Valentine’s Day in Toronto

By Elli Davis, February 10, 2012

Valentines Day by Selena N B H

The abundance of red and pink, heart-shaped chocolates and balloons everywhere in Toronto keep reminding us that Valentine’s Day is coming soon! Some might find it annoying, but the fact is that to many, this day is special. If you do not have anything planned yet, here are some suggestions for how to spend the day or even the entire Valentine’s weekend in Toronto and various destinations all over Ontario.

What is Valentine’s Day?

The first question that needs to be answered is why we even celebrate Valentine’s Day. Where did this tradition come from? In spite of the fact that Valentine’s Day is a very commercial holiday, it initially was quite religious. The story about the origin of this day is not quite clear. Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different martyred saints named Valentine (Valentinus).

The story of the most famous of these goes back to the third century Rome. Valentine was apparently a priest who, despite the orders of Emperor Claudius II who believed single men were better soldiers, secretly performed marriages for young lovers. Once the Emperor found out, Valentine was put to death. He is said to have sent the first Valentine's card to the girl he loved from prison. What a romantic hero! Valentine’s Day is often said to be celebrated as a commemoration of his death.

Antique Valentine's Card by Wikimedia Commons

There are also those who believe that the origins of this holiday are very much associated with the mid-February pagan fertility festivals in Europe. The Christian Church, in order to somehow Christianize these celebrations, might have decided to celebrate the day of love on February the 14th. Despite the mysterious roots of Valentine’s Day, it is a fact that in the middle of the 19th century, the holiday spread all around the US and Canada massively.

Even today, Canadians seems to absolutely love this day! No wonder it is one of the most successful holidays for businesses, alongside Christmas, Easter, and Halloween. Apparently, about 84 per cent of us celebrate Valentine’s day. In 2006, 60.9 per cent of all those celebrating this holiday spend on average $100.89 on a present for their partner. Unsurprisingly, cards, chocolate and flowers are the most popular items of Valentine’s Day. Approximately 77 per cent of adult Canadians do not forget to buy chocolates as a part of their Valentine’s Day gift. Material gifts are not enough for everyone, however. What about those Torontonians who want to spend a romantic night or a fabulous Valentines weekend? Here is a little advice.

Ontario Getaways

Those who want Valentine’s Day to last longer than 24 hours should consider a romantic weekend trip. You do not have to travel far to have a lovely time: Ontario offers everything you are going to need in order to spend a wonderful and unforgettable few days. Even though February 14th falls on a Tuesday this year, a number of resorts offer special deals for the weekend before or after the 14th.

Pine Vista Resort

932 Gilchrist Bay Road, Lakefield

One of the loveliest cottage resorts in Ontario, Pine Vista is located approximately an hour and a half northeast of Toronto. While this award-winning, 4-star resort is a beautiful place to visit all year round, its special Valentine’s offer is absolutely irresistible. Just imagine spending two nights in a cozy cottage with a romantic wood burning fireplace and a private whirlpool bathtub. You would not even have to bother with catering. A bottle of wine, chocolates and fresh strawberries will be waiting just for you in your gift basket.

To make your stay even more special, you and your partner may go for a horse-drawn sleigh ride enjoying the view of the wonderful winter countryside. The Valentine’s weekend package is available from February 10th to February 16th for $375 per couple. Would you like to stay more than two nights? This should not be a problem. You can add a third night for 50 per cent off the normal daily rate. Have fun!

The Briars Resort & Spa
55 Hedge Road, Jacksons Point

The Briars Resort & Spa

This heritage Ontario lakeside resort located about an hour from Toronto will make you forget you are so close to your home. Surrounded by trees, rivers and the Lake Simcoe shoreline, the Briars is an ideal place to spend a perfect weekend getaway with your partner. You are welcome to stay at the resort any time of the year, and from February 10th to 16th, you and your partner can enjoy the “Touch of Romance” it offers. The special Valentine’s Day Inn Plus Guest Room package includes a chocolate gift box, comfy robes just for you, three meals a day and, if you stay two or more nights, a bottle of wine. In addition to the regular menu, a special Valentine’s menu including Lobster and Crab Ravioli and a special dessert for two is available every night.

