Thinking of a unique place to go on a first date can be stressful sometimes. You want to wow them and do something other than coffee or drinks, but you don't want to be too out there. You also don't want to spend too much money, with it being a first date and all.
Luckily for you, Toronto's full of amazing places to take a first date, and not all of them are costly. If you're stuck on ideas, here are some of our best picks.
1. Spend a romantic morning at Allan Gardens.
Ever since the movie Chloe with Amanda Seyfried, I can't help but see Allan Gardens as a place of romance. Take a walk around the beautiful botanical garden and then head to Bulldog Coffee for a Rainbow Latte. It'll be a day full of cute Instagrams (and romance).
2. Take them to Fonda Lola's hidden gem patio.
Wow your date with the best Mexican food they'll ever taste, at Fonda Lola. They have $6 drink specials from 5 to 7 PM everyday and free salsa lesson nights on July 14th, August 11th, and September 8th.
3. Take them to the Steam Whistle Brewery.
Go on one of their tours together and get a fun history lesson while sampling some craft beer. Afterwards, explore the train museum and maybe take some cute photos.
4. Take them on a bike adventure around the Toronto Islands.
If they haven't really explored the Toronto Islands before, spend the day biking around (because walking will just exhaust you both out). Take the ferry back in the evening so you get a sick view of the skyline with all the pretty colours of the sky.
5. Take them to see Marco Sassone's new exhibition.
Your date's probably already been to the AGO, so why not take them somewhere new to look at art? Knighted Italian painter Marco Sassone's latest exhibition, Marco Sassone: His Boots and Other Works, is now open at the Bata Shoe Museum.
6. Take them to listen to some jazz at the Beaches Jazz Festival.
There's just something so romantic about jazz music. Show your date your romantic side and take them to the Beaches Jazz Festival. It's happening July 2nd to 24th.
7. Take them to the stunning Toronto Music Garden.
Not a fan of jazz music? Take them to the Toronto Music Garden instead and listen to beautiful love ballads. Concerts take place on most Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
8. Take them out for a nice meal during Summerlicious.
If your date's a huge foodie (you can tell by taking a quick glance their Instagram), impress them by taking them to a nice restaurant during Summerlicious. The prix fixe menus make everything so much more affordable. It's happening July 8th to 24th this summer, and you can choose between over 220 restaurants.
9. Be dance partners at Salsa on St. Clair.
Ever gone salsa dancing on a first date? There's no better time to try it out than at the Salsa on St. Clair festival. If you're not a good dancer, at least it won't be as embarrassing with so many people around.
10. Dance along the Harbourfront together.
Does salsa sound too intimidating to you? Learn swing or jazz dancing with your date instead. Happening at the Harbourfront Centre every week, all summer long.
11. Get your hands dirty together at Figment Toronto.
Try something new together and do some collaborative art at Figment Toronto. It's a free event and you can check it out at the Olympic Island July 23rd to 24th.
12. Face them in ping pong at SPiN Toronto.
Ping pong your way to your date's heart. Take them for a day date (walk-in rates are cheaper before 5 PM) and grab a coffee at Quantum afterwards.
13. Hike around the Scarborough Bluffs with them.
If you're both nature lovers, spend an afternoon walking around the Bluffs and stay for the sunset.
14. Drink together at Toronto’s Festival of Beer.
If you both love beer and live music, pay a visit to Toronto’s Festival of Beer. It's happening July 22nd to 24th at Sherbourne Common Park.
15. Eat vegan at the Toronto Vegan Food and Drink Festival.
Are you or your date vegans? Whether you are or not, you can't deny that vegan food is delicious as hell. Check out the festival August 13th at Fort York.
16. Take them to the Toronto Cider Festival.
It's not too soon to spend a day at the "cottage" together, is it? The theme of the second annual Toronto Cider Festival is all about the beloved cottage life, complete with a cottage lounging area, a BBQ pit, and much more. It's happening August 27th at Yonge-Dundas Square.
17. Take them to the Ex.
Attempt to impress your date by trying your hand at carnival games. Also enjoy the sketchy rides and eat some weird things. It'll be the most interesting first date experience. The Ex is open August 19th to September 5th this summer.
18. Watch a movie together at the Christie Pits Film Festival.
Start off your summer romance with a screening of Romeo + Juliet. Screenings are happening every Sunday at sunset at Christie Pits Park, all summer long. All shows are PWYC.
19. Explore Kensington Market with them.
Explore part of the city as an afternoon date. Grab a bite at Moo Frites and a coffee at FIKA Café, then relax at the Kensington rooftop parking garage.
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