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 $119 USD pp/do. Packages include ferry and a luxurious hotel stay in Victoria, BC.
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 one of Pendray's many wonderful tea selections. 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.
HAVN Saunas: Nestled right in the Inner Harbour, HAVN offers visitors the unique experience of enjoying lush green spaces, cold pools, hot tubs, and hand-built saunas in a park-like environment.
Sapphire Day Spa: Sapphire Day's Spa offers a wide variety of services, including rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments, massages, manicures, and more!
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 looking to bundle up under the stars in the off season weather 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
The Royal BC Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the natural and human history of British Columbia. With captivating displays, interactive installations, and a commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of the region, the museum offers an engaging and immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
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.
Charcuterie from L'Apero. Credit: L'Apero.
12. Enjoy a Charcuterie Board from the Comfort of Your Hotel Room!
L’Apero offers a variety of beautifully crafted charcuterie boards that can be enjoyed anywhere you’d like! Known for its diverse selection of fine cheeses, artisanal cured meats, and carefully curated accompaniments, the take-home charcuterie offerings from L’Apero are truly a treasure.
Sunset at the Ogden Point Breakwater.
13. Partake in a Sunset Stroll Along Ogden Point's Breakwater
Walking along the Ogden Point Breakwater at sunset is truly breathtaking. The panoramic views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains create a picturesque backdrop, making the leisurely walk along the iconic breakwater a relaxing and romantic experience.
Victoria's Hot Chocolate Festival is taking place from January 20th - February 20th.
14. Indulge in Hot Chocolate for a Good Cause
This year marks the first year of Victoria’s Hot Chocolate Festival, a delightful month-long event aimed at fostering community spirit and raising funds for the BC SPCA. Numerous restaurants and cafes throughout Victoria are participating in the festival. Highlights among the offerings include Oso’s Cookies and Donuts’ butterscotch hot chocolate topped with torched marshmallow cream, and Floyd’s Diner’s pink hot chocolate adorned with candied bacon. If hot chocolate isn’t your thing, the Pendray Inn and Tea House offers a stunning chocolate-infused tea blend! The festival runs from January 20th - February 20th. For more information, visit their website.
Rotating display at Madrona Gallery. Credit: Madrona Gallery
15. Embark on an Art Walk!
Set out on a self-guided tour of Victoria's vibrant art galleries with the Art Walk Map! Whether you're interested in visiting a single gallery or exploring them all, you can enjoy Victoria's art scene on foot, bicycle, or by car. Discover a diverse array of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and mixed media from both local and international artists. You're free to begin your tour at any gallery, but we suggest starting at either end of the route to ensure you catch every stop along the way.