If you would also like to meet up with other guests on the weekend, you are invited to participate in the special dinner dance on Saturday the 11th. If relaxation is what you are looking for, visit the spa for a couple’s massage or a soothing session of cocoa aromatherapy. The price ranges from $139 per person per night on Sunday to Thursday to $169 per person per night on Friday and Saturday.

Christie’s Mill Inn & Spa
263 Port Severn Road North, Port Severn

The popular, European-style inn located on the Muskoka peninsula will win you over on Valentine’s Day. Choose a package to stay in one of 41 French-country-classic-style guest rooms. The price of a special Valentine's Day package starts at $435 per couple and it includes accommodation, one romantic dinner for two, breakfast on both mornings, and a special delivery to your room consisting of chocolates and a bottle of sparkling wine.

A special Valentine’s Day gourmet menu is available from February 12th to 14th and is ready to please your taste buds with gourmet dishes such as rock lobster cocktail, lamb osso bucco, and a chocolate strawberry heart. Regarding entertainment, in case admiring the natural beauty surrounding the hotel does not sound appealing, you can relax at the spa or enjoy nightly entertainment with Ken Meyer. Sounds good!

Nottawasaga Resort
6015 Highway 89, Alliston

The winner of the 2011 Toronto Sun Reader’s Choice Gold Award for Favourite Ontario Resort, located in the Nottawasaga Valley, offers a special Valentine’s Day deal as well. The offer includes accommodation for two in the Deluxe Junior Suite with a king sized bed, fireplace and Jacuzzi, a delicious four-course Valentine’s Dinner in the Mahogany Room (dress code: no shorts or sandals), a country buffet breakfast, a cocktail, and an appetizer in the resort’s Starlite Lounge, and an unbelievable one-hour massage. Spend a weekend here and charm your partner all over again.

The Village Inn
39 Queen Street, Lakefield

Located just 90 minutes northeast of Toronto, the Village Inn is a great choice for all those who enjoy a nice, warm and welcoming country atmosphere. The inn’s Valentine’s Day package includes one-night accommodation for two in a classic or balcony room, dinner for two at Cassis Bistro, a continental breakfast, and a bottle of champagne or wine. The cost for all of this is $219.00 (excluding taxes) and if you stay for two nights, the second night will only cost you $89.00. Do not worry: this is country charm with city conveniences: there is a spa at the nearby Salon Sorella and, importantly, high-speed internet and a large-screen TV with cable.

Toronto

Restaurants

Valentine's Dinner by Jon Billings

The first thing that comes to mind for many of us is to take your partner to a lovely restaurant for a romantic (and delicious) dinner. Many restaurants in Toronto offer special deals for Valentine’s Day; it is up to you to choose which one of them you would like to visit the most. If you are looking for suggestions, you may want to take a look at some previously posted Toronto restaurant reviews that clearly show which restaurants I think are worth to a visit.

Not Only for Lovers

Go to the Zoo
361A Old Finch Avenue, Toronto

Spending a cold winter afternoon at the zoo might not exactly be the dream for every couple on Valentine's Day, but for some people it may sound like a dream date! Not only that, it is something you can share with your children to show them you love them too. On February 11th and 12th, the Toronto Zoo invites all the kids to "celebrate Valentine’s Day with your favourite striped, spotted, and furry friends." Every child under the age of 12 who brings a Valentine present for their favourite animal will get in free. The Zoo is open from 9:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. Pay a visit and enjoy - animals need love as well!

Anti Valentine’s Day Party
456 Wellington Street West

Sick of all the couples around you? Then you will absolutely love this event. The largest Singles' Anti Valentine’s Day Party in Toronto is to take place on Saturday, February the 11th at the C Lounge. If you enjoy being single and like pop music, come and have fun! The price of a ticket to the huge party is $19.99. Who knows? With more than 400 single men and women, you might well find your prince or princess at the party and never have to take part again. Do not forget to suit up!

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