Is there anything more panic-inducing than planning a first date with a virtual stranger? If you’re looking for a fun activity that’s a little outside the box, forgo the classic dinner-and-a-movie night out and wow your date with one of these unique activities.
It’s easy to hibernate indoors during the cold depths of winter, but planning an active outdoor adventure can be a fun way to get to know one another. Outdoorsy individuals can strap on a pair of snowshoes and get some exercise while exploring some of the city’s snow-covered trails under the stars. Toronto Adventures offers guided snowshoeing expeditions on weekday evenings in High Park and Humber Valley to the west and Rouge Valley to the east. Warm up together with a hot chocolate or a boozy coffee afterwards.
Not just for tourists, these ghostly walking tours are a fabulous way for couples to explore the city’s darker history. Guides lead groups by lantern light through the haunted landmarks around Old Town Toronto, including the cobblestone streets of the Distillery District — an area steeped in spirits of the ethereal and alcoholic variety. A supernatural walk might not be the most romantic activity, but then again – you could find yourselves reaching for each other’s hands during some of the scarier moments.
Break the ice over a game of Battleship at this fully licensed board game café in Koreatown (or the craft-beer focused College Street location, Snakes and Lagers, if you prefer). There’s nothing like a fierce tabletop competition to bring out your date’s true colours and test out your compatibility. Whether or not you laugh (or cringe) over the same Cards Against Humanity jokes could reveal your potential for a long-lasting relationship. This popular hangout gets busy on the weekends but you should be able to snag a spot for two on weekday evenings.
Hoping to find a future doubles partner? Why not enjoy a spirited round of back-and-forth during a game of table tennis at this popular basement ping-pong bar. Couples can book tables by the hour and enjoy bar snacks and cocktails while you play; the boozy drinks might not improve your game but they should help calm your first-date jitters. If all goes well, there are plenty of trendy restaurants and nightclubs along the King West strip where you can continue your evening afterwards.