Summer gives many opportunities for fun experiences with your partner, but there are some hidden gems to discover in Haldimand County. No matter your budget, you and your significant other can make memories together while staying in Haldimand. This curated list provides options that run from exclusive to inexpensive, so that you two can feel the love on summer days and summer nights.
Grand River Rafting – Steamboat Alley
Have you ever wanted to travel on the Grand River in a canoe or Kayak? This summer, you can have an exciting experience with your partner by paddling down the river thanks to Grand River Rafting. This brand new experience is sure to be an unforgettable one. The route in Haldimand is dubbed “Steamboat Alley” as steamboats once traveled along this part of the Grand River. For novices, consider the thrilling solo turbo tube experience. Or if you want to stick close by your partner and work as a team, book a tandem kayak to have an awesome collaborative experience. The adventure starts in Cayuga, where you will park and be transported to York Park, where your boat of choice will be put in the water.
Your journey will take you down the winding river where you will see beautiful foliage and birds. You will finally end in the quaint town of Cayuga where you can just hop in your car and continue your day. There is no waiting because the trip ends where your vehicle is parked! Visit Grand River Rafting Company’s website to learn more about this thrilling experience, and to book your tickets! You both will have an ‘oarsome’ experience together!
Near North Aviation Sightseeing Flights
Did you know that York boasts its very own airport? If you’re on the hunt for a memorable and exhilarating date this summer, consider booking a private sightseeing flight with Near North Aviation. This exceptional experience offers a fresh and exciting way to enjoy time together while taking in some of the most breathtaking views around. View the picturesque Niagara Peninsula or the Toronto Skyline from the sky. Your love will soar as the aircraft rises into the sky with a trained pilot in the cockpit. You can also customize your aerial adventure to fly to a beautiful location and view the land from above. A private sightseeing flight with Near North Aviation is more than just a date—it’s an adventure that will create lasting memories and offer a fresh perspective on the world. This summer, surprise your loved one with a date that’s both thrilling and romantic and watch as your love literally takes flight. For more information and to book your aerial adventure, visit Near North Aviation’s website. Your unforgettable summer experience awaits!
Twisted Lemon Getaway Experience Package
The Twisted Lemon offers unique getaway packages that include accommodations, food, and experiences! Travel as two or make the event a double date or group event. Tyr the experiential group package at Drip Hot Yoga. This package includes luxurious accommodations for four at the Twisted Lemon, as well as a private, fully customized yoga class for the happy couples. Drip Hot Yoga offers a variety of hot and cool temperature classes from beginner to experienced! With this package, you also get to enjoy a vibrant dish crafted with local ingredients made by the chef at the Twisted Lemon. The dishes crafted at the Twisted Lemon are inspired by flavours from around the world and given a local spin to incorporate fresh produce grown on site.
Instead of yoga, you could explore your crafty side with the woodworking workshop at Dry Lake Sawmill & Woodworks. With this experience, you are able to make you own charcuterie board with live edge wood that you select yourself. You and your partner will learn professional woodworking techniques to create a unique board! Once your masterpiece is complete, take your charcuterie board to the Twisted Lemon to be filled with delectable meats, cheeses, breads, and fruits.
After a busy day full of fun and delicious food, fall down into one of the soft beds at the Twisted Lemon and have a well-deserved rest. If yoga or woodworking is not your style, don’t worry! The Twisted Lemon’s getaway experiences can be customized to fit your interests, so make sure to visit the Twisted Lemon for more information!
Wildwood Art Gallery & Studio’s Online Painting Tutorials
Stay in the comfort of your home with your beau while having an online guided tutorial on acrylic or oil painting. This package includes six tutorials that share tips and tricks for painting. After purchase, these videos will show in depth how artist Kerry Walford creates her impressionistic landscapes from start to finish in real-time. These tutorials do not expire, which allows you to go at your own pace and create artwork when the time is right for you and your partner. While painting, both of you can focus on making something beautiful with your own hands and have down-to-earth conversations. You can purchase the online tutorials as well the supplies for both oil and acrylic tutorials on Wildwood Art Gallery & Studio’s Website. Remember, there’s no such thing as a mistake in art, just happy little accidents!
