Are you in Toronto and looking for ideas on how to spend a pleasant day with your significant other? Do you want to relax in the heart of nature, explore attractions and history, and enjoy delicious food accompanied by a glass of fine wine? Around Toronto, many destinations meet all your expectations.
Below, we’re listing our suggestions for a romantic day trip near Toronto— the choice is yours!
Visit Elora- Ontario’s most beautiful village.
If you’re looking for a quiet, intimate, and romantic setting, visit Elora, just a 1.5-hour drive from Toronto. Elora is known as “Ontario’s most beautiful village” due to the fantastic scenery offered by the Elora Gorge, as well as its buildings featuring distinctive 19th-century limestone architecture.
One of the main rivers in Southern Ontario, the Grand River, flows through Elora, creating both the Elora Gorge and the Elora Quarry. While the first can be explored through nature hikes that let you admire its grandeur and wild beauty, the second offers a peaceful swim and relaxation on picturesque cliffs. On the Grand River stands a historic 19th-century building, now transformed into a luxurious hotel, offering fantastic views of the Elora waterfall. The waterfall creates a fairytale-like backdrop, making it the perfect setting for unforgettable photos as a memory of a special day. You can enjoy a delicious meal outdoors at the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa’s restaurant, and for relaxation, indulge in a couple’s massage at the hotel’s spa.
In Elora, the artistic spirit is felt in the air. You’ll find it in the small art galleries where works by local artists are on display. Visit the Elora Centre for the Arts to feel the creative soul of this small town. However, you’ll also encounter art throughout the streets of the city, decorated with sculptures, turning the entire village into a work of art. As you stroll hand in hand through the streets of Elora, you can enjoy a coffee in the small cafés, far from the noise of the city.
Visit Stratford for a charming European experience.
If you enjoy strolling hand in hand through streets with European charm, consider visiting Stratford for a romantic day trip near Toronto. Drive just 1.5 hours from Toronto and immerse yourself in nature, stroll charming streets, wander riverside promenades, and enjoy a world-class theatre experience. Start your morning in Stratford, enjoying an artisanal coffee from Balzac’s Coffee Roasters, located in a historic building dating back to 1895. Walking on the historic-looking streets, you can notice small boutique shops and art galleries where artworks by local artists are exhibited for sale.
The Avon River flows through the town, providing a picturesque view along its promenades. You can rent a canoe or a pedal boat and paddle through the calm waters of the river, accompanied by white swans.
Visit Shakespeare’s Garden to witness the intimacy and the romanticism you are looking for. Be inspired by the surrounding environment, with over 60 types of plants, a beautiful stone sundial, rose gardens, and walking paths.
If you truly want to surprise your partner, visit Stratford between April and October. Enjoy the classical works of Shakespeare performed at the Stratford Festival. It could be a special gift for the one you love. Experience a more casual and joyful vibe in July and August. The Stratford Summer Music Festival fills the riverside with lively outdoor performances across a variety of genres.
For a warm and intimate lunch experience, choose The Prune Restaurant. The chef prepares dishes with fresh ingredients, pairs them with selected wines, and creates a romantic ambience.
Niagara-on-the-Lake pairs the best wine with a charming atmosphere.
The romantic atmosphere is palpable on the streets lined with trees and colourful flowers in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Small boutique shops and cozy cafés line the streets on both sides. The historic architecture of the town gives you the feeling that you have travelled back in time. In Niagara-on-the-Lake, time feels like it stands still, and all you need to do is enjoy the town’s atmosphere and each other’s company. To visit every little street in the city and get to know its history a bit more, take a horse-drawn carriage ride. What could be more romantic than that?! Horse-drawn carriage drivers will share stories from the town’s past that make it both mysterious and timeless.
In this small town, you will find some of the most renowned wineries worldwide. Book a vineyard tour accompanied by dedicated sommelier guides and a private table among the vineyards at Inniskillin Winery. If your visit falls between April and December, you can attend the region’s most significant cultural event, the Shaw Festival. There, you’ll enjoy world-class theatrical performances. Don’t miss the sunset over Lake Ontario. This inspiring atmosphere can be a source of meaningful conversations.
Just outside Niagara-on-the-Lake lies the world-famous Niagara Falls. If you’re a couple who loves adrenaline, book a boat tour with toniagara.com — it’s sure to be a day you’ll never forget.
Discover Romance and Adventure at Blue Mountain Village.
Whether you are a couple seeking relaxation, romance, and adventure, visit the Blue Mountains. It is situated 2 hours’ drive from Toronto on the southern shore of Georgian Bay. You can start your visit to Blue Mountain by strolling through the small alpine-style village streets. In the shops beneath the characteristic buildings, you can enjoy a gelato or hot chocolate. Take a ride on the panoramic gondola by going up to the top of the mountain to have a clear view of Georgian Bay and the Niagara Escarpment. There, you can take the most beautiful photos as a memory of this unforgettable day. Challenge your limits together and create adventure-filled memories. Fly on a zip line over the forest, feeling the adrenaline beneath your feet. These fun activities strengthen your bond through trust, communication, and shared courage.
To enjoy a romantic lunch or dinner in Blue Mountain, we recommend visiting Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill. Dine on the restaurant’s outdoor terrace for a romantic experience with stunning views of the mountains.
To end the day on a pleasant note, relax at the Scandinave Spa. Enjoy a private couples’ massage and cherish quality time together.
Book a private tour with toniagara.com to ensure everything is well-organized by professional tour guides. We pick you up from your hotel in Toronto and accompany you on a tour that covers all the attractions of this magical destination.
Toronto Islands – A Peaceful Escape Just Minutes from Downtown.
If you want to escape the city noise and spend quality time with your partner, take a ferry ride from downtown for a romantic day trip near Toronto. The Toronto Islands are just 13 minutes away. This group of 15 islands, connected by bridges and pathways, invites you to embark on a peaceful adventure together. You can pedal together through the greenery or have a picnic by the lake, in a serene and romantic atmosphere.
Visit Ward’s Island, where you’ll find peace in a small, car-free community. Meanwhile, you can also visit the most popular of the Toronto Islands, Centre Island. Walking hand in hand through the beautifully designed gardens, Centreville Park, or the island’s sandy beaches is a unique experience. It’s a special moment to share with your loved one.
Experience the warm local hospitality as you explore one of the cozy island cafés. You can also browse shops offering artisanal ice cream and sweet treats. Afterward, unwind on the scenic lakeside patio of Carousel Café, where you can take in the beautiful view together. As the city lights gradually turn on one by one before your eyes, savour the magical moment and stay to watch the sunset, creating the perfect romantic ending to your day.
These are our suggestions for a romantic day trip near Toronto. Which of these will be your next romantic destination?
