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Last Minute Date Ideas
Published February 13, 2026 by Sydney Celestin
Between midterms, part-time jobs, and unpredictable schedules, planning a date can easily fall to the bottom of your to-do list. And oh no! Valentine’s Day is TOMORROW!
The good news? Toronto is full of spontaneous, affordable, and low-effort date ideas that don’t require weeks of planning. Whether you’re trying to impress someone new or just want to switch up your usual routine, these last-minute date ideas are ideal for busy university or college students.
1. Lowkey Restaurants
You can’t go wrong with a great meal. While a lot of places might require reservations, especially on Valentine’s Day, here are a few restaurants that are walk-in only:
2. Skating & Hot Chocolate
Despite the chill, winter can be a magical time – and let’s face it, there’s a reason that so many skating-themed romcoms exist. If the weather cooperates, head to one of Toronto’s many outdoor skating rinks. Bring some snacks and think of it like an impromptu picnic. Even a thermos of hot chocolate can feel thoughtful and romantic when shared.
Does carving up the ice with that special someone sound like a good time? We’ve got you covered on where to skate in Toronto.
3. Arcade, Pool, or Board Games
Places like The Rec Room, ZED*80, or campus game cafés are ideal for spontaneous fun. A little friendly competition can break the ice, keep things light, and bring plenty of laughs. Just remember, there’s nothing worse than a sore loser… except maybe a sore winner.
4. Late-Night Food Crawl
Toronto’s food scene shines after dark. Grab dumplings in Chinatown, visit one of the city’s must-try pizza spots, or find some fabulous dessert along Yonge. It’s perfect for students who are free only after evening classes.
5. Movie Night – with a Twist
Instead of a theatre, pick a theme (comfort movies, bad rom-coms, or documentaries) and watch at home or in a residence common room. Add popcorn, and you’ve got an easy, cozy date.
Don’t Stress!
Last-minute dates don’t have to feel rushed or uninspired. In a city like Toronto, spontaneity is part of the charm, and sometimes the most memorable dates are the ones you didn’t overthink.
