Ready for a winter adventure? Ideas to light a date fire!

Winter in South Eastern Ontario is nothing short of magical, offering you the chance to enjoy breathtaking snowy landscapes, cozy hideaways, and unique seasonal activities. If you’re looking for adventure or the comfort of a warm fireplace, this region has something special for every winter wonderland date. Try ice skating on scenic outdoor rinks or unwind with a couple’s massage; explore these fun ideas to create unforgettable memories together this winter.

1. Prince Edward County

• Snowshoeing, skating, cross-country skiing and sledding – A peaceful snowshoeing adventure through the park’s stunning landscapes, ideal for couples to enjoy nature’s winter beauty. You can rent snowshoes from the PEC Public Library.
• Winter Wine Tastings – Cozy up at one of the local wineries with intimate tastings of local wines, surrounded by the warmth of a fire.
• Chill in the chill! Enjoy a Spa Day at Wander the Spa, Ontario's first lakefront Nordic Spa opens in January 2025; thermotherapy, sauna rituals, and serene escapes to reconnect and relax. Unwind with a wellness package at the Drake Devonshire, they have several winter packages to cozy up to.

2. Rideau Lakes

• Ice Fishing on Rideau Lake – Experience the tranquillity of ice fishing together, with the option to warm up by a campfire and sip on hot cocoa.
• Tobogganing at Kin Park - Hit the slopes at Kin Park near Portland this winter! The toboggan hill at 2311 Harlem Road is perfect for all ages—thrilling yet family-friendly. Bring your sleds, tubes, or toboggans, and enjoy free parking and snowy fun with friends and family.
• Rideau Canal locks tour: What better way to get up close and personal with the UNESCO World Heritage site than with a self-drive tour of the locks? Rideau Lakes has six lock stations!

3. Kingston

• Skating at Market Square – Glide hand-in-hand on Kingston’s outdoor rink in the downtown core, followed by hot drinks at nearby cafes for some warming up. Visitors can also get in some public skating at local arenas including the Invista Centre, Centre 70, Cataraqui Community Centre, and the Memorial Centre, For a list of the Kingston outdoor rinks, check this link. Don’t have skates? No problem, visit Trailhead Skate Rental.
• Tango Neuvo dinner out – Enjoy a romantic dinner and immerse yourself in a global-inspired tapas experience in the elegant dining room or reserve a spot in the wine cellar for a private gathering.
• A Cozy Bookshop Date – Spend a relaxing afternoon browsing the shelves of Kingston’s Novel Idea, followed by reading together in a cozy café like the Sens Cafe.

4. Frontenac

• Winter Hiking at Frontenac Provincial Park – A romantic winter hike through the park’s snow-covered trails, with views of frozen lakes and peaceful woodlands.
• ATVing and snowmobiling – Multi-use rail trails such as the Frontenac K&P Trail and the Tay-Havelock Trail have special appeal to ATV users, providing a safe way to explore the Frontenac region and connecting many local communities.  These trails are shared with hikers, cyclists, equestrians and other users, so ATVs are expected to yield to others on the route. 

5. Lennox & Addington

• Explore the skies – Experience a romantic winter evening under one of Canada’s most pristine night skies at L&A County Dark Sky Viewing Area. Perfect for stargazing and astrophotography, this serene spot in Erinsville offers unforgettable views year-round. Visit on clear nights, especially near the new moon, for the best conditions. Bundle up and let the stars inspire your night.

6. Wolfe Island & Amherst Island

• Ferry Ride to Wolfe Island – Take a quiet ferry ride across the icy waters to Wolfe Island, followed by a walk through the peaceful winter scenery and wildlife spotting.
• Wolfe Island's quaint villages, such as Marysville, offer delightful cafes, shops, and historical sites to explore. Visit the Blue Moose Bed and Breakfast and have some fun with the chickens.
• Winter Bird Watching at Amherst Island – Spend the day exploring Amherst Island's winter wildlife, spotting snowy owls and other bird species.

