S-T-R-E-T-C-H Out Summer Date Nights

Whether you’re looking to get to know someone better on that make-or-break second date or reconnect with that special someone, only a few hours together sometimes just doesn’t cut it. This summer, trade date night for a day-long date so you can slow down the pace and enjoy some quality time together.

Start by choosing a destination beyond the borders of your own city or town. Grab a cup of coffee, press shuffle on a great playlist, and see how that little bit of extra travel time together allows you to relax and connect. Just a short drive from Toronto, Niagara and London, Hamilton Halton Brant is an excellent option for summer dating adventures. Here are some suggested all-day date itineraries for summer 2022 to get you inspired.

Summer All-Day Date Idea:
An Art-Filled Adventure in Hamilton and Burlington

Start out spending a few hours at Burlington’s Royal Botanical Gardens, where this summer’s Seeing The Invisible exhibit, on until August 31st, is sure to inspire and entertain. Walk into and around thirteen incredible augmented reality art installations by a diverse collection of international artists.

Seeing the Invisible, Royal Botanical Gardens

Enjoy a late afternoon lunch on one of downtown Burlington’s many excellent patios. This roundup of patio picks from our friends at Taste of Burlington will point you in the right direction.

Next, head to the Art Gallery of Hamilton to see the work of Nathan Eugene Carson, the current RBC Artist in Residence. Take in the collective gaze of Black Carnival Audience, currently on display in the AGH Lobby, before exploring his larger residency exhibition in the sculpture atrium.

Wrap up your day with a walk exploring Hamilton’s growing street art scene. Visit between July 18 and 24 to catch the Concrete Canvas Art Festival and watch mural being painted live along the tour path. Be sure to check out The Catch Of The Day mural behind 37 King William Street, which will put you in the perfect location to wrap up your day with a romantic dinner at The French.

Summer All-Day Date Idea:
A Grand Day of Exploring Six Nations Culture

This all-day date itinerary begins by getting you out On The Water to enjoy a guided three-hour experience that will teach you about Haudenosaunee culture and basic paddling.

After your paddle, make a stop at Burger Barn for a late lunch. The incredible burger options here, including bison and venison burgers, have been featured on You Gotta Eat Here.

Spend a few hours exploring unique Six Nations shops like Sapling and Flint, Iroqrafts, and Talking Earth Pottery, as well as historical and cultural sites like Chiefswood National Historic Site and Woodland Cultural Centre.

If you can time your date accordingly, wrap up your daytime activities with a guided outdoor experience that will help you identify trees and plants and increase your comfort level and understanding of the land. Walk Through The Seasons is a two-hour workshop at Chiefswood Park led by Kerdo Deer being offered on July 13th and October 18th.

For dinner, travel a little way down the Grand River to enjoy an evening meal in Paris. Stillwaters Plate and Pour, 2 Rivers Restaurant and Capeesh Craft Kitchen are all excellent choices with patios.

Summer All-Day Date Idea:
Golf and a Game

If you and your plus one share a love of sports, pack up your clubs and start your all-day date with nine holes at one of Hamilton Halton Brant’s many excellent golf courses.

No matter where your golf game takes you, you’ll find a craft brewery nearby to quench your thirst after your time on the green. In addition to craft breweries, Hamilton Halton Brant’s True Brew Path has cidery and winery partners in Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, Milton, Brantford and Brant County.

Keep the sports fun going with tickets to a big game, like the Hamilton Tiger-Cats or Hamilton Honey Badgers.

After the game, enjoy a late dinner at one of Hamilton’s many fun bars. This guide will point you in the right direction.