Let your city take care of it
Municipalities often entertain their residents for free, especially over the summer–mostly free concerts but also free dance lessons and more. Your city should have an events calendar with details—find yours by Google-searching: “[City or town] + calendar of events.”
Not dating yet, but planning out your summer dates? Here are some interesting conversation starters.
Explore your town
Stroll the nearby wilderness together at a local nature preserve or park. If you’re more comfortable hanging out first among friends, reserve a field for a pick-up game of softball or soccer. Don’t know where to go? Look up your city’s Parks and Recreation Department website for ideas.
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Sit under the stars
Hey, it’s summer. Grab a bottle of wine and sit outside with your date under the stars, staring at the natural (or, if you live in a big city, man-made) beauty of the night. This is a good time to steal that first kiss, especially under a full moon.
Get off the beaten path and sample vintages in the wine world’s lesser-known regions.
Hit the water
Take your date and lose yourself in the hypnotizing effects of reflective water. It shouldn’t be too hard to find public access to the ocean or a local lake, and they’re always free.
We’ve rounded up some of our favourite Canadian shores based on five different beach-ranking criteria.
Bark!
Do you and the object of your affection have dogs? Take them for a walk together or to a dog-friendly park. To find your local dog park, just search for it on your city’s website – some even have entire sites devoted to their dog parks. And don’t forget to bring bags to pick up after your pet. Nothing is more unattractive than a dog owner who doesn’t.
Take a peek inside Fergus Dog Park: Ontario’s Four-Acre Playground.
Tour a brewery or vineyard
While the drinks might not always be free, the tours typically are. Tour an elaborate brewery or the beautiful and vast grounds of a vineyard.
Check out An Expert’s Guide to the 10 Best Beer Cities in the World.
Watch the sunset
Even though it’s simple and very low-key it can be a great opportunity to bond. Pack up a few snacks, grab a blanket and enjoy the beauty of the sky for a night.
Here are 10 Attractions That Prove Why Canada is the Most Beautiful Country.
Visit a local festival or fair
Towns all over hold summer festivals and fairs. Many times they even offer free food. If not, you can always enjoy looking at the art, listening to music and taking in the culture.
Have a spa day at home
Stay out of the heat by creating a spa in your own bathroom. Fill up the tub and enjoy a nice soak with your partner.
Go hiking
Get fit and explore with your partner this summer. Try out easy walking trails or tackle a mountain together.
Fall in love with Canada all over again with these 10 greatest hikes.
Volunteer together
There’s no better way to get to know your significant other than helping others together. You’ll get to see their soft side. Volunteer at your local animal shelter or homeless shelter.
Pack a picnic
Make a meal together and pack it up and head to the local park or beach. Enjoy each other’s company and the fresh air and you eat.
Join a team
Make new friends with your partner by joining a local sports team. Hit the baseball diamond or soccer field and lead your team to victory.
Here are 8 Major League Baseball Parks You Must Visit Before You Die.