5 Romantic date spots across the country

You don’t have to journey out to an exotic location to have a romantic date. These special spots are located in and around some of Canada’s biggest cities, so you can plan a romantic summer date with ease.

If you love hiking and seeing beautiful sights as a couple but are tired of your usual treks, visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge Park will make for a very special date. The park is located in North Vancouver, just a short drive from downtown. If you don’t have a car, a free shuttle is available to get you there. Once there, you’ll be able to spend as long as you want, walking across the Suspension Bridge, making your way along the one-of-a-kind Cliffwalk, seeing the forest in a different light from the height of the Treetops Adventure and strolling along the many forest paths. Keep in mind the area is a big tourist attraction, so it isn’t a “hole in the wall” kind of date spot. Although other people might be walking around, rest assured that standing in the middle of a bridge overlooking the Capilano River and strolling through the West Coast rainforest with your special someone will still be incredibly romantic.

A park on an island? Getting away from the concrete of the city doesn’t get much better than that. And that’s exactly what you’ll get when you head out for a romantic walk through Prince’s Island Park, which is located right in the middle of the Bow River. The park is filled with beautiful bridges, forested areas, colourful flowers, elegant fountains, unique artwork and much more. You can spend the day wandering the many paths, or sit down on a bench and enjoy a quality conversation by the water. When hunger strikes, stop in at the River Café for lunch or dinner. Snag a cozy table by the window if you can, and enjoy the delicious food with a view of the great outdoors.

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In a bustling city like Toronto, it can often seem challenging to take a break from the fast-paced, modern-day life. But a return to times past is exactly what you’ll get when you enter the cobblestone streets of The Distillery Historic District, located at Parliament Street and Front Street East. Not only does it have a wonderfully romantic historic feel, but it also has a huge number of shops to check out to keep you entertained and to give you plenty to talk about and bond over. You can start your day by strolling through the lovely art galleries and maybe even getting each other special tokens at one of the many boutiques promoting local artisans. If the mood strikes you, catch a show at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts. Then finish off your evening with a romantic, elegant dinner at the Tappo Wine Bar and Restaurant.

For a relaxed day spent enjoying each other’s company, go for a stroll in Point Pleasant Park. Whether you pass the day walking along the water or sitting under a tree, it’s a great way to spend some quality one-on-one time. You can even pack up a picnic to enjoy together when you find the perfect romantic spot with just the right view. And for dinner? Make your way up to Salty’s, a restaurant with a beautiful view, overlooking the harbourfront. As a budget-friendly option, you can dine at the bar and grill downstairs, or for a more romantic, pull-out-all-the-stops kind of evening, visit the restaurant upstairs.

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When you’re trudging through the streets of Montreal during your busy workweek, it’s easy to forget just how beautiful the city really is. For a special date, grab your partner, and go for a walk up Mount Royal to Mount Royal Park. There you’ll find the highest point in Montreal, with beautiful lookouts that give you a panoramic view of the city below. This wonderful 200-hectare park also provides a range of fun activities for you to do as a couple, depending on the season. You can go sledding, cross-country skiing or skating in the winter, and in the summer, spend the day picnicking, kite flying, rollerblading or playing Frisbee. For a romantic end to your day, stroll down to Restaurant l’Express for an authentic French bistro feel and fabulous food.

Photo credit: M. Georges Zimbel

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