10 Ways To Celebrate Galentine’s Day In Durham Region
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Left: shaunawaye | Right: Chuuk by jesskaatz_
"What is Galentine's Day? Oh, it's only the best day of the year." “It’s about celebrating lady friends.”
While Galentine's Day is unofficially celebrated on February 13—the day before Valentine's Day—we think February 14 is the perfect excuse to keep the celebration going. Why not grab your gals and show some extra love to your besties all February long? Whether you’re single, your significant other is out of town, or you simply love this Parks and Rec inspired holiday, then these Galentine’s Day date ideas are for you. Check out our list of fun things to do with your friends this February and enjoy the ultimate celebration with your closest crew.
Channel Your Inner Wellness Girlie
Credit: Thermëa Spa Village by bayekler
Thermëa Spa Village is your one-stop-shop for the ultimate Galentine’s Day. Schedule the day off and enjoy a day out of office at the spa in their tranquil and serene space. Try the Thermal Experience, choose from one of their treatments, and savour the moment at one of their three on-site restaurants. If you already have your next Thermëa visit booked, make it a glam day with back-to-back bestie appointments—starting with facials at Maison Blanc Day Spa and scalp treatments at Shampoo Society. To keep the wellness journey going, check out the yoga schedule at the Salt Room in Whitby or book a reformers class at Valeo Pilates in Pickering.
Cheers Your Gals With These Insta-Worthy Cocktails
Left: Durham Distillery | Right: Corrado’s Restaurant
Gather the gals and get some insta-worthy pics with this list of Instagrammable cocktails in Durham—like the Love Potion Corrado’s in Brooklin, the Tiramisu Martini from Urban Pantry, or the Earl Grey Fizz from The Port Social in Port Perry. For even more inspo, check out our list of tropical restos that will make you feel like you’re on vacation—there is truly no shortage of options for your next girls’ night out. If DIY is more your thing, perfect your mixing skills at one of Durham Distillery’s cocktail classes on February 13 or 14, or craft your own Blueberry Citrus Gin Fizz cocktail using local ingredients at home.
Enjoy Dinner And A Show With Your Bestie
Left: Chuuk | Right: Whitby Courthouse Theatre
Enjoy tacos at Chuuk before heading to the Pickering Casino Arena. Treat yourself to the captivating menu at KB Food and catch the latest performance at Whitby Courthouse Theatre. Indulge in something savoury at Fig Kitchen & Market before heading to see a musical at Uxbridge Music Hall or live music at Wixan’s Bridge. Enjoy live music while you and your group indulge in the special three-course dinner at Starapples in Bowmanville, or check out the six-course tasting menu at Bistro 67.
Cozy Up With Coffee After A Winter Walk
Left: Enchanted Crystal Cafe | Right: Orono Crown Lands by lexii._loo
Durham Region is home to a variety of cute and quaint coffee shops that offer delicious lattes, unique seasonal drinks, and refreshing cold brews. Grab some liquid fuel and enjoy a walk along a recreational trail or one of Durham’s quaint downtowns with your bestie. Check out the “My Bloody Valentine” menu at Coffin Creek Coffee before taking a stroll through Darlington Provincial Park. You can also try Coffin Creek’s delicious brews at Enchanted Crystal Cafe in downtown Orono. Visit for a delicious treat and insta-worthy coffee before heading outdoors to explore the Orono Crown Lands.
Make It A Girls Trip
Left: Birchwood Luxury Camping | Right: The Piano Inn by _toripuras
This year, Valentine’s Day falls on the Friday of Family Day weekend—making it the perfect excuse to enjoy a little getaway with the gals. Wake up on Valentine’s Day morning with two or three of your closest besties at Birchwood Luxury Camping. If you’re looking for something in town, spend the night at The Piano Inn in downtown Port Perry. This charming boutique inn is the perfect getaway for the ultimate girls’ night away—check out That Place on Queen for coffee in the morning, The Piano Inn’s Cafe for lunch, and Marwan’s Global Bistro for dinner.
Enjoy Game Night With The Gals
Left & Right: Volt Raceway
There are plenty of entertaining indoor attractions across Durham Region to enjoy a fun night out with friends—from jumping the night away at Flying Squirrel in Whitby, bowling at Neb’s Fun World in Oshawa to shooting your shot at Archer’s Battlefield in Pickering. Volt Raceway in Bowmanville is even offering a 2-for-1 Valentine’s Day promo, so you and friends can enjoy a full night of go-karting, axe-throwing, arcade games and food, at a discount. If virtual reality, arcade games or trivia nights are more your thing, check out this Gamer’s Guide to Durham Region for all the info you need to have the ultimate gamer girl night out.
Be Those Besties Who Brunch
Left: Dessert Lounge by afoodexpedition | Right: Goldie’s Cafe by sellyfooddiary
There’s just something about brunch—that in between time where maybe you already ate breakfast, but it’s too early for lunch. Ah yes, we love brunch. There are so many great options to meet friends and enjoy “the most important meal of the day”. We recommend the eggs benny at Urban Pantry in Uxbridge, the pancake stacks at Brunch & Co. in Whitby, the coffee flights at Goldie’s Cafe + Eatery in Ajax, or the heart-shaped waffles at Dessert Lounge in Pickering. No matter where you gals decide to gather for brunch, you won’t be disappointed with Durham’s delicious diners and cafés.
Shop Til You Drop In Durham’s Downtowns
Left: South Beauty Co. | Right: Markets Ontario
There’s no better excuse to rally up your closest friends and head out for a day of shopping than Galentine’s! You'll be amazed by the vast selection of charming shops, specialty boutiques, and local artisan studios. Treat mom to a shopping day or explore Durham’s amazing shops with friends to find beautiful apparel, handmade artisan fare, cool vintage items, unique home décor, and so much more. There is something to fit everyone’s style in our downtown districts.
Shop At Scugog’s Lakefront Skate & Market
Lace up your skates and head to the free outdoor skating rink in downtown Port Perry! From February 14 to 16, the Lakefront Skate & Market will feature a variety of local artisan vendors to shop, hot drinks to warm you up, and of course—delicious food truck eats to indulge in. Skating will be available from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with vendors open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. over the weekend. As the rink is outdoors, skating is weather dependent. But, you can save the date for a fun inclusive skating event on February 22 at the Scugog Arena! Be sure to check for updates before you go.
Enjoy A Cozy Girls Night In
Make it the ultimate girls’ night in with pizza from Mystery Wheel Pizza or Pizza Munno; a giant cookie cake from The Breadhouse Bakery, Mackay’s Bakery, or The Shortiss Cafe; chocolates from One More Cocoa or The Nutty Chocolatier; Valentine’s Day doughnies from Crave Doughnuts; cider from Slabtown Cider or non-alcoholic drinks from With Grace Marketplace; and flowers from Adrienne’s Flowers & Gifts or Aspen Florist. If cooking is more your thing, check out one of Chef Alex Page’s recipes for some inspo—like his Apple Chilli Chutney recipe (which makes the perfect appetizer) or enjoy a night of baking with his Maple Frosted Apple Cider Doughnuts recipe. If you need a little “me” time and plan to stay in solo, have a “blind date with a book” by Blushed Designs, and make your cozy night complete with a pair of slippers from Petit Nordique Boutique or a sleep mask from Aide Bodycare.
If you’re looking for gift ideas or more dining options, check out our list of things to do for Valentine’s Day. While you’re out exploring Durham Region, we’d love to hear what new experiences you tried and loved the most. Tag @DurhamTourism in your social posts so we can follow along!
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