Summer is often described as a season of love. Personally, for me season of love is spring, however, summer is definitely a perfect season for many romantic adventures. Daylight and warm evenings increase and summer opens doors for so many summer activities for couples. Simply put, don’t you dare waste your time indoors. From romantic getaways outside the city to cute picnics in local parks and leisurely bike rides, you're bound to find something that excites both of you.
Whether you’re looking for fun or romantic date ideas, find some inspiration in this Summer 2022 in Toronto collection.
Romantic Things to Do in Toronto
Watch the Sunset
As someone put it, “You have to travel far to see the wonders of the world but sunsets can be appreciated in every corner of the earth.” Watching the sunset is always magical and this will surely bring some magic memories to your love story. However cheesy this activity might seem, it’s just hard to go wrong when you’re surrounded by natural beauty.
If you want a glorious viewing experience, consider these places:
- Ontario Place (955 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto, ON M6K 3B9)
- Riverdale Park (550 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 2N6)
- Humber Bay Arch Bridge (Martin Goodman Trail, Toronto, ON M8X 3M9)
- HTO Park (339 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5V 1A2)
- Toronto Islands (Lake Ontario)
- Tommy Thompson Park (1 Leslie St, Toronto, ON M4M 3M2)
- Polson Pier (11 Polson St, Toronto, ON M5A 1A4)
Go Stargazing
“If I had a star for every time you brightened my day, I’d have a galaxy in my hand.”
No one will argue that stargazing is romantic and blissfully relaxing. A bottle of wine, thick blankets and the right spot will ensure an intimate date night. Besides, this romantic couple activity naturally leads to in-depth conversations. Some food might be a good idea too. Some more pieces of advice would be to take binoculars, learn some constellations and make use of stargazing Apps if you have no clue of constellations and other cosmic bodies. Unfortunately, stargazing in a city with light pollution like Toronto is hardly feasible and won’t bring much pleasure. So, check these stargazing spots near Toronto
- Algonquin Provincial Park (276km)
- Binbrook Conservation Area (87 km)
- Fingal Wildlife Management Area
- Lennox and Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area (257km)
- Long Point Bird Observatory
- North Frontenac Dark Sky Preserve (293 km)
- The Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve (193 km)
Rooftop Date
While eating out is a great classic couple activity, having dinner or drinks on the rooftop cannot be banal, at least because of the jaw-dropping views. Besides, it’s a great way to escape the loud noise of the big city but still stay outdoors while enjoying your drinks.
Dine on the Patio
Summer dates should take place in the fresh air and a refreshing drink on a patio in the evening sounds perfect.
Carefully choose a patio. It needn’t be the fanciest restaurant in the city but a cozy one with a beautiful view will create the right ambiance. Reserve it in advance so that you don’t have to wait half an hour before they have a table for you.
A patio in beautiful surroundings in a peaceful area will do its thing and help create a romantic atmosphere.
Enjoy the 6ix from the CN Tower
Are you one of the Torontonians or newcomers that haven’t enjoyed the bird-like views of Toronto from the CN Tower? We bet, you’ll enjoy the breathtaking vistas, especially if you go on a clear day when you can see as far as Buffalo and Rochester.
Catch the Romantic Vibes at Casa Loma
Check what’s on at Casa Loma! This place is majestic throughout the year, especially in summer. They usually offer outdoor dining where you can enjoy the food, the lush gardens, the symphony orchestra and of course the castle itself.
Fun Couple Activities in Toronto
Go River Tubing near Toronto
Find yourselves on a tube slowly and lazily floating on one of Toronto’s peaceful waters while enjoying the picturesque scenery. Credit River, Elora Gorge, or Grand River are all within a 1–2-hour distance from Toronto. With slow currents and gorgeous weather, you’re bound to spend an amazing day enjoying yourselves.
In case you consider a longer getaway, think of going outside Ontario to Vermilion River or Saugeen River.
