A Romantic Arts Weekend in Victoria, BC
Let Victoria, BC sweep you off your feet with an arts and culture weekend designed for romance, discovery, and pure delight. From the soft shimmer of sunrise over the Salish Sea to candlelit dinners in hidden corners of the city, this journey is crafted for couples who crave connection. You’ll wander through breathtaking gardens, storied heritage sites, and atmospheric galleries; you’ll swap laughter over farm-fresh feasts and lose yourselves in soulful jazz after dark. Every moment is a chance to slow down, savour the beauty, and create memories together.
Where to stay | Arrive & Immerse | Romantic Aristry | Heