5 Non-Basic Things to Do on Valentine’s Day

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It happens every February 14th. The prix fix. The balloons on the table. The half-wilted, short-stemmed roses sadly peeking over coffee cups. Clearly, its time to give it a rest. Instead of having some bloaty foam/wasabi/truffle-infused meal—which does very little in the romance department anyway—take a chance and plan something else. This Valentine’s Day make a vow to yourself and your loved one to avoid basic plans. We’ve rounded up some suggestions.

Check out some art Art galleries are spaces best seen with someone you love. From the Art Gallery of Ontario to Montreal’s Museum of Fine Arts, Canada’s art hubs are places where obsession, lust, sex and ardor are strewn across the wall.

See a movie (but not just any movie) Experience something other than a predictable rom com this year. Find a theatre that’s playing Oscar-nominated short films. Tiff Bell Lightbox in Toronto has gotten with the program, one which includes really adorable Academy-approved animated shorts. Piper, a film by Canadian director Alan Barillaro, will melt your ice-cold heart in 6 minutes. Or, why not opt for Roberto Rossellini’s 1984 flick , which will be playing on the 14th.

Sip and sample Take in a wine tasting at a local Italian establishment. Ottawa’s La Bottega Nicastro does an amazing champagne, Prosecco and Cava night that allows couples to try every bubble under the Tuscan sun. Ontario’s Niagara region is worth driving to as underground barrel cellars such Pillitteri Estates are doing tours all day. Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market also does an Aphrodite Cooks night on V-day, where couples can get steamy.

Check out a show There are so many concerts and shows happening on V-Day worth getting tickets for. From live jazz concerts to a cabaret performance at the Princess of Wales theatre to light festival in the Distillery District, there is something for everyone.

Take off Want to be pretend your Valentine is Drake? Go to Heli Tours and rent up a helicopter for a private tour of your city….because Aubrey would have no qualms doing that and you know it. Or download an app called Jetsetter and tap up any destination and you’ll be treated to a luxe, celeb-worthy travel itinerary.