7. Gananoque

• Reach new heights with a ride on 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours. These spectacular tours offer the most breathtaking views year-round from planned tours, custom charters and life-changing excursions. See the beauty, romance, and grandeur of the 1000 Islands from the air. 
• Winter Hiking at Thousand Islands National Park – Explore the peaceful beauty of the Discover the Gananoque Trails.
• Experience something old and something new at the 1000 Islands History Museum & Thousand Islands Boat Museum.

8. Brockville

• Historic Downtown Brockville Winter Walk – Explore Brockville’s charming streets, beautifully lit for the holidays, with cozy cafés and boutiques to pop into along the way.
• Ice Skating – A perfect date night with your partner, followed by hot cocoa to warm up.
• A Wellness Getaway – Brockville has it all for a wellness getaway in the 1000 Islands to help you shake off the winter blues.

9. Kemptville

• Winter Picnic on a trail. Pack a thermos of hot cocoa and enjoy a winter picnic while checking out the trails in the Ferguson Forest. The area is dog friendly, and there is a great park for them to catch a ball or a Frisbee.
• Explore Kemptville Brewing Co. – Visit a local craft brewery for a unique tasting experience, followed by a friendly gathering in the barn.
• Hockey: Join the hometown fans in the North Grenville Municipal Centre and cheer on the Kemptville 73's Junior A Hockey Team at CCHL home games this season.

10. Cornwall

• Escape Room Adventure: Work together to solve puzzles in an indoor escape room experience at a local venue, perfect for team-building and fun on a cold day.
• Outdoor skating: Weather dependent of course, but check out the outdoor rinks in Cornwall! There are five of them! 
• Park fun: Spend a day on the trails in one of the area’s parks. Check out the fun in Lamoureux Park, Guindon Park and Gray’s Creek Conservation Area.

11. Prescott-Russell

• Cold weather fun at Hammond Hill – If it’s skiing, snowmobiling or snowshoeing, check out the offerings at Hammond Hill. There are lots of trails to discover. You can also enjoy the excitement of winter glamping in a snowy landscape with all the comforts of luxury accommodations.

• More cheese, please!: Are you a cheese connoisseur? Then St-Albert cheese is the place to visit, and you can see how they make that delicious curd. 
• Hearty meal: The Moonshine BBQ and Smokehouse in Hawkesbury is sure to please. They craft exceptional meats by selecting local “AAA” beef and responsibly raised pork and chicken. The meat is slow-cooked for up to 16 hours over maple, cherry, and hickory woods with a signature spice rub, and the result is a mouthwatering flavour that delights every bite. 

11. SDG Counties

• PURE Organic Spa caters to people who want stress relief and relaxation in a serene atmosphere. PURE is the only licensed spa in Downtown Cornwall serving wine, champagne and beer. It’s located in a historic 2-storey brick building in the heart of downtown Cornwall. The second floor is devoted to a full make-up studio, hair salon, and two eyelash treatment sections.

• Take in a play at Upper Canada Playhouse – Live professional theatre and music to transport you to new worlds, new characters, new stories, new music, new laughs and new surprises performed by some of the best talent in the country.
• Go swimming! – Aside from a polar bear dip in the frigid waters of the St. Lawrence River, there are some public swim times in Cornwall at the Aquatic Centre. Check it out and go for a dip.
• Flea Market finds – A Sunday isn’t complete without a trip to the McHaffie Flea Market just north of Morrisburg on Highway 31. It’s open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Sunday, with 150 vendors on site.
• Tan’s Fusion by Nakon Thai has a new restaurant in Morrisburg that’s getting rave reviews. Located at 62 Main St.
• Snow much fun! Ski the trails at Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary east of Morrisburg. Bring your camera and catch some of the birds in action. Plus, check out the Countryside Adventures with a 3-kilometre skate through the forest at nearby Moose Creek.

The area is brimming with date ideas that will make this season memorable. Enjoy a peaceful snowshoe through the forest or indulge in a romantic dinner; the region’s charm shines brightest in the colder months. So, bundle up, embrace the winter magic, and let these experiences bring you closer to the one you love. Your perfect winter escape awaits right here in South Eastern Ontario.