Winter can be a tough time for many people especially if you have an aversion to the cold and lack of Vitamin D that comes along with it. It can be easy to get a case of the winter blues and a lack of motivation to do much of anything, including date nights. But winter doesn’t have to be boring (and winter date nights don’t all have be spent sitting at home watching Netflix!). So, to help you find a little joy during this chilly season, here are some fun date ideas for you to do in Thunder Bay!
1. Visit Goods & Co. Market
Located in the former Eaton’s Center, Goods & Co is the latest exciting and innovative addition to the downtown core. With over 20 local shops and artisans within its walls, there is something for both of you to enjoy. Stop by Velvet Rope Floral to create your own bouquet, browse The Sugar Shack for some sweet treats, grab some Tacos at Poco Más, and have a drink at the WOoDSIDE bar.
2. Go Tubing
Tubing is a great idea whether it’s in the summer or the winter! After racing each other down the slopes of Mount Baldy, hit the Chalet for some snacks, a drink, and to take in some local music (Friday’s & Saturdays)
3. Take a Hike
Thunder Bay has so many different trails to choose from with varying difficulty levels and hiking is a great way to explore the beauty in our backyard. Check out the WAYfinder app for a list of places to explore: pick your favourite, pack a lunch or some snacks and head out on an adventure together!
4. Show Your Random Knowledge At A Trivia Night
Every Wednesday, The Foundry hosts a trivia night with a great atmosphere and unique prizes! They announce the weeks topic on their Facebook page so pick a topic you know you’ll kick butt at, and go! Past trivia nights have featured The Office, Harry Potter, Friends, the 90s and so more! Tables for the trivia nights can fill up quickly so I always recommend going to The Foundry early for supper and then hanging out until the trivia starts!
5. Take a Cooking Class
I feel like I’ve mentioned food in every date idea so far but how about a date that’s all about the food?! A Fine Fit Catering offers cooking classes with delicious dishes, not to mention Rhonda is so sweet! Head to her website to see her schedule of classes that she’s offering!
6. Book a Couple’s Photo Shoot
Would I even be a photographer if I didn’t add this to the list?! Couple’s photo shoots aren’t just for engaged couples, they’re for anyone and it’s a great way to spend a fun evening all cuddled up together plus you’ll get photographic evidence of how cute you are together!
7. Watch the Scottie’s Tournament of Hearts
Taking place January 28 to February 6 at the Fort William Gardens, the Scottie’s tournament of hearts is the women’s curling championship and has sixteen different teams from across Canada competing to get to wear the Maple Leaf at the World Women’s Curling Championship (and yes, I had to Google that because my curling knowledge is severely limited). Whether you’re a fan of curling or not, this is a unique opportunity for our city and a cool thing to get to be a part of!
8. Do a Downtown Food Tour
Another food item?! Yes! Because Thunder Bay has an incredibly diverse food scene that deserves to be taken advantage of! And where better to take advantage of it than downtown? There are so many amazing restaurants to choose from that it can be hard to decide which one to go to but… what if you didn’t have to? Create your own downtown food tour where you hit up a different restaurant for each course: drinks at one restaurant, appetizers at another, followed by the main course at another, and cap it all off with dessert at a fourth and final spot! For a list of amazing local restaurants, click here
9. Go Skating
Dust off the skates that have been stashed away for the summer (or for years, if you’re anything like me) and hit up one of the local skating rinks to show off your amazing skating skills (or lack thereof)! And the best way to end the date? By warming up with a cup of hot chocolate at a local coffee shop!
10. Try Your Hand At Painting
Maybe staying in is more your scene. Why not do an at home paint nite and possibly discover your new hidden talent? Paint nites used to be hosted in the local bars but since Covid they’ve moved online. There are tons of different paintings to choose from so take a look through the site and choose a design that looks fun for both of you. YayMaker will provide you with a list of supplies you’ll need to complete your painting and it’s up to you to purchase them. And don’t forget to have drinks and snacks handy so when your painting doesn’t look like the masterpiece you were expecting (maybe that’s just me when I do paint nites), you at least have something to look forward to!
11. Rent A Sauna
If you’re looking for a date weekend instead of just a date night, renting a sauna may be the perfect idea! It’s practically a Thunder Bay tradition not to mention it’s a great way to warm up during the cold winter months. Cedar Saunas and Rentals will bring the sauna to you and pick it up when the weekend is over.
Hopefully these Thunder Bay date ideas offer you a respite from the cold of winter and warm your heart 🙂
xo Allison!
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