Valentines Day In Ontario
It’s that time of year again – Valentine’s Day is here, and like always, Toronto is prepared to help you celebrate the most romantic day of the year. Some of you may be intimidated by Valentine’s Day because the pressure is on to organize the best day possible for your partners. But really, there’s no reason to fret because there are countless options available for you to choose from.
Here are 14 cool things to do on Valentine’s Day:
1. Love Inn at The Gladstone
Dates: Feb 8-14
Fees: Please see website for information.
The Gladstone is hosting a full week of Valentine’s Day activities that you and your date could take advantage of. Some notable events include Lego + Lagers on Tuesday, Feb 9th at 5 PM, 36 Questions Over Fondue on Friday, Feb 12th at 7:30 PM, and The Original Crush Party hosted by I’d Tap That on Sunday, Feb 14th at 8 PM. Prices may vary depending on which events you choose to participate in. You can check out the full calendar of events here. In addition to these, the Gladstone also has a couple of Valentine’s Day specials, such as $50 romantic hotel room add-ons and 65-dollar prix fixe dinners.
2.Tasty Tours Chocolate Workshop and Tour
Dates: Feb 13-15
Fees: $35 – $49 per person
Chocolate is the best way to a sweet tooth’s heart. If your partner is a fan of sweets and treats, taking them to a chocolate workshop and tour would be perfect for Valentine’s Day! The workshop (Feb 13) is hosted by award-winning chocolatier, Odile Chocolat, and you’ll be able to make your very own gourmet truffles as well as taste-test some delectable chocolates. The tour (Feb 13, 14 or 15) takes you to hidden gems in Kensington Market where you can sample delicious treats, from cupcakes to churros, made by local shops in the area.
3. Deep Sea Soiree at Ripley’s Aquarium
Dates: Feb 14
Fees: $50 per person
Take your partner to a party underwater at Ripley’s Aquarium for the Deep Sea Soiree! Your $50 ticket buys you admission into the DJ-hosted party, access to light hor d’oeuvres, one drink ticket and a complimentary photo. The event is only for couples who are 19 years of age or older.
4. Love & Desire Workshop at the ROM
Dates: Feb 14
Fees: $80 per person
The ROM is a great option for lovers of art and history. A Love & Desire workshop is being held there on Valentine’s Day, and will entail insightful presentations, as well as tours through the ROM’s intimate collections and artifacts of famous lovers like Cleopatra and Hadrian. The workshop is for adults only.
5. First Comes Love at Toronto Zoo
Dates: Feb 13, 14
Fees: $85 per person
A visit to the Toronto Zoo on Valentine’s Day would definitely be satisfying for those who seek to do something unusual this year. The Zoo is hosting a First Comes Love event, where you’ll be treated to an amazing dinner, special animal encounters, interactive presentations about parenthood, and a tour of their Reproductive Labs (where you’ll get to see a couple of animals “in action”, if you know what I mean). The event is for adults only.
6. Brew Lover’s Ball by Mill St. Brewery
Dates: Feb 13
Fees: $69.99 + tax per person
Alcohol and music makes for an amazing combination. Mill St. Brewery is hosting its second annual Brew Lover’s Ball and will feature a live musical performance by Jeremy De Freitas, as well as Burlesque Show by She Pole Dance Studio. A 4-course beer-paired meal is also included.
7. Art & Wine With Your Valentine at Paintlounge
Dates: Feb 12-14
Fees: $70 + tax per couple
This Valentine’s Day, create something memorable with your partner at Paintlounge! They are hosting an art and wine event where you can get creative and intimate with your date. The admission fee gets you two solo freestyle painting sessions, as well as two drinks ( choose from red/white wine, beer, tea or coffee).
8. Connect + Shen Acupuncture
Dates: Feb 7-14
Fees: $120
Here’s a weird activity for you and your partner – the Roncesvalles Acupuncture clinic is offering acupuncture sessions for couples (and singles) that are specifically designed to “open the heart and trigger sexual energy”. Skip the aphrodisiacs and rely on the ancient Chinese practice instead to get you in the mood.
9. Beer and Food at St. Lawrence Market
Dates: Feb 14
Fees: $275
Lovers of food and the art of cooking will definitely appreciate the Beer and Food event at the St. Lawrence Market this Valentine’s Day. Spend your night in a kitchen with your partner and prepare a world-class dinner together, with guidance from topnotch chefs in the industry. Once your masterpiece is complete, you’ll then be joined by beer expert Professor Roger Mittag, who will help you select the perfect beers to pair with the dinner you’ve made.
10. La Vie All Star Weekend Party
Dates: Feb 11-14
Fees: Please see event site for information.
This year, Valentine’s Day lands on the same weekend as the NBA All Star Weekend. If you’re a couple that would rather skip the romantic activities and party hard instead, you guys should get your tickets to La Vie’s All Star Weekend party. Special appearances are to be made by A-Trak, Travis Scott, Amber Rose and other special celebrity guests!
11. Orchid Show at Toronto Botantical Garden
Dates: Feb 13, 14
Fees: $12
Hold off on the roses this year – Toronto Botanical Garden is holding its annual Southern Ontario Orchid Society Show this Valentine’s Day! See over 30,000 orchid blooms, art pieces and photography.
12. Valentine’s Fireside at Montgomery’s Inn
Dates: Feb 13
Fees: $40 + HST per couple
Spend a cozy night with your partner at Montgomery’s, one of Toronto’s historic inns. Indulge in mulled beverages, chocolate, cookies and crepes while listening to calming live music by the fireplace.
13. Le Tour De Cafe
Dates: Feb 13
Fees: $50 + HST
Savour Toronto’s Le Tour De Cafe is a nice twist on that standard coffee date. You’ll visit some of East Toronto’s most amazing independent cafés and pastry shops on this tour. You’ll also have the opportunity to try some tasty hot beverages and pastries around the city, as well as learn more about the booming coffee industry in Toronto.
14. SpeakEasy! 20’s Murder Mystery
Dates: Feb 14
Fees: $50.85-$87.00