Valentine’s Day in Toronto

Couples are spoilt for choice when it comes to Valentine’s Day in cosmopolitan and vibrant Toronto. But don’t go for the obvious gifts and activities; try some of these budget-mind alternatives to make the day more memorable! Here it is, some creative and funny Valentine’s Day ideas.

What to Do:

Winter sports (always popular) are a great way to start your day. Try something different like snowshoeing; invented by the Aboriginals, snowshoes are a traditional mode of transportation. Ideal for trekking over deep snow, a morning spent snowshoeing over sunlit landscapes in James Gardens will be sure to work up an appetite.

Next, stop for a romantic lunch at Embrujo Flamenco (97 Danforth Avenue) which offers Spanish tapas and features a flamenco show at 1:00 pm.

After lunch, head to the Royal Alexandra Theatre for a stage classic. Full of passion and upbeat music, Dirty Dancing is the ideal way to spend an afternoon pretending you’re loves young dream. Tickets start at a reasonable $26.

There’s so much entertainment on offer in Toronto that deciding what to do in the evening can seem a little daunting, but if snowshoeing doesn’t exhaust your love of sports try watching an exciting game of ice hockey (and reestablish a more masculine theme after an afternoon at a musical) in the Air Canada Centre (40 Bay Street). Watch the Maple Leafs in action from $30.

If fast sports aren’t to your liking, you can catch a Valentine’s Day screening of the iconic romance inspired by Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story. Held at Innis Town Hall,(2 Sussex Avenue) on the 13th at 7:00pm., admission is free.

Forget an over priced meal; finish the evening off with a tasty beavertail from Beaver Tails Pastry in Ontario Place. Take in the sight of the city and the C.N. Tower illuminated at night while making your way back to your Toronto hostel, but don’t forget first to pick up a local wine from the Niagara Peninsula. Sample the Cave Spring Riesling, a bargain at $14.15 a bottle.

Or if you’d rather spend the night dancing, go to the Annual Bump ‘N Grind Valentine. Recreating a cabaret night with tributes to legends such as Marlene Dietrich, the night promises the best in burlesque and starts at 9:30 at the Gladstone Hotel.

Where to Stay:

Toronto hostels can be found on the doorstep of the city’s many attractions and in the heart of the entertainment district. From here, enjoy easy access to shopping, bars, clubs and restaurants.

Book an affordable private room and look forward to a free Canadian pancake breakfast in the morning. You can also make a longer trip; explore further with a day trip to Niagara Falls.

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