10 Toronto Places To Bring A First Date To Ensure You Get A Second Date
Photo cred - Ripley's Aquarium
Tinder makes dating so easy -- I mean you just swipe left and right on your phone all day and get laid right? Nope -- it doesn't really work like that guys and gals. Usually you have to go on that first date, but you soon realize that a Tinder date can become the most awkward experience of life if you choose the wrong location.
So here are a list of ten locations in Toronto to make sure that you set out on a perfect Tinder date. These locations all have one thing in common -- distractions. The most torture you can put yourself through is a Tinder coffee or restaurant date. Why not spice up your online dating experience and take your Tinder match on a date that requires no awkward pauses.
1. A Raptor's Game
Your "Tinderella" might not be a sports fan, but who wouldn't love going to see a Raptor's Game? If your date (girl or guy) doesn't like basketball -- there are dancers, beer, mascots and Drake to entertain them. So grab a couple of nosebleed tickets and watch Toronto's best team, while fitting in some small talk between periods. If the Raptors don't win -- it might be the universe telling you something.
Photo cred - Paintlounge
2. Paintlounge
Now this is the perfect way to see if that creative guy you've been talking to on Tinder is the real deal. Conjure up some chemistry and take your date painting! Paintlounge offers guided workshops or freestyle paining where you can go to show off your skills and flirt while you paint. There are also live music events and different workshops to keep in mind before you plan your date. The lounge is even equipped with a bar in case you need a little help to get those creative juices flowing. Just make sure not to paint a portrait of your date, unless you are a professional, because the end result might not work out in your favour.
3. Snakes & Lattes
Tinder doesn't reveal much about a person other than what they want you to see -- although board games do! Once you see the competitive side of that person, it may rule them out or rule them into your good books. You will certainly erase any awkwardness on the date by playing Cards Against Humanity. It might be a risky game to play on a first date, but you can certainly be more real after you've played the game and see how your date handles it. Play safe kids!
4. Real Escape Game
Instead of desperately trying to escape your Tinder date plans, why not turn your escape into a dating game? You're so good at getting out of plans -- now try escaping a room with your date. Tickets are $28 and you and your date will spend an hour solving puzzles and codes together in order to escape the room you're trapped in. Yes -- being trapped in a room with your Tinder date doesn't sound ideal, but you will have to work together on this one to escape the date. So if it's really that bad -- you better be good at puzzles or you'll be trapped for a while.
5. Battlegrounds
Now who didn't love playing laser tag as a kid? Now what if you combined laser tag with electric shock? You get Battlegrounds! Battlegrounds is a live gaming experience coming to Toronto Spring 2015 -- so your Tinder dates will just have to wait until then. Instead of being hit with paintballs, when you are hit with the laser gun, an electric shock runs through your body. Don't worry all the wimps out there can turn off the shock completely or turn the level down to one, but that's no fun. A little electricity on a date is never a bad thing!
6. Yuk Yuk's Comedy Club
If your date isn't striking your funny bone relax and leave it to the professionals. Take a trip down to Yuk Yuk's Comedy Club and listen to some great comedy, while sitting back and relaxing with a drink or two (depends on how the date is going). You'll leave entertained -- either by your date or the comedian. If you think you're funny enough (or drunk enough) take your date to "Amateur Night" and show off your funny side on stage. If you get your date laughing -- that's all that really matters. Or encourage your date to do the same and see how they react under pressure. You'll be laughing no matter what the scenario is!
7. St. Lawrence Market
The worst is sitting on a first date at a restaurant where you are literally stuck in your seat facing this person the entire time. This is the cause of awkward first dates. The St. Lawrence Market allows you to walk around with your date, while eating and shopping. There are always events and markets going on, so make sure to check their website and pick a day when something fun is going down. This is the perfect place to take that bearded hipster guy you are stuck on and show him how you totally love organic vegetables too!
Photo cred - Boulderz Climbing Centre
8. Boulderz Climbing Centre
So you met the "Tinder-ific" girl of your dreams, but she's definitely a gym rat. She hikes, bikes and likes anything to do with being active. So where do you take her for a first date? Rock climbing! You don't need to be a professional to go rock climbing and Boulderz Climbing Centre has tons of great programs for beginners. So skip that boring coffee date and start your Tinder date off right by getting straight to the adrenaline and adventure. If anything bad happens your date will (should) be there to catch you if you fall.
9. The Drake Hotel
Although it's called The Drake Hotel -- not suggesting you rent a room for your first date. Unless you're about that one-night stand Tinder lifestyle -- then be their guest! The Drake Hotel has amazing entertainment and a great venue that you and your Tinder date can bond over. You can grab a quick bite or drink upstairs, then head underground for the show of your choice. The hotel also has other events like trivia nights, which would be a great way to see how many useless or useful facts your date knows. Skip the part where you ask each other 20 questions and let someone else do the asking!
10. Ripely's Aquarium
Why plan a date on land when you can roam under the sea? Ripely's Aquarium is the perfect place for a Tinder date because if the date is going under, you can peer up at the fishes and fizzle out that awkward tension. Purchase general tickets online for $26.98 or visit Ripley's Aquarium in the night at "Sharks After Dark," from 7 pm - Until Close, for $24.98. If you are interested in listening to a little jazz music under the sea -- then plan your date on "Friday Night Jazz," which is the second Friday of every month. With music and sharks -- there is no way this date could go wrong!
B.C. Premier David Eby, back, and outgoing premier John Horgan embrace during a swearing in ceremony where Eby became the province's 37th premier at the Musqueam Nation, in Vancouver, B.C., Friday, Nov. 18, 2022.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
The Rockyview General Hospital is pictured in Calgary, Thursday, March 20, 2025.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh