Unusual Dates for the Adventurous

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we thought we’d list a few ideas for unusual and adventurous dates or romantic trips around the province. These romantic escapades span from a few hours long or can stretch on to a few days. Though they are best enjoyed with someone else, there’s nothing stopping you from treating your own dang self to a nice outing or heading out with your favourite friends.

Have a ByWard adventure in Ottawa

Start with a classic movie date at the lovely vintage Bytowne Theatre. Be warned, there is only one theatre and so only one show being played at a time so arrange your schedule carefully! Then explore the ByWard Market and stop at the Highlander for food and drinks. Finish it all off with a sweet treat at the Beaver Tails stall across the street.

Check out Lumina Borealis in Kingston

In February, there is a light show at Fort Henry in Kingston. Walk through an ethereal winter wonderland (literally) and enjoy the light show! Warm up after your walk at one of the many cafés or pubs along Princess Street -- or press on in the cold and go skating in Town Square!

(Source: @LuminaBorealis Twitter)

Wander Kensington Market in Toronto

Kensington Market in Toronto is one of the more vibrant and quirkier areas. Wander the shops and food places for a few hours. Get as many pictures of the street art as you can. Spontaneously choose where to have lunch or dinner. During the summer there are lots of festivals and musicians, too. If you want to add more excitement, challenge your date to a game: pick out a cheap item of vintage clothing at one of the many vintage shops for each other and you both have to wear the item during your meal as if it was part of your outfit. The more ridiculous the item, the better!

Escape to Manitoulin for the day

Take your date to the gorgeous Bridal Veil Falls (summer OR winter) for a short walk then head to the creperie in Gore Bay for some delicious lunch. Don’t forget to treat them to ice cream in Little Current on the way back home.

Have a midnight date at the Night Sky Viewing Platform in Lennox & Addington

North of Napanee is the clearest spot for stargazing in southern Ontario. Load your vehicle up with pillows and blankets, pack a few midnight snacks, and settle down to stare at the sky with your loved one. Don’t forget a kick*ss playlist, both for the date itself and for the drive to and from the platform. A bit of sweet coffee or chocolate may be in order to keep you bright eyed for this one.

Take a weekend trip to Bruce Peninsula

This is a multi-day adventure, so maybe not the best idea for a first date… But for everyone else, a weekend getaway to Bruce Peninsula is romantic af. There is a ridiculous number of cozy B&Bs to choose from, gorgeous lookouts to wow your partner with, and plenty of adrenaline inducing outdoor activities. Check out Flowerpot Island or go kayaking over shipwrecks in the summer.

Do the most touristy thing in your area

Get shamelessly and unabashedly enthusiastic for whatever it may be: a ghost walk, a brewery tour, or ... bungee jumping off of a tower?? Often times we find ourselves skipping over tourist activities in our own city because, well, we’re not tourists here! These can often be either cozy or adrenaline-packed and just a really good way to get to know someone. Wrap the evening up with a meal at a place suggested by your tour guide or whoever it is that runs your particular tourist activity.

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