Caledonia Music in the Park + Sweet Treats From Jones Bakery
Listening to live music by local artists at Caledonia Music in the Park for an affordable and fun date! Set against the serene backdrop of the Grand River, this event offers a perfect opportunity for a picturesque date at Caledonia Kinsmen Park. Caledonia Music in the Park is a repeating event that happens from July to mid-August. This event promises to be a delightful evening full of music which starts at 6 pm. This event is free to attend, and you are invited to bring your own lawn chairs or a blanket to snuggle up together on the grass! to learn more about Caledonia Music in the Park, check out our event calendar or Caledonia Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page.
If you and your date are looking to get snacks while listening to the musical artists at the park, take a quick walk to Jones Bakery and pick up some sweet treats. Jones’ has been operating in Caledonia for over 100 years and is known for their butter tarts, Belgium cookies, date squares, and meat pies. There are a multitude of other baked goods that are sure to fill your cravings too! Don’t act tart towards your partner, but be sure to try one of the handmade tarts from Jones Bakery in amazing flavours like pecan, cherry, and coconut! If you prefer a savory treat, try a freshly baked pizza bun in flavours such as plain cheese, garlic & cheese, pepperoni & cheese, or Greek! There are many more freshly baked treats available in store or visit online to awaken your tastebuds.
Hiking + Breakfast at The Carolinian Café
Take your date on an early morning adventure hike together! Haldimand County offers many kilometers of trails and pathways for you and your partner to explore for any skill level. The trails range from paved and lit pathways that are easily accessible, to granular trails, to a rail bridge and there is something for everyone available across our many towns and villages! The most picturesque and best spot for a photo op, for you and your beau, is the Cayuga Grand Vista Trail, a 3.2 Kilometer rail trail adventure over the Grand River. It loops around the Grand River and through the charming town of Cayuga. The surface of this trail is granular as well as paved, and has parking available at 55 Munsee Street. This experience is sure to help you leave all your troubles behind and appreciate nature with your lover.
While walking through the town of Cayuga, head off the trail route down Cayuga Street North to find The Carolinian Café and Eatery just a few steps away. The Carolinian is the perfect place to stop on your morning hike and grab a healthy breakfast with your sweetheart. Try the Egg and Chedda’ for a delightful breakfast treat. It’s made with free-range eggs and sharp cheddar cheese, on an English muffin, with a side of refreshing fruit. If you get thirsty on the Grand Vista Trail, try the pink moon smoothie which is made with strawberries, banana, yogurt and orange juice. There are many other options to taste at breakfast or lunch, so be sure to check out The Carolinian Cafe.
The Minga Cafe + Griffin Vintage Market
Head to Dunnville and grab a healthy vegan lunch with your partner this summer, at The Minga Cafe! Their mission is to improve the world by giving people access to nutritious, local, and environmentally sustainable food, and operate as a charity to foster educational efforts of local youth as well as building schools abroad. Their menu items are under ten dollars, which make it an amazingly affordable place to grab lunch and spend time with your partner. Try the burrito wrap, which is a Mexican style wrap sure to delight your tastebuds. Look on their online menu for more great food and drink options. The Minga even has special events such as open mic night or live music, which are guaranteed to be fun for you and your sweetheart. To see upcoming events, check out The Minga’s Facebook page.
Right down the street from The Minga is Griffin Vintage Market, which is a great place to shop together especially if you are the nostalgic type. Griffin Vintage Market gathers a collection of exclusive vintage items that are truly one-of-a-kind. Perhaps you will find a vintage fashion item, or a beautiful painting, or even a rare lamp that will brighten your home! Pick up a unique item that will be a reminder of the special day you spent together. Follow Griffin Vintage Market on Facebook to get updates!
Farmers Markets
Why not drop by the farmers markets to purchase some local produce to take home and enjoy. Haldimand County has farmers markets in Caledonia, Hagersville, Dunnville, and Cayuga – check out their dates and times of operation to be sure not to miss them! If your partner is as sweet as honey, why not buy some honey from a local beekeeper to show how you feel? Plus, farmer’s markets are great places to take photos to post and share with friends! After your trip to the market, you can use the produce you purchased to make a delectable meal together. You could make a fruity parfait with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, or you could make a cucumber salad! If you’re looking to have a fun new experience with your partner, head over and discover what’s in season!
Experience The Love
Summer lovin’ happens so fast, so seize the moment and take your partner on a date in Haldimand County! There are many options available that will fit into any budget that will allow you to spend quality time with your sweetheart, and even more ideas on the Tourism Haldimand Website! Summer is short so don’t let it pass you by without having a memorable experience with your partner!