Go on a Picnic
Either in the afternoon or in the evening, a little picnic for just the two of you is a great leisure activity. All you need is that good weather and some delish food. Intimate conversations and fresh air are a free bonus. Besides, you don’t necessarily need to cook something special unless you enjoy cooking a lot. Some fruit, sandwiches and sweets are as much as necessary. You might also grab some beer or wine.
If there’s no suitable place in your area, we’d highly recommend these picnic spots:
In most cases, there is a first come, first serve rule.
- Ashbridges Bay
- Christie Pits Park
- Dovercourt Park
- High Park
- Dufferin Grove Park
- Riverdale East Park
- Toronto Islands
- Toronto Music Garden
- Trinity Bellwoods Park
- Withrow Park
Go Paddling
Kayaking, paddle boarding, or canoeing is an ideal option for a serene and romantic date. Make your date even more romantic by going paddling in the evening to gaze at the sunset. There are several rental places, Toronto Sup and Kayak, SUPGirlz, The Boat House, to name just a few.
Visit an Amusement Park
Tired of your daily routine? Amusement Park is an ideal place to run away from boredom and have fun together. You are not only lovers and partners, but you’re also friends who need some fun together.
SPOILER: psychologists say that fun helps increase relationship satisfaction.
Slides, rides and coasters are waiting for you there. Be ready to spend some time in queues but I bet you won’t notice how time passes thanks to conversations. We recommend doing some research in advance to decide on what rides you’d like to go on and those you’d rather skip.
Rent Bikes
If your other half is into sports, going cycling is a great date idea.
It’s both healthy and you can make it romantic. Having a route planned would be a great idea so that you don’t get lost, and it’s not cool to cycle on a road near cars or in a traffic jam. Also, think of the destination with a scenic view so that you could “…stand and stare”.
Consider these bike rental companies:
Wheel excitement
Sweet Pete’s Bike Shop
ALTERNATIVELY: if you already had a cycling date, try tandem cycling. Tandem cycling requires joint effort and action and it helps to test whether you can rely on each other. I am sure this will help you build new dimensions. For tandem bikes check Toronto Islands Bicycle Rental and Toronto Bicycle Tours.
Early Morning Walk
Certainly not for night owls but worth trying, especially in the early stages of your relationship! Walking dates help you get to know each other better, cost nothing and this kind of fitness perfectly brightens your mood (good mood helps the date go better). Strolling in green space in the early morning when everyone else is still asleep makes you feel as if there were just the two of you and helps better appreciate the morning magic. Besides, the chilling morning atmosphere will help you relax and naturally fall into conversations.
Go Roller-Skating/Rollerblading
One more way to combine something pleasant with something nice. Roller skating, as any physical activity, is good for you. It is never boring! Speeding up on a rink, leaving other people behind (but NOT YOUR DATE) and playing games such as H.O.R.S.E. or the game of tag is an amusing couple activity to try.
Wanna add some romance? Hold your hands, skate together, teach your date to skate if she/he is new to roller-skating, or teach them some stunts (Safety above all!).
So, if you have your rollers, rush to one of the two rinks in the High Park, Martin Goodman Trail, Riverdale Park East Outdoor Rink, Edward Gardens, Underpass Skatepark, Trinity Bellwoods Park, Toronto Islands or Vanderhoof Skatepark.
If you’d like to rent roller skates, think of SUSO.
Rent a Vespa
Are you dreaming of Italy but there is no chance to make it there this summer? Rent a Vespa and speed through the streets of beautiful Toronto. Well, these are not the old and narrow streets of Rome but you’ll find yourself in the same romantic atmosphere. Think of having pasta or stopping by for ice cream.
Wine Tasting in Niagara Vineyards
Have fun in local Niagara wineries while learning to differentiate between wine types and getting to know which food goes with what foods. Besides, you’ll surely get relaxed after several glasses. All of this while enjoying the beauty of the Niagara region.
Jump into Ball Pits
Remind yourselves of the carefree childhood days. Jumping into ball pits is a great and easy way. Experience childlike playfulness again, unwind and laugh a lot. You remember that laughter is the best medicine, don’t you?
