15 Cozy and Romantic Winter Date Ideas for a Heartwarming Snowy Escape
Winter is the coziest time to be together.
Take your loved one outside for an adventure together this winter season. Whether you’re searching for serene nature vibes, hoping to impress them with your culinary skills in the snow, striving to get in some cuddle time in a relaxing outdoor setting or finding a fun way to get your hearts racing, we’ve got 15 of the best outdoorsy winter date ideas for you.
Ice Skating
There’s nothing quite like holding hands while gliding across a scenic expanse of ice beneath a breathtaking view of mountains or snow-capped trees. Lace up your skates and hit a nearby frozen pond, lake or river. Rinks open across the country throughout the winter, and there are some iconic places like Lake Louise in Alberta or the Rideau Canal Skateway in Ontario where you can dance on ice with your special someone. If you’re new to skating, consider taking a lesson together for a brave and exciting first date.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoes are an important tool for getting into snow-dappled areas in the winter, especially after a fresh snowfall. The wide decking on snowshoes provides flotation on new, light snow so you don’t sink in when tracks haven’t been made for you to follow. It might be harder for you to hold hands with your date, as you will have to “walk like a cowboy,” but trails like Cypress Mountain’s “Lights to the Lodge” transform snowshoeing into a magical, romantic journey. This easy trek follows beautiful lights strung through the forest for a whimsical fairytale experience. You’ll end up at the historic Hollyburn Lodge, where you can share a poutine and warm up with hot chocolate or mulled wine.
Winter Hiking
Wander through a local park, walk past meaningful locations to spark loving memories of your relationship or simply stroll through your neighbourhood in the sunshine while holding hands. Your winter hike can be as unique as your relationship. For an easy escapade, go for a shoreside stroll; for a challenging adventure, push yourself to complete an all-day mountainous trek. If you’re venturing into the backcountry, check Avalanche Canada for risks and warnings, come prepared with the right gear like crampons and have the necessary training.
Winter Picnic
For a simple meal in the Great Outdoors, enjoy a charcuterie board at a local park. Pack a cooler bag, backpack or basket with your favourite decadent delights: cheese, meats, pickles and crackers. Bring a blanket with a waterproof bottom and dress in layers to stay warm while relaxing. If you want to take your backcountry banquet to the next level, tap into your inner chef and whip up a romantic dinner on the shores of an iridescent lake or at the top of a scenic summit.
Coffee on a Mountaintop
There’s nothing better than sipping a fresh, steaming cup of Joe in a quiet park surrounded by nature with your date. Bring a Jetboil or a lightweight camping stove, insulated mugs and sugar packets and/or a creamer to make the perfect drink at the end of a snowy hike. Brew coffee, tea or hot chocolate at a viewpoint or in a serene, forested area for an early morning tailgate with the one you love most—coffee. Uh, I mean, your partner. (And coffee, too, of course.)
Snowball Fight
Choose your battlefield—the snowy neighbourhood sledding hill or a wide-open field—because it’s time for a playful snow war! Whether you are playing tag, capture the flag or dodge(snow)ball, every game is more fun in the snow. You can be on the same team as your partner and compete against another couple—or play against each other on opposing teams for some friendly competition. Moist snow builds the best snowballs. To prepare, craft a stash of quality ammo and find hiding spots behind trees or DIY snow forts. Rules: No head shots, agree on a word to pause and never add ice or rocks into snowballs—that’s not cute or fun.
Tobogganing
Let gravity do the work! Gliding down a small, medium or large hill on a sled, toboggan or snow tube is a cherished Canadian winter pastime. Bring your date and show off! Be adventurous and hit a little jump or stick to the smaller slopes for a fun afternoon that is sure to bring you closer together while you share some childlike laughter. Some ski hills have dedicated chutes for inflatable tubes with tows to pull you back up the hill. Afterwards, make matching snow angels and warm up with hot chocolate.
