Life can get busy, but whether you’re dating, engaged, or married, it’s still important to plan time to go out. Not only can you chat and spend time together, but date nights help you bond and build your relationship. Toronto is the perfect place to explore, no matter the time of year, and there are plenty of things to do in and around the city. So take a peek at our cute date ideas in Toronto, and plan a year’s worth of activities at once.
January – Cheer on a Toronto Sports Team
The weather may be chilly outside, but a lot of action is happening indoors for the couple who enjoys watching sports. Plan a night to watch the Toronto Raptors drop some 3’s and play tight defence as they battle their way back to the playoffs. Another option is to cheer on the high-powered offence of the Toronto Maple Leafs as they look to maintain their place at the top of their division. January typically offers a more laid-back schedule, so you could always plan to see both teams during the month.
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February – La Poutine Week
If you and your partner are avid foodies, mark February to find the perfect poutine. Not familiar with poutine? It’s French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, and it’s been dubbed Canada’s “unofficial official food.” La Poutine Week focuses on sampling various chef-created poutine-centric dishes all over the city. Perhaps a favourite part of this event is that it raises money for charity. So although it may be one of the most unique date ideas for winter, you can do good as you taste your way through the city.
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March – Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival
Love to laugh? Who doesn’t? Couples who laugh together and love to have fun tend to stay happier. Plus, hearty belly laughs are good for the soul, and you can find plenty of reasons to smile at the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival. A group of comedians founded the festival in 2005, and it has grown to include 12 days of some of the most hilarious sketch comedies around. If you want to have fun or just need a reason to laugh, make plans to go in March.
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April – Toronto Zoo
When the weather starts to get warm, the animals are more active, which is the perfect reason to head to the Toronto Zoo to see the exhibits. Channel your inner child and ride the Conservation Carousel, and walk through the Greenhouse to learn about plants. If you go on the weekend, you can ride the TundraAir Ride and traverse the Gorilla Climb Ropes Course. But, of course, the main attraction is the animals, so be sure to have your smartphone ready to capture their antics.
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May – Doors Open Toronto
Whether you’re house-hunting or simply love architecture, ask your beau on a date to explore Doors Open Toronto in late May. The event allows significant buildings to open their doors and offer tours that aren’t available at other times of the year. Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse via open studios, walking tours, and talks with knowledgeable architects. Whether you’re looking for design inspiration or are just curious about various buildings, it’s an event not to miss.
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June – Canadian Music Week
Part festival, part educational, Canadian Music Week is a conference coupled with live music events throughout the event. Whether you and your partner like rock, hip-hop, or indie tunes, you can hear just about any genre all week long. There are also thoughtful panel discussions and lectures if you wish to dive deeper into learning about the world of music. Whether you casually listen or fully immerse yourself, this is one of the more interesting date ideas for summer in Toronto.
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July – Beaches International Jazz Festival
Summertime is perfect when it includes music, and it’s even better when tunes are coupled with time at the beach. If that sounds fabulous to you and your partner, then head to the Beaches International Jazz Festival! Hear local and international jazz acts in this festival that lasts all month. There are also food trucks to keep you fed as you enjoy the sounds at this fun event.
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August – Canadian National Exhibition
It isn’t easy to describe the Canadian National Exhibition because there truly is so much to do. Fondly called “The Ex,” this event features shopping markets with vendors, local artisans, and plenty of live music. You can also experience a fair-like atmosphere with rides and plenty of colourful displays. Unique food creations are also on hand as you enjoy night after night of fun. Once you go, you’ll probably want to head back to this multi-week event in late August.
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September – Toronto International Festival of Authors
Bookworms unite! If you and your beau can’t get enough of reading, going to the annual Toronto International Festival of Authors is a must. You can read books from their suggested reading list, meet authors, hear lectures, and participate in discussions. For the couple who enjoys a good read, this 10-day event holds many opportunities to delve into books in another way besides simply flipping pages.
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October – Toronto Chocolate Festival
Romance and chocolate go hand in hand, so make plans to head to the Toronto Chocolate Festival in October. This month-long event features chocolate tastings and pairings, such as finding the perfect wine or beer to have with the decadent sweet. You can also go on a date night to the Chocolate Ball or have a chocolatey afternoon tea. No matter when you head to the festival, there will be tasty desserts just waiting for you to savour.
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November – The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
Even though November isn’t technically winter according to the calendar, it is the month to head to The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Known to locals simply as “The Royal,” the event focuses on agriculture and equestrian events. One quirky aspect is their exhibition of butter sculptures, which are worth seeing, but there is also live music and square dancing to enjoy. It’s a fun throwback event over 100 years in the making.
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December – Glow Christmas Toronto
By the time you get to December, the holiday spirit abounds, so capitalize on those feelings by heading to Glow Christmas Toronto. Hold hands as you walk through thousands of twinkling lights, and be sure to snap a few photos along the way. Gawk at the large light displays, and enjoy live entertainment while you’re there. Plan to spend the entire day together as you visit the artisan and vendor market area. Plus, you can purchase food and drinks on-site. It’s genuinely one of the best date ideas for winter in Toronto, so don’t miss it!
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