Looking for a Valentine's getaway this year? Look no further than one of the most romantic cities in Canada! From outdoor activities to delightful cocktails and mouth-watering food, we have all the best activities and places for you to visit during your romantic getaway to Victoria this February.
PLUS, save on Valentine's packages to Victoria from $111 USD pp/do. Packages include ferry, a hotel stay in Victoria and a Valentine's treat in the room.
Winter Tea at the Pendray Tea House. Credit: Pendray Tea House.
1. Afternoon Tea at the Pendray Tea House
Afternoon Tea at the Pendray Tea House is the perfect way to start your romantic holiday. With its distinct Victorian style and architecture, the Pendray Tea House is a perfect showcase of Victoria’s unique infrastructure. Enjoy delicious pastries and sandwiches, alongside Pendray's famous TWG Tea. The Pendray Tea House also offers a Vegan Tea and seafood-based West Coast Tea for those interested in a different spin on traditional tea.
Seaside mineral pools at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Credit: Destination Greater Victoria.
2. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day
Why not pamper yourself during your trip to Victoria? Below are some fantastic options for self-care:
Boathouse Spa: Book a massage at the renowned Boat House Spa located in the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, one of Victoria’s premier spa destinations. You can combine any treatment at the spa with access to their beachside outdoor jacuzzi.
Spa Magnolia: Located in the heart of downtown, the Spa Magnolia is a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle that surrounds it. Try one of their spa packages combining massage, a pedicure, and facial treatment for an all-in-one experience.
Horse-drawn carriage tour through Beacon Hill Park. Credit: Victoria Carriage Tours.
3. Embark on a Romantic Victoria Carriage Tour
What's more romantic than a horse-drawn carriage tour through the streets of Victoria with your loved one? Bundle up and get cozy on this magical city tour. Be swept off your feet while enjoying the fresh air and stunning views that downtown Victoria has to offer.
Cocktail from the Courtney Room. Credit: Leila Kwok, Destination Greater Victoria.
4. Sip on Cocktails at a Local Cocktail Lounge
Victoria has a fantastic cocktail scene... We recommend stopping at one (or more) of the following:
Clive’s: What's more fun than trying world-acclaimed cocktails from the longest standing cocktail bar in Victoria? Located in the remarkable Chateau Victoria Hotel, Clive’s dynamic menu of food and cocktails keeps locals coming back for more. Try of one of the best hotel bars in the country!
Cenote Restaurant and Lounge: Known for its incredible ambiance and elevated cocktail menu, Cenote is sure to enhance your evening. Enjoy grazing on delicious flatbreads while trying to figure out what to order next from their enticing cocktail menu.
The Courtney Room: Serving exceptional craft cocktails alongside modern Pacific Northwest cuisine in a fine dining setting.
Winter light in the sunken gardens at The Butchart Gardens. Credit: The Butchart Gardens.
5. Walk Hand-in-Hand through The Butchart Gardens
One of the most iconic locations in all of Greater Victoria is The Butchart Gardens. Designated as a National Historic of Canada, The Butchart Gardens showcases hundreds of plant varieties on its 55-acre property. During the winter months, The Blue Poppy Restaurant is transformed into a beautiful spring display complete with shrubs, trees and bulbs. Plus, indulge in their decadent afternoon tea!
Goldstream Provincial Park.
6. Go on an Outdoor Adventure through Goldstream Park
For a true Pacific Northwest experience, adventure out to Goldstream Provincial Park. You'll come across 600-year-old Douglas fir trees, waterfalls, and rivers as you wander through various trails this park has to offer. For those brave enough to endure the winter conditions at night, you can also book a campsite on a first-come, first-served basis.
Dinner at Brasserie L'Ecole. Credit: Brasserie L'Ecole.
7. Enjoy a Romantic Dinner
Victoria has an abundance of inviting dinner options - A perfect end to your day. Below is a list of some of our favorite romantic dinner venues:
Brasserie L’Ecole: Exceptional French cuisine made with seasonal, locally available products paired with French wines in a cozy atmosphere. First-come, first-serve seating. Put your name in and grab a drink nearby while you wait for your table.
Il Terrazzo: An intimate setting featuring a Northern Italian-inspired menu with a fantastic wine list. We highly recommend making a reservation in advance.
Heron Rock Bistro: A Canadian bistro serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. With daily brunch and dinner features, there is always something new to try! Plus, enjoy daily happy hour from 3pm-5pm and 8pm-close, and live music on Monday evenings.
Tasting room at Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse.
8. Check out Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse
This certified organic, ten-acre farm showcases its charming orchards with a majestic backdrop that includes James Island and the Haro Strait. Relax and enjoy cider flights along with other tasty treats that are sure to charm your pallet. Be sure to wander through their entire property, and purchase a case of your favorite cider on your way out! For more information, visit Sea Cider's website.
Oak Bay Marina.
9. Experience Willows Beach & the Oak Bay Marina
Explore some of Victoria’s beautiful outdoor scenery a little outside of downtown Victoria with a visit to Willows Beach and the Oak Bay Marina. Willows is a short walk from Oak Bay’s commercial district, which is filled with local boutique shops and restaurants, and Oak Bay Marina. The Marina is filled with hundreds of boats from neighboring waters. Keep your eyes open for seals that frequently hang out by the dock!
Entrance to the Royal BC Museum and IMAX. Credit: Royal BC Museum, Destination Greater Victoria.
10. Visit the Royal BC Museum's New Exhibit
For a limited time, Royal BC Museum is showcasing the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2022 Exhibit, which showcases photojournalism from around the world based on the natural world and the organisms that inhabit it. This exhibit encourages advocating for the planet and its well-being, while highlighting unique stories throughout the world. The exhibit runs until April 16, 2023. Visit Royal BC Museum's website for more information.
Entrance of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.
11. Roam through the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is a perfect addition to your romantic holiday getaway. Enjoy diverse art exhibits that showcase Canadian artists such as the renowned Emily Carr. The Art Gallery is home to over 20,000 works of art, making it the biggest public art collection in BC. Plus, you can purchase various handcrafted art from local artisans.
