Summer is when dating really heats up. No longer subjected to the winter blues, the longest, warmest days of the year means beautiful weather, tons of outdoor activities and the shedding of (many) layers. Make your summer sizzle with these summer dating ideas.
Summer Date Ideas
TIFF in the Park
Pump a little fresh air into your date with an outdoor movie courtesy of TIFF in the Park. Catching a flick outside combines two of the most classic dates into one: the picnic date along with the movie date. Grab some of your favourite snacks and cozy up to your sweetheart while watching classic films underneath the stars at David Pecaut Square every Wednesday at sundown, beginning July 2. You’re sure to get two thumbs up from your date with this idea.
Screening Schedule
More Film Festivals & Free Screenings
The Ex
Toronto’s favourite summer tradition is the perfect date spot because it combines a bunch of great activities in one location: food, people-watching and getting some fresh air. Indulge in the fried, Franken-weird foods the Ex has become famous for, but make sure you take a spin on the classic Swing Tower beforehand. Hit up the Midway games for some friendly competition, and then head over to the casino at night. Who knows? Maybe you’ll get lucky in more ways than one.
North By Northeast (NXNE)
When it comes to summer lovin’, you want to have a blast with your date, which is why gettin’ your groove on at NXNE is the perfect place to get close, and turn up the charm with your date. Whether you’re into music, film, art or comedy, NXNE provides ample choices of films, performances and installations across the city for you and your date to enjoy.
Check out the Concert Guide for more options
Toronto Blue Jays Game
Why spend a sunny day cooped up indoors at a bar watching the Jays when you and your date could be at the game in the fresh air (if the roof is open). Grab some popcorn, beer and your favourite foam finger and huddle in for the seventh-inning stretch. And, don’t be afraid to root for opposing teams – trash-talking is one of the best flirting techniques out there that might lead you to a home-run.
Home Game Schedule
Hot and Spicy Food Festival
Sometimes you have a hankerin’ for something hot and spicy – and sometimes that means lots of hot and spicy food. Grab your date and spend an afternoon at the Harbourfront Centre’s Hot and Spicy Food Festival hopping from booth to booth sampling the sizzling international cuisine. Check out the International Iron Chef Competition and see how the pros do it, so you can practice those moves at home.
Check out more Summer Festivals
Biking with Bike Share
There might not be a bicycle built for two available with Bike Share Toronto, but a day spent zooming around the city, thanks to the handy local network of rental bikes, will make any summer date seem like a breeze. Rent a couple of bikes on a sunny day and explore a new neighbourhood or park on wheels. A one-day pass costs $7, and for those who are feeling super energetic, a three-day pass runs $15.
Also check out: Exploring Toronto’s Bike Trails
iYellow Wine Club
There’s nothing more romantic, or highfalutin, than visiting a winery in the summer. Thankfully for Torontonians, the Niagara region is not that far from the city, especially when you can easily board a bus courtesy of Toronto’s iYellow Wine Club. The company’s Summer Wine Camp offers events, tours and classes in both Toronto and Ontario Wine Country. Taste, discuss, drink – it’s what summer days are made for.
Canada’s Wonderland
Send your relationship to new heights at Canada’s premier amusement park, just a short jaunt from downtown. Cuddle up to your sweetie at the new 4-D interactive attraction, Wonder’s Mountain Guardian, or hang onto them tightly on Leviathan, one of the tallest roller coasters in the world. Cool down later at the Splash Park and relax along the Lazy River. Afterwards, don’t forget to split one of the park’s infamous funnel cakes. Stay for the park’s fireworks, which might ignite your own.
Photo Gallery: Inside Canada’s Wonderland
Ed’s Real Scoop
Treat your date with a step back in time to their childhood by visiting Ed’s Real Scoop. The ice cream shop, which has several locations across the city, makes their ice cream in-store, and creates such unique flavours like Ginger, Crème Brulee and Burnt Marshmallow. Grab a second spoon and split a sundae, or gaze into each other’s eyes while sipping from the same milkshake.
Website
Toronto Islands
No summer is complete without a little sand and surf, and a trip to the Toronto Islands is basically getting away from it all without actually leaving the city. Amid a beautiful backdrop of Lake Ontario and the city skyline, spend a fun-filled day basking on one of the island’s picturesque (blue flag) beaches with your loved one. Adventurous types can tackle the Centreville Amusement Park or trek to the Gibralatr Point Lighthouse.