto winter date by creating memories with a studio photo shoot. If you don’t know where to turn, you can check out Flytographer, a Canadian company. With my code ASTRID50 you can even get $50 off your booking. Find a nice studio and have fun!
Escape to the tropics … in Toronto
That’s right, I’m offering you the chance to escape the cold of Toronto to observe tropical fauna. And for that, I’m heading for Allan Gardens Conservatory, although not all of it is open, as part of it is under renovation. But it’s still a nice walk, with a warm feeling and, above all, some wonderful discoveries of exotic plants.
Spend an evening at the aquarium
The aquarium is located in the heart of downtown Toronto, beneath the CN Tower. Seeing it from below is truly impressive, and makes you realize just how immense it is. At its foot you’ll find Ripleys Aquarium. You can go there for a traditional visit, but you can also take advantage of their events, such as jazz nights, painting evenings or swimming with the stingrays. Check their calendar regularly for new concepts!
Foodie dates
Winterlicious
I’ve got something for foodies in the audience. Every winter between the end of January and mid-February you can treat yourself at restaurants offering a set menu. It’s a great way to try out restaurants that might not normally be in your budget. Or simply try something new. Find out more about Winterlicious here.
Discover local beers
Toronto has many local breweries, so I encourage you to check them out, but if you ever need a little help, sign up for a guided local beer tour! Ideal for getting expert advice. In the tour I’ve selected for you, you even get to visit 2 historic pubs!
Learn to make sushi
If you love sushi, perhaps you’d like to learn the secrets of making it at home? Roll This Way offers beginners’ courses, and I must confess that as I was preparing this article I wanted to book right away!
Explore Toronto’s hidden bars and restaurants
A really cool activity that will make your evening a little more special: go for a drink in a bar or hidden restaurant. There are several speakeasies in Toronto, I’ve tried a few and I’m also putting together a list to help you out. I love the feeling of being in the know!
Canadian wine tasting
What better way to spend an evening than traveling and avoiding the crowds? You can discover wines from British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia during a 2-hour wine tasting in Toronto. The experience is accompanied by charcuterie, cheeses, fruits and vegetables chosen from local markets.
Learn to make pasta, Italian-style
Check the farmers’ markets
I see you coming, in winter, a market outside? You want us to go outside in winter in Toronto to do the market? Yes, but I already didn’t ask you to spend hours there, but on top of that you have indoor markets like the St Lawrence Market Farmers’ Market (which is finally moving into their new building on April 6!) or covered ones like Evergreen Brick Works. You can find more in my article on markets in Toronto. Stock up on fresh produce and organize a little kitchen date.
Try out a unique restaurant in Toronto
Eating in the dark? In a geeky restaurant or the most haunted restaurant in Canada? I’ve got a list of unique restaurants in Toronto to make your evening unforgettable!
Cultural dates in Toronto
Attend an AGO event
The Art Gallery of Ontario has so much to offer, you’re bound to find a date idea here. They host a variety of events several times a week. And they also have their famous free Wednesday night at the museum! If you’re a member, you can even have Friday evenings at the museum. You’re sure to find something to enjoy.
An evening of jazz
The good thing about living in a big city like Toronto is that you can find everything. If you’re looking for a musical evening in a good atmosphere, I’ve got just what you’re looking for. And I have two options for you, but you can do further research. Either The Poetry Jazz Cafe or Reid’s Distillery.
Artistic evening with Long Winter
Long Winter is a series of artistic events taking place throughout the winter in Toronto, some of which you can join. Discover new artists, get inspired, share what you like with your date and get new ideas.
Attend a concert in a historic church
And I should have added: by candlelight. A unique experience. A romantic, quiet, inspiring evening. One you’re sure to remember. More info on Candlelights concerts in Toronto here.
Evening at the Royal Ontario Museum
Looking for a winter cultural date in Toronto? I’ve got just what you’re looking for! An evening at the ROM to discover the exhibitions to the sound of several DJs. Be careful, this is a very popular activity, so don’t forget to book in advance.
See a play or musical
The advantage of living in Toronto is that you can see a lot of plays and musicals. Right now, for example, The Lion King is playing until the end of summer 2025. And believe me, it’s worth it. It’s an incredible production. There are many possibilities, you just have to search and find the theme you like.
