Things to do in Toronto for Valentine's Day

By Tina Makuto

Regardless of what your ideal Valentine’s Day looks like, Toronto is a large city and there are a number of activities to get up to — no matter your relationship status. If you’ve been in a bit of a panic trying to figure out what to get up to this coming Valentine’s Day, worry no more.

If you want something classic and romantic…

For the couples: Ripley’s Aquarium “Deep Sea Soiree”

Photo: Shelby Taryn via ripleysaquaca on Instagram

On Feb. 14th, Ripley’s Aquarium will be opening its doors after hours from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. and invites you and yours for a romantic dinner. 

The event is 19+ and ticket sales are online through the Ripley’s Aquarium website. They are priced at $60+HST per person. This includes food and access to the venue. With a cash bar, live local music and a variety of food options who would want to pass up this experience?

For the singles: Wine and Chocolate Night

To all the wine sommeliers out there, New World Wine Tours and Sapori, invite you to a wine and chocolate night. Yeah, you read that right — a wine and chocolate night. On Feb 14th, join them at 1588 Dundas Street West for a night of tasting five different types of wines paired with unique chocolate dishes. 

The event is 19+ and tickets are sold online, message a friend and get out on February 14th for some chocolate and wine!

If you want something fun and exciting… 

For the couples and singles: ROM After Dark 

Photo: graymattervisuals via romtoronto on Instagram

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), has decided to open its doors after dark for an exciting, new event. The event runs from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and will showcase curated music, visual arts and immersive experiences. 

A student ticket costs $30.12, and includes entry to the event along with one complimentary food or drink item. Get your bae or bestie and go enjoy some art!

If you want something budget friendly…

For the couples: Toronto Light Festival

Photo: Nicholas Wong (atallasianguy) via tolightfest on Instagram

The Toronto Light Festival at the Distillery District is a visual event displaying different artists from around the world and their light-work. 

If you’re on a bit of a budget this V-day, don't fret! Toronto Light Festival is free and it’s sure to impress whoever you’re bringing. So message your partner — I’d recommend incorporating some lightbulb emojis — and bring them along for a night of views.

For the singles: Treat Yo’self!

Nothing beats the most classic, simple and easy to do V-Day tradition, treating yourself! Get some chocolate, invite your friends over, bake some cookies, order a heart-shaped pizza, watch some cheesy romantic comedies (check out this list of rom-coms you can find on Netflix Canada) and just relax. 

If you want to go all out… 

For the couples: Helicopter Tour Around Toronto

Photo: helitours on Instagram

If you’re looking for something exceptionally special (and expensive), to woo your date this V-day, you’re in luck. Helitours Toronto is offering 7-minute tours of this lovely city at the sweet price of $279 per couple. Tickets can be bought online and on Feb 14th there are available time slots from 12 p.m. to 3:47 p.m. 

For the singles and couples: Valentines Day Dinner & Ball

If you and your friends are looking for something incredibly extra to get up to this Valentine’s Day, this is the event for you. The Guild Inn Estate is hosting a Valentine’s Day Ball, which includes dinner, dancing and all the fun you could ever want out of Valentine’s Day. 

Ticket sales are completely online and are priced at $79.04 for general admission. The event is all ages and open to singles and couples alike. Get dressed up in your most appropriate ball attire and have fun!

Things to do over reading week that don't involve reading

By Mariah Siddiqui

With every semester, the time comes where students get a week off to study, or rather attempt to. For those of you who have been counting down the days until reading week, it is finally here!

If you find yourself with some time to spare while cramming for midterms and are in need of a break, here are some fun things you can do.

TIFF Next Wave Film Festival

The sixth annual TIFF Next Wave Film Festival will be from Feb. 17-19. The festival includes a Battle of the Scores competition, a Young Creators Co-Lab, free films for anyone under 25, a captivating movie marathon, and a whole lot more. If you are a big film junkie this is definitely the event for you.

Museum of Illusions

The end of the museum will have you doubting reality as the room twists and turns when you walk through it. (CanCulture/Mariah Siddiqui)

The end of the museum will have you doubting reality as the room twists and turns when you walk through it. (CanCulture/Mariah Siddiqui)

You will not believe your eyes when you walk through the rooms and observe each installation at the Museum of Illusions in Toronto. The tour includes a collection of holograms, optical illusions, and many more rooms that will be sure to drive your brain crazy trying to figure it out. Tickets can be bought here.

5th Annual Toronto Black Film Festival

This festival showcases outstanding, powerful black films and creates a safe space to discuss major cultural, social, and socio-economic issues. This festival celebrates Black History Month and gives unique voices in cinema a chance to express new and refreshing ways of viewing the world. It runs from Feb. 13-18.

Toronto Light Festival

The striking lights glow and catch your eye as soon as you walk through the entrance. (CanCulture/Mariah Siddiqui)

The striking lights glow and catch your eye as soon as you walk through the entrance. (CanCulture/Mariah Siddiqui)

This event will run until March 3 and will catch your attention the moment you arrive. You will see the Distillery District transformed into one of the largest open-air galleries in North America. Local and international light artists show off their innovative ideas in a visual journey. Walking through the brightly lit up neighbourhood will surely be unforgettable.

The Bentway Skate Trail

The Bentway sign can be seen when you walk under the Gardiner Expressway and onto the rink. (CanCulture/Mariah Siddiqui)

The Bentway sign can be seen when you walk under the Gardiner Expressway and onto the rink. (CanCulture/Mariah Siddiqui)

Whether you’re a pro-skater or the absolute opposite (like myself), I’m sure you wouldn’t mind falling once or twice on this amazing figure-8 shaped skate trail. It is open daily from noon to 9 p.m. on weekends and from 5 to 9 p.m. during the week. They offer skate rentals and skating lessons and you can even grab a snack or drink when you’re all done. The trail will be open until Feb. 18.

The Rec Room

The Rec Room building stands tall across from the Rogers Centre. (CanCulture/Mariah Siddiqui)

The Rec Room building stands tall across from the Rogers Centre. (CanCulture/Mariah Siddiqui)

Good Drinks? Tasty Food? Fun Games? Say no more, The Rec Room is the place for you. If you have a competitive side and like to have a good time with friends, this is the place to suggest when your group can’t decide on what to do. Between eating, the arcade games, and the various live acts, time will fly by. This classic venue is also hosting a Raptors vs. Spurs watch party on Feb. 22, so if you were going to watch the game you might as well do it here.

Denthreesixty

Denthreesixty, the GTA’s very first video game console arcade opened on Feb. 18. They offer dozens of games on game consoles or on classic arcade machines. If you are a video game lover make sure to check out this spot with your friends for a day of fun and some friendly competition.

Ice Breakers 2019 Art Exhibition

“Tripix” by Ryerson University stands out as a staple installation along the Harbourfront. (CanCulture/Mariah Siddiqui)

“Tripix” by Ryerson University stands out as a staple installation along the Harbourfront. (CanCulture/Mariah Siddiqui)

Go check out the five art installations along Queen’s Quay West from Harbourfront Centre to HTO West but make sure to bundle up! The theme of the exhibition is “Signal Transmission” and the installation, “Tripix” is by our very own Ryerson University.

Enjoy your reading week and make sure to check out some of these fun spots.