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February 2026

February is here and the countdown to February 14 is on! Consider this your cue to start planning a memorable Valentine’s Day in Durham Region.



Not sure where to start? We've compiled a list of all things local love. Discover date night ideas from upscale dining to next-level desserts and sweets; where to pick the perfect bouquet; shop local for one-of-a-kind gifts; and special events that are bound to make your Valentine’s Day the sweetest ever! We’re making it a breeze to love local with the one you love.

Set the mood and then capture the moment with Valentine’s Day destinations in Durham Region that are picture perfect. These eight Insta-worthy restaurants deliver both flavour and flair, while Durham’s downtowns serve camera-ready cocktails that are ideal for a Valentine’s toast. If your ideal Valentine’s date involves coffee, Durham's Instagrammable cafés offer cute spots to sip, chat, and snag a sweet photo.

Gift your Valentine (and yourself) some self-care. Slow the pace and feel refreshed with relaxing wellness experiences in Durham Region, including spa treatments, mindfulness sessions, and restorative bed and breakfast stays. For another light, low-key way to celebrate, plan a NoLo (no and low alcohol) night out at Durham bars and restaurants offering mocktails and non-alcoholic beer.

If your Valentine’s could use a playful twist, explore these indoor and outdoor activities that are perfect for couples, families, and the whole crew. From snow tubing to horseback riding and ice fishing, choose from 10 outdoor activities that will make Valentine's Day unique. Prefer to keep things indoors? Discover climbing gyms, immersive gaming, archery, and reptile encounters in this roundup of indoor family attractions. 

Celebrate Valentine’s early—Leslie Knope-style—with Galentine’s Day on February 13.  

As the Parks and Recreation icon reminds us, the day is all about “ladies celebrating ladies.” So, grab your closest gals and spend the day your way. Durham Region has everything you need for a friendship-filled day or night out, from brunch and sweet treats to full-on pampering.

Check out our list of fun things to do with your friends this February and enjoy the ultimate celebration with your closest crew. 

This Family Day weekend (February 13 to 16), let your little explorer lead the fun with our kids’ guide to Durham Region. Discover art activities, indoor play areas, family‑friendly restaurants, and inclusive spaces so every child can play. Get ready to explore, experience and find new favourites together! 

Celebrate Family Day weekend in Port Perry! Enjoy a free skate at the lakefront skating and waterfront market and browse local vendors and food trucks. Plus, on February 16, the Township of Scugog is bringing back the free Family Day Fun event at the Scugog Community Recreation Centre with face painting, inflatables, magic shows, and more. Register for your timeslot at the Family Day Fun event.

Catch an Oshawa Generals game over Family Day weekend on February 13 or 16—the perfect time to experience this local tradition! The Gens deliver hometown energy, kid-friendly excitement and plenty of reasons to make a night of it in downtown Oshawa. Use our hockey night guide for tips on getting there, pre- and post-game eats, and what to expect during the game.

Add hitting the slopes to your long weekend agenda! Set the family up for a great experience with tips on rentals, lift tickets, choosing the right run, and where to go when it’s time for a break. Check out our guide to all things skiing and snowboarding and plan the ultimate snowy adventure in Durham Region.

February is Black History Month. We're showcasing Black‑owned businesses and spotlighting where you can shop local, support entrepreneurs, and experience the stories behind the products.

Clarington’s Black Vendor Village returns on February 21 at the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex in Bowmanville, bringing a vibrant mix of entertainment, shopping, and community spirit. Families can shop from more than 45 local vendors, enjoy live performances, and connect with creators from across the region. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check out the rundown. 

There's comfort food and then there’s Gangster Cheese! This Uxbridge eatery is known for their over-the-top grilled cheese creations, loaded mac and cheese bowls and decadent cheesecake by the slice. Whether you’re dining in, grabbing a bite from their food truck or hosting an event, you can enjoy their food in any setting. 

Shop Canada Black Owned Marketplace online and in-store at the Pickering Town Centre for products and services from Black-owned small businesses across Canada. From skincare and fashion to books, art and more, it’s a one-stop destination for discovering and supporting Black creators and entrepreneurs.

One More Cocoa is a stop worth making in Whitby. Kenesha Lewis, chocolatier and owner, blends her Jamaican heritage with bold, inventive flavours. Artisanal chocolate bars such as Scotch Bonnet Honey or Cinnamon flavoured bonbons and Jamaican hot chocolate have regulars and celebrity fans raving. Before your next visit, learn what inspires Kenesha. 

The Original Patty Gyal is an Ajax standout thanks to its hot, fresh Jamaican patties and Jerk wraps that are packed with flavour! What started with a simple observation by owner Carlene Honigan (“nobody is buying just one patty”) has grown into a thriving business. Read Carlene’s story and let it inspire your next bite.

Palais Noir is one of Durham Region’s premier boutique venues for weddings, celebrations and special events. Behind the Ajax space is Sandra Colaire, an accredited decorator and certified wedding planner known for bringing people together in style through a seamless, full-service experience. Discover the story behind Palais Noir and how Sandra can help plan your next event.

In Case You Missed It

Don’t miss our Open Skies giveaway! We’re giving one lucky winner the ultimate relaxation getaway for two in Durham Region—two access passes to Thermea Spa Village and a one-night stay at Birchwood Luxury Camping. Enter on Instagram by February 3. 

Looking for new and exciting recipes to make with the family? Check out this Honey French Toast Casserole with Fruit Wine Spiced Berry Syrup by Chef Alex Page and spend an afternoon shopping local for your ingredients. Get the recipe. 

If you haven’t gotten over the series finale of Stranger Things, keep the sorcery alive with game nights and eerie escape rooms. Create your own chapter nine and bring the conformity gate theories to life with our list of 11 Stranger Things to do in Durham Region. 

For unique trip ideas or to plan your perfect day, visit DurhamTourism.ca, or call 1-800-413-0017. If this information is required in an accessible format, contact Durham Tourism.