The Power Plant at Harbourfront
Few people know it, but you have a free museum at Harbourfront: The Power Plant. The exhibits change several times a year, so you can take the opportunity to get inspired and chat. Then share what you liked afterwards by grabbing something to drink and sitting in the new space next to the lake.
A haunted walk
Want to scare yourself? Want to test your cold blood? I’m getting chills just writing this. And at the same time I’m excited to see all the options for things to do. Join The Haunted Walk to discover the city from a different perspective. You’ll discover captivating stories of ghosts, unsolved crimes and more. Will you dare?
Ideas for fun dates
Embark on an escape room
Full transparency … I haven’t yet tried an escape room in English, although I’ve tried several in France. But I love the concept, I love the idea, I love that it brings out the qualities of each participant. And I’ve found several at Casa Loma, Toronto’s castle. They have different themes that you might like, and if you don’t like this idea, I’m sure you will.
Playing arcade games in a bar
A few weeks ago, we were invited to celebrate a friend’s birthday. He’d chosen a bar in Kensington Market called Midnight Arcade. You get free games, you just have to pay for your drinks and food. Other options include The Rec Room, Greta, FreePlay and Get Well.
Play board games
Board games are a great opportunity to test your knowledge or your strategic skills. But if, like me, you live in Toronto, you know that you can’t have all the board games in the house, as they take up a lot of space (I remember in my house in France, growing up, we had a closet full of them!) So a great way to try out new games is to go to a board game café. The best known in Toronto: Snakes & Lattes (I so loved their tater tots but they don’t seem to be on the menu anymore…), otherwise you have Juju Board Game Cafe, For the Win Café, The Guild House or Funny Bones which I had the pleasure of testing last year.
Explore a virtual reality
Put on your helmet and get ready to change dimensions. This is a really cool activity if you like video games or anything to do with technology. For example, you can visit Level Up Virtual Reality in downtown Toronto.
Sports date ideas in Toronto
Go to a sports match
If you happen to come across my blog, you may not know that sports in Toronto are a big part of my life. I worked for Toronto’s sports teams for a year and a half, and it was while working there that I met my boyfriend. Sport is part of our daily lives and we love going to games together. Especially now that I understand the rules haha. That wasn’t the case when I arrived in Canada. I’ve come a long way since I arrived in Canada. And before you go to a sports game in Toronto, read my complete guide to everything you need to know to be well prepared.
Take a dance class
So this option is going to be more challenging for some people than others. I’m in the first category because my coordination isn’t always the best. But I think it’s a cool idea and it also gives me hope that one day I’ll get some rhythm and be able to dance. You have several studios in the 4 corners of the city.
Racing on a go-kart track
It’s a very popular activity where I come from in France. Especially in winter or when it’s raining in Valence. Here a little less so, but personally I love it. We like a bit of competition and adrenalin. I’ve found a karting track that’s accessible by metro: K1 Speed is to the north of the city and I want to book right away. But in all honesty I’ve already booked several activities while preparing this article and I have to contain myself so as not to fill my days with activities and no longer have time to work. Working to pay for activities is essential haha.
Climbing
Fancy a sporty date? You can climb indoors at several locations around the city. Some community centers have them too. It all depends on what kind of atmosphere you’re looking for and, above all, what time of day you want to go. And then your neighborhood too. For example, there’s Joe Rockhead’s in Liberty Village.
Play mini golf
Looking for that date you see in the movies? Where the two main characters fall in love? With that lovely melody in the background? Well, I can’t guarantee the music, but I do have a few options to help you experience this romantic comedy for the evening. Par-Tee Putt (downtown), Ninth Line Family (Mississauga) or Putting Edge (Scarborough and others).
Test who’s the best at ping pong
Skating party and DJ
Every winter, between January and February, you can skate to the sound of a DJ at Evergreen Brick Works. Every Saturday night you can enjoy a unique experience and make winter a little warmer by showing off your best moves (or at least giving it a try). More info here.
I’m not going to lie, when I embarked on this list of 50 Toronto winter date ideas I had no idea how much digging I’d have to do to find different types and budgets. I even thought about changing it to 30 date ideas. But I’m glad I stuck with it, and can now offer you 50 ideas for winter dates in Toronto. Feel free to add your ideas in comments or by sending me a message on Instagram. Have fun!
