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7 ideas for romantic in-park dates

A couple exploring a trail in winter.

Valentine’s Day can be about more than roses and champagne.

Why not surprise your loved one(s) with a trip to the great outdoors? It’s a great opportunity to get in touch with nature and spend some quality time together.

If you’re not sure where to go, we’ve got you covered! Take a look at some of the romantic activities here at Ontario Parks:

Snowshoe through a winter wonderland

Upgrade your casual stroll to a full wilderness experience. Snowshoeing allows you to access trails sights you otherwise wouldn’t be able to see!

An abundance of parks offer snowshoe trails for you and your Valentine’s enjoyment.

Couple snowshoeing at Frontenac Provincial Park

No snowshoes? No problem! Algonquin, ArrowheadFrontenac, KillarneyPinery, Silent LakeWasaga Beach, and Windy Lake rent snowshoes.

Watch the sunset

A classic romantic activity with a wintery twist. Bundle up and make your way down to the beach for a view you’ll never forget.

Bring chairs and plenty of blankets. Sit back, relax, and watch the natural light show.

A sunset shining past a snow-covered coniferous tree on the shore of a frozen body of water

If you’re early birds, why not try waking up to watch the sunrise? Both the sunset and sunrise are spectacularly beautiful at Pinery Provincial Park.

Wish upon a star

If you’re already watching the sunset, you might as well stay for the stars!

For amateur astronomers, there are plenty of stargazing apps available on your phone to help you identify planets, stars, nebulae, and more!starry sky over treeline

Make sure to dress for the temperature and bring your hot beverage of choice in a thermos to keep warm. We suggest hot chocolate!

Walk through a fairy-tale forest lit by torches

Picture yourself wandering through trees with your love on a chilly winter night lit by only fire and the stars.

Sibbald Point Provincial Park holds their Fire and Stars Hikes throughout February.

view of torch on winter trail

Discovery staff lead a guided hike starting at 6:30 p.m. If you’d like to keep things intimate and hike on your own, the trail is open until 9:00 p.m.

Team up to land the big one

Nothing’s more romantic than starting a new hobby. Take a turn for the unexpected, and go on an ice fishing date!

A person holding a fishing rod standing on a frozen, snow-covered lake

For those who can get away during the week, visit Windy Lake Provincial Park!

Midweek yurt or cabin rentals are available. The staff at Windy Lake know all the ins and outs, and are happy to help you catch a big one!

Snuggle up while winter camping

Why choose just one activity, when you could take a trip and check a bunch off your list?

woman sitting inside yurt playing game

Destinations like Silent Lake Provincial Park and Quetico Provincial Park offer roofed accommodations to keep you toasty warm through the cold winter nights.

Spend the day ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, then return for a cozy night in.

Wherever you spend it, we hope you have a lovely Valentine’s Day, nature-lovers!

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