This Father’s Day skip the stereotypes and give dad something that he’s going to love and remember for a long time. Shirts, ties, socks and golf balls are nice; there’s just a lot more that you can wow him with this year.
As a dad, and someone who puts together gift guides for a living, I had a few suggestions for experiences and a few things that I think he’ll love, and you can still pick them up or plan them all before Sunday.
A massage and thermal soak at Aire Ancient Baths
There are spas, and then there’s Aire Ancient Baths. The space is stunning and feels like you’ve stepped into another world, with incredible service, calming spaces, and treatments that will leave him feeling like a new man.
Book dad for a soak in the thermal baths, or plan a day for him to enjoy a massage treatment and time in the therapeutic waters. It’s absolutely unforgettable and he will definitely want to go back.
Prices start at $145, with time to enjoy the space, and there are special Father’s Day options available starting at $250.
Enjoy some of the best bites in Toronto on a Chinatown and Kensington Market food tour
Toronto is home to some of the best food in Canada, and a walking tour of Chinatown and Kensington Market is an amazing way to experience some of those flavours.
Culinary Adventure Co. offers the best food tour in Toronto, and it’s a perfect gift for the dad who loves food. He should definitely plan to arrive hungry, because the lineup of dishes and tastings is going to fill him up, and the guide offers details on the history on the area, the restaurants, and the food.
Adults are $129 each for a two hour tour, and that includes six stops. Spaces are limited, but they still have availability for Father’s Day. This is also a great birthday gift idea! When you book a walking tour, the birthday boy or girl is free on their birthday, as long as they’re joined by three or more people.
Dinner at the Fairmont Royal York’s Reign
One of the best restaurants in Toronto, Reign is an experience.
For Father’s Day, the incredible restaurant is offering a special meal that is perfect for dad, including excellent extras. His Seat at the Table includes either a 20oz dry aged Martin’s ribeye steak, or lobster and corn gemelli pasta, and the menu is made to be paired with the best whiskies or wines. The guest of honour also receives a special pocket square from Olliver Grey Menswear.
Prices start at $68, and I would recommend stopping at Clockwork Bar before or after the meal for an absolutely jaw-dropping cocktail.
Go for a hike together
If your dad loves the outdoors, Toronto has lots of places to go hiking. Take him out for breakfast or lunch nearby, and enjoy the beautiful, scenic places in the area, or head out for a road trip!
Downtown there’s the Toronto Islands, just a ferry ride away; High Park is always fun for a stroll, and there’s a restaurant; but even better, I would suggest an Ontario Park for a day trip.
Nearby, Bronte Creek Provincial Park is easy to reach and offers perfect trails for all ages; Mono Cliffs Provincial Park offers a scenic and yet very unique space to explore, covered in rocks, boulders, and epic views; or search the map to find a unique day-trip park.
Southern Ontario also has a number of excellent conservation areas, including one of my favourites, Rockwood Conservation Area.
Find him a gift that he can really use
If you really want to give him a gift that he can unwrap, I have a few ideas for things that are really fun and useful, or at least really tasty. Consider what he loves and get him something unique that speaks to his love of cooking, food, or drinks.
Ninja Luxe Café Premier espresso machine is life changing for coffee fans and retails for $799. It makes espresso, has a built-in grinder for beans, an automatic frother for making hot or cold microfoam, and it’s easy to use. The espresso machine is available from Canadian Tire, Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon.
If your father already has a good espresso machine, go pick up some excellent beans from one of Toronto’s best coffee roasters. I’m a big fan of Propeller Coffee Co., Pilot Coffee Roasters, and Coffee Tree Roastery, but my favourite has to be Wyld Espresso.
If he loves to cook, and loves pizza, you can really wow dad this year with an Ooni Koda 2 Pro oven. Reaching temperatures up to 950 °F, with variable control, the oven can cook a pizza in just 90 seconds, and also works wonderfully for roasting steaks, vegetables, loaded skillets, and more.
For the cocktail fan, Dixon’s Wicked Classic Dry Gin is $40 from the LCBO and it’s perfect for Negronis or a classic gin and tonic. For the whisky lover, Bushmills Irish Whiskey is smooth and delightful for $35.95. Both affordable options, and I recommend pairing them with other ingredients or bar tools.
All photos by W. Andrew Powell/The GATE.
