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.

Locke Street, Hamilton

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.

Grand River at Chiefswood Park

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.

Granite Ridge Golf Club, Milton

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.


Summer All-Day Date Idea:
Festival Fun Followed By Time To Unwind

Festival season is back in a big way for summer 2022, making it easy to find a fun festival to build your all-day date around. Time your trip with:

July 1 -3: Hamilton Mountain Beer and Rib Festival

July 8 – 10: Georgetown Ribfest

July 13 – 17: Brantford Summer Music Festival

July 15 – 16: Because Beer, Hamilton

July 15 – 17: Burlington Food Truck Festival

July 18 – 24: Concrete Canvas Art Festival, Hamilton

July 20 – 31: Hamilton Fringe Festival

July 23 – 24: Grand River Champion of Champions Pow Wow, Ohsweken

July 29 – 31: Festival of Friends, Hamilton

July 29 – 31: Ancaster Rib and Beer Festival

July 29 – August 1: Hamilton Harbourfront Night Market

August 12 – 13: Country Roots Music Festival, Burford

August 13 : Milton African Multicultural Festival

August 19 – 20: Paris Drinks Fest

August 19 – 21: Hamilton Rib and Beer Festival

August 19 – 21: Dundas Cactus Festival

August 20: Burlington Veg Fest

August 26 – 28: Winona Peach Festival

September 7: Canada’s Largest Ribfest, Burlington

September 9 – 11: Hamilton Supercrawl

September 9 – 11: Stoney Creek Rib and Beer Festival

Wrap up your day with a spectacular sunset. We’ve got some sensational suggestions for those too.

Want even more day-long date inspiration? Visit our Pick Pack Go page to build your customized getaway.


Know Before You Go

We’re thrilled that Ontario is reopening and can’t wait to welcome you to Hamilton Halton Brant. As a few of our region’s tourism partners may take some additional time to return to their pre-pandemic operating capacities and protocols, feel free to reach out to the places you plan on visiting in advance to confirm that they’re ready to serve you in the way you’re expecting.

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Experiences & Tours View All >>

Now thru August 31

Wonders of Raptors Behind the Scenes Tour

Date & Time: July 5 - Aug 31, 2025 from 4:00 - 4:30pm Admission: $99...

Now thru November 4

Rural Routes and River Retreat

Woodstock and Paris, ON

Dates: The 3-day package is available Sunday to Tuesday on select dates May 4 through...

Now thru December 31

Hamilton Civic Museums Virtual Tours

28 James St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 1A1

Now thru December 14

Beeswax Candle Making

Backed By Bees

6214 Appleby Line, Burlington, Ontario L7M 0P7

Dates: Various dates each month Time: 1:00 to 3:00pm Cost: $64.99

Now thru September 28

Wake Up the Wild

African Lion Safari

1386 Cooper Road, Hamilton, ON, N1R 5S2

Available on select dates from Jun to Sept, 2025. Tour subject to availability. Advanced reservations...

Now thru December 31

Introductory Flight Lesson

Brantford Flight Centre

110 Aviation Ave. Brantford, ON N3T 5L7, Canada

Dates: All year round Cost: $152.55 including HST

July 19

Summer Paint & Sip

Ridge Road Estate Winery

1205 Ridge Road, Vinemount, ON, L8J 2X5

Date & Time: July 19, 2025 from 11:30am - 1:30pm Tickets: $95 (+tax) per person

Now thru December 31

All Natural Skincare Workshop

Backed By Bees

6214 Appleby Line, Burlington, Ontario L7M 0P7

Dates and Times: March 1st - 1:30pm to 3:30pm March 20th - 7:00pm to 9:00pm

July 25 - August 15

Sunset Wine & Cheese

Brantford Flight Centre

110 Aviation Ave. Brantford, ON N3T 5L7, Canada

Date & Time: July 25 & August 15th from 6:30pm - 9:30pm Admission: $25 per...

Now thru August 21

Behind the Scenes Tour

658 Catharine St N, Hamilton, ON L8L 8K4

Dates & Time: June 19th, July 17th, and August 21st from 5:30pm - 7:00pm Cost:...

Now thru December 7

Oakville Museum Guided Tour

Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate

8 Navy Street, Oakville, ON, L6J 2Y5

Tuesday to Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. General admission by donation (Suggested $7 per...

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