Besides, it’s a great way to escape the scorching heat.
Discover Toronto’s Street Art
Are you art aficionados? Exploring street art can be a great activity to do together. Plan which spots you’d like to visit in advance using this map. Check the art and exchange your thoughts about it.
ADDED BONUS: this couple's activity is free of charge.
Take a Road Trip
Road trips are a great way for a couple to spend more time together. They are so much fun and they will let you see your significant other in the new environment. Also, they will let your couple add an adventurous note to your lives. Scenic views from the window of your car, unexplored places and new experiences together. You don’t need to drive far away because Ontario has so many amazing places to go on a road trip from Toronto. Revisit old places or discover some new ones in Ontario.
Cheap Date Ideas in Toronto This Summer
Cook Together and Pack a Picnic
Do you both enjoy cooking ? Then why not make something delectable together, pack it and enjoy a picnic in the fresh air? You’ll spend some quality time together while cooking and enjoy the food later. You can also bring some board games for two or play cards after you’ve tasted your meals.
Outdoor Movie Night
You don’t necessarily need to look for open-air cinemas. Just grab your laptop to the backyard, organize a pair of chairs or a comfy blanket and enjoy yourselves. If you have a projector, it’s even better but not a must.
Couple’s Massage at Home
This couple activity perfectly fits an indoor date. A relaxing evening together helps you strengthen your bond and refuel your feelings of affection. And there are even more benefits of such date nights. Just don’t forget to arrange some soft music in the background and dim lightning.
Go Window Shopping
Have you already walked down all your favourite parks in Toronto? Time to go window-shopping at your favourite shopping district. Take a look at the posh window stores, check the prices and postpone the shopping spree for the next time. This date is purely about the aesthetics of modern brick-and-mortar stores.
- Yonge Street
- Queen Street West
- Old Town
- City Centre
- Don Mills
Fly a Kite
Go to the local park and embrace your inner kids together. Lots of fun guaranteed.
Go Swimming
Beat the heat with a refreshing swim on one of the beaches in or around Toronto. Great options are:
Toronto Island Beaches
Woodbine Beach
Kew-Balmy Beach
Bluffer’s Park
First Date Ideas Toronto
We are strongly convinced that first dates are not about expensive trips or attempts to impress your other half with something extraterrestrial. First dates are about getting to know each other. You could book a horse riding tour or enjoy a picnic together, however, classical walks in the park or a dinner in a cafe sound much better for a first date, in our opinion. Such types of dates open room for conversations and let you get to know each other better. If the date goes well, you can spontaneously decide to come by a place you see on your way; say, during the walk or dinner you found out that you both enjoy bowling. Why not call and reserve a course for later that day? Otherwise, it will be a great date idea for your next date.
TIPS:
If you choose to take a stroll through Toronto, plan your itinerary in advance. Although we said that enormous effort seems oblivious for the first date, some effort should be made. So, don’t solely rely on your spontaneity. Some of the places to consider while planning your itinerary in Toronto are:
- The Cherry Beach
- Edwards Gardens
- High Park
- Mimico Waterfront Park
- G. Ross Lord Park
Many of the places listed above offer opportunities for further entertainment, say you can enjoy wildlife or bird watching. Alternatively, you can walk down the streets and check Toronto’s murals. The latter definitely requires an itinerary.
If you decide to explore Toronto’s food scene, choose the cafe or a restaurant in advance. Standing in a queue until there’s a free table is not what you want on your first date. There’s one disadvantage of this type of date: some people might have trouble deciding who pays in a cafe. So, think if this will not be burdensome for you.
Haven’t found a perfect couple activity for summer? Have a look at the collection of WOWnGO experiences brimming with extraordinary experiences and choose yours. If you feel up to having an indoor date, check our article on indoor date ideas in Toronto for winter. You read it correctly, for winter because there’re several ideas you’ll love trying out in summer.
