By Jenn Reid
Looking to get romantic this Valentine’s Day? Who isn’t! Toronto isn’t exactly know as the city of love, but there’s still plenty to do with your significant other this Valentine’s Day. Check out these 14 unique, fun and romantic things to do this February 14. [Photo credit: Paul Coltas, courtesy of Mirvish]
Mill Street Brewery’s Beer Hall is getting romantic on February 11! Guest can enjoy live music with an acoustic set from Jeremy De Freitas, and then late night dance tunes by DJ Humble Mike. A special Valentines-only menu will be on offer, created just for the night by Chef Tristan D'Souza. The festivities start at 6 p.m. and go until 1 a.m., with no cover charge, but reservations are recommended.
The flowers outside might not be in bloom yet, but inside the Toronto Botanical Garden there’s plenty to be seen! The Southern Ontario Orchid Society’s Annual Orchid Show hits just before Valentine’s Day: February 11 and 12. Stroll through the lush blooms of over 30,000 orchids and even buy a couple to take home. Admission is $12.
Nothing says romance quite like a French meal, no? At Cafe Boulud, Chef Daniel Boulud has prepared a unique Valentine’s Day menu featuring some truly tasty French classics. Guests can choose between appetizers like Terrine de foie gras or Tartare de thon, and mains like Magret de canard or Plat de côte braisé. The four course prix-fixe meal is $125 and only available on February 14. Reservations required.
If dinner and flowers are a little too traditional for your tastes, a night of Prince karaoke and movies might be a better alternative. The Carlton Cinema Midnight Society presents a special theme night in honour of the late great Prince February 11. The festivities kick off at 9 p.m. with all-Prince karaoke, followed by screenings of Purple Rain at 9:30 p.m. and Under the Cherry Moon at 11:45 p.m.. The whole night only costs $15!
The Distillery District is one of the most romantic spots in the city that’s always a good choice for date night, but this winter it’s got the added bonus of a beautiful light show! The Toronto Light Fest takes over the neighbourhood from January 27 to March 12 with different illuminated art pieces and installations. The whole show is free to enjoy, and you can cap the night off with dinner or drinks at one of the area’s many amazing restaurants.
The Winter Garden Theatre is one of the most beautiful venues in Toronto, with silk flowers adorning the stage and ceiling. Let this romantic venue set the mood for a night of comedy and ballet with Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, an all-male ballerina troupe that hilariously recreates classic ballets like Swan Lake and Don Quixote. The show plays February 10 and 11, with tickets starting at $35.
The romantic-thriller, originally starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, gets the stage treatment this winter from Mirvish. The musical follows a bodyguard hired to protect a superstar singer and the two slowly fall in love. Some of Whitney Houston’s hit songs make an appearance in the play, like “Greatest Love of All,” “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” and of course, “I Will Always Love You.” Tickets start at $99.
The free outdoor skating rink at Toronto City Hall with the popular Toronto sign is a well-known spot in the city, but it’s totally worth it for the views and Instagram-factor. Grab skate rentals for $10 or bring your own and enjoy an evening of picturesque skating.
The Art Gallery of Ontario makes a great date night option any day of the year, but you can make it extra romantic on Valentine’s Day. Walk through the collection and admire your favourite pieces and artists together, then follow it up with a chic meal at Frank, the in-house restaurant. AGO admission is $19.50 for adults, and Frank has a prix-fixe menu for $45 until February 11.
Instead of looking at art, why not make your own? Paintlounge is a place you can get an easel, some paints and create whatever your heart desires. For Valentine’s Day weekend (February 10 - 14) there’s a special couples deal where you can get two canvases and two drinks for $70. Since you can bring home your masterpiece at the end of the night, it’s a great way to create new and lasting memories with your significant other.
Explore a little slice of the city and enjoy the delicious food it has to offer! This special Valentine’s Day tour will take you through Roncesvalles, stopping at select locations to sample tasty treats. On the tours, guests get to sample all kinds of dishes: some meat, some fish, some pastries and chocolates, but it’s all kept secret until the tour! Even the meeting spot is a total secret until after you book your tickets. The tour costs $50 for two people.
While the zoo doesn’t sound like a particularly romantic place (all those kids everywhere!), it transforms for Valentine’s Day every year with Love at the Zoo. On February 11 or February 14, couples can enjoy a romantic adults-only dinner, plus a special hands-on animal encounter. Couples can buy tickets for $160, or $140 if you’re a zoo member.
Why not spend Valentine’s Day relaxing and getting pampered? Elmwood Spa has three different packages available for couples in February, from a quick and easy water therapy and exfoliation ($149), to an indulgent aromatherapy massage, water treatment with pool-side wine, and a four-course dinner at Bangkok Garden ($329). The most luxurious package on offer gives you water therapy, a 50-minute Swedish massage, facials for two and a three-course lunch at Terrace Restaurant for $465. The offers are available until February 28.
They say laughter is an aphrodisiac, so a night at Second City is the perfect way to set the mood. The popular comedy club has a special romance-themed show for Valentine’s Day where they poke fun at dating, hookups, missed connections and everything else that comes along with love and dating. The show plays February 13, 14 and 17, and tickets start at $26.
