15 Winter Date Ideas in Toronto That’ll Get You Out of Hibernation

It’s tempting to spend the colder months rocking sweatpants and cocooned in blankets, but, honestly, that’s no good for your romantic life. We’ve rounded up a few awesome winter date ideas in Toronto for 2019 – 2020 so that you can keep your love life alive when the temperature drops below zero. These don’t require tons of money (some are even free winter date ideas), so you don’t have to break the bank to keep things interesting.

Here are a few winter date ideas in Toronto that’ll get you out of hibernation.

1. Go for fondue

Sometimes being cheesy isn’t a bad thing. Take a cue from Bieber and spend your winter date chilling by the fire (or at a Toronto hotspot) while eating fondue. Some of the city’s best restaurants offer cheese and/or chocolate options that are both drool-worthy and date-worthy.

• Cacao 70: chocolate is its specialty, so it should come as no surprise that it makes a mean fondue.
• Cosmic Treats: perfect for plant-based couples looking to dip into some chocolatey goodness.
• Otto’s Bierhalle: a German beer hall with cheese fondue that’ll treat your tastebuds.
• Bier Markt: a German spot offering up killer cheese fondue.

2. Grab a flight of whisky

Want to get adventurous with your boozy beverages? Boxcar Social is the place to go. The oh-so aesthetically pleasing cafe/bar hybrid serves up flights of whisky, giving you the chance to find some new faves and get a little tipsy.

3. Go on vacation without leaving the city

You don’t have to throw away all your hard earned money on a trip out town – just hit up one of Toronto’s tiki bars to get those island vibes. From tropical bamboo bars to over-the-top drinks served in pineapples, these spots have everything you could wish for (besides maybe a beach). Check out our fave Toronto tiki bars.

4. Skate the Bentway

Skating is a classic winter date idea in Toronto that never goes out of style. While your local public rink will do just fine, we suggest heading to the Bentway for something a bit different. P.S. don’t forget to charge your phone – you’ll definitely want some pics.

5. Get cozy in a coffee shop

‘Tis the season to cozy up in a coffee shop with some tasty brewed beverages. Stray from your local favourite and try something new this winter – we suggest travelling to the east side.

• Tango Palace: Comfy chairs, lots of space and a killer playlist.
• Balzac’s Distillery: Instagram-worthy and steps away from the Toronto Light Festival.
• Dineen Outpost: A lot less crowded than the OG Dineen location downtown, but still just as cool.

6. Play board games

Snakes and Lattes is the perfect place to post up for a few hours if you’re in the mood for a board game. It has hundreds of options and a solid selection of food and drink, so you won’t have to travel out into the winter weather if you’re in need of a snack or beverage.

7. Visit the Distillery District

If you really want to get in the holiday spirit, head to the Distillery District and spend some time strolling around the Toronto Christmas Market from November 14 to December 22, 2019. It’s got plenty of food stands, entertainment and holiday gift ideas.

Later in the winter from January 18 to March 3, 2020, the Toronto Light Festival offers a visual journey and a playful adventure throughout the walking streets of The Distillery District… and it’s free!

There’s a solid selection of restaurants in the area, too, (like El Catrin, Cluny and Pure Spirits) so you can double down and make it a dinner date.

8. Scope out art on the beach

Looking for a winter date idea in Toronto that’ll get you outside and show off your artistic side? Well, my friend, the annual Winter Stations show will be right up your alley. The exhibition kicks off on February 17 and runs through March 30, 2020, giving you plenty of time to check out all the installations on the beach.

9. Rent a yurt

Take your winter camping experience to the next level by ditching the tent and renting a yurt, instead. They’re available in Algonquin, Bon Echo, Bronte Creek, Charleston Lake, Kilarney, MacGregor Point, Pancake Bay, Pinery, Silent Lake and Windy Lake, so you’re pretty spoilt for choice.

10. Battle it out at an arcade bar

Instead of hibernating and playing Nintendo Switch at home, show your date your gaming skills by taking them to one of Toronto’s arcade bars.

• Get well: A Dundas West classic that never goes out of style (plus it has pizza).
• Tilt: Lots of arcade gaming options and booths equipped with N64 consoles. Need we say more?
• Night Owl: A Little Italy fave with cheap eats, cool cocktail and a small selection of games, including Guitar Hero, Big Buck and foosball.
• The Rec Room: Over 80 games and a ton of space (so you probs won’t have to wait in line).

11. Go tobogganing

If you’re in the market for a winter date idea in Toronto that’ll make you feel like kids again, hit the hills and spend a day (or evening) tobogganing at a Toronto park. Christie Pitts, Riverdale Park East, Gladhurst Park and Cedarvale Park are just a few favourites worth checking out, though your local park will probably serve you just fine. P.S. we suggest taking your date to the next level by scheduling an apres-toboggan complete with snacks and drinks.

12. Float your worries away

You can’t exactly hit the beach this time of year, but you can float your worries away in a tranquil tub with you S.O. at H2O Float Spa. They even have a package that includes massages, if you really want to get pampered.

13. Warm up with boozy beverages

Naturally, this list of Toronto winter date ideas wouldn’t be complete without some bar options. These are a few of our favourite spots to warm up with boozy beverages (because we can no longer drink beers in Bellwoods without freezing to death).

• Midfield Wine Bar: Ideal for those wanting to show off their inner sommelier.
• Mulberry Bar: A little trip to Paris without the price of going to Paris.
• Famous Last Words: Perfect for a literary couple.
• The Walton: Hip as heck with great cocktails and Instagrammable style.

14. Go to a Raptors Welcome Toronto game

Sports fans and party animals unite for an epic Raptors Welcome Toronto Game (aka OVO Night). Experience stories of basketball, community, fashion, art, music and a Raptors game, of course. You may even see Drizzy himself sitting court side. You’ll want to get tickets early for an upcoming Welcome Toronto game (January 11, March 1, 14,  and 22)  – they go quickly.

15. Learn to dance

If you’re gonna be stuck indoors, you may as well learn a new skill, right? On Fridays and Saturdays Lula Lounge offers dance lessons with a live band and DJ, so you can practice your steps and then hit the floor. Even if you were born with two left feet, it’s worth giving a shot.

Feature image: Via @Cacao70