Dog Sledding
For a team activity that animal lovers will delight in, go dog sledding. This perfect winter date will allow you to embrace the full joy of the cold season with your loved one. After learning the ropes from an experienced guide, you or your partner can drive the sled while the other bundles up beneath blankets in the seat. You can switch halfway through. The dogs might be huskies or similar breeds that love to run. You’ll shout commands while mushing and feel extremely lucky to share this unique adrenaline-fuelled experience with your special someone.
Outdoor Fondue
Get creative with your culinary skills in the outdoors by hosting a cozy fondue date. Ski, snowshoe, hike or drive to a beautiful day-use picnic area where you’re allowed to have an open flame. If you choose to go the savoury route, melt your choice of cheese and bring sausages, deli meat, pickles and bread to dip into the gooey sauce. For a sweet dessert, melt chocolate and dip in sliced strawberries, bananas, marshmallows and pretzels. Something as simple as this ceramic fondue pot set with a tealight candle transforms a chilly winter afternoon into a dreamy date.
Skiing or Snowboarding
Whether you ski or snowboard, hitting the slopes together every winter can become a cherished tradition. Cozy up on the ski lift, lead and follow each other down your favourite runs and cheer each other on to push each other’s limits. Skiers can even help snowboarders get past those tricky flat sections—is there anything more romantic than that? After a great experience shredding fresh pow, head to the lodge to spend precious time together, enjoying an aprés-ski treat to reward your efforts and ending the day on a happy, blissful note.
Cross-country Skiing
Bring your date on an epic outdoor adventure on two skis. Cross-country skiing is an excellent workout and a fun winter date idea for active adventure lovers! You can rent skis, boots and poles at many ski hills. Bundle up in layers, stick to green runs with deep tracks and enjoy gliding through the snow on two skis. It can be tougher than it looks, but with time and practice, you’ll get used to the motions. No matter what, don’t leave your partner behind—unless you’re racing.
Stargazing
With the sun setting significantly earlier in winter, you have more hours of darkness to see the stars. Go early and catch the sunset first, if you want a longer date. But make sure to wait for a night with clear skies—clouds won’t let you see the stars in all their glory. Stay warm with multiple layers and break out some binoculars or a telescope to see more details in the sky. Although you can stargaze from your own backyard, you could also go for a moonlit hike or search for the constellations in a nearby Dark Sky Reserve. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll even see the northern lights!
Winter Campfire
Canada’s snowy season is the ideal time for an outdoor campfire. Have a wood-burning fire with crackling logs at a fire ring or use a wagon to transport a propane fire pit to a beach. Bring along marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers; or pack smokies, buns and condiments to enjoy lunch outside together. Don’t solely rely on the flames for heat—bundle up with a toque, mittens, a scarf and blankets. For the ultimate experience, pack along a portable battery to charge your heated blanket and relax in a hammock chair. Go on—cuddle up.
Winter Camping
Winter is a wonderful time to go camping: there are fewer crowds, no bugs and ample excuses to get cozy with someone you love. Pick a safe spot that avoids avalanche danger and offers shelter from the elements. You’ll want to use a four-season or winter-specific tent, sleeping bags rated to five degrees warmer than the coldest temperature you expect, a sleeping bag liner and insulated sleeping pads. Eat plenty of warm meals, stay hydrated and bring extra warm clothes. If you don’t have the right gear, consider staying in a cozy cabin with a hot tub instead.
Build a Snowman
Grab your partner, a friend and/or the whole family and dash outside on a snow day to build a snowman. Embrace your inner Elsa! To make a traditional snowman, use a corncob pipe, a button nose and two eyes made out of coal. If you don’t want to replicate classic Frosty, it’s time to get artistic! Create your own snow animal, alien or mythical creature: maybe you’ll build a dog, cat or dragon? Don’t forget waterproof gloves to protect your digits from frostbite and a toque to keep your noggin warm and toasty while you put the detailed finishing touches on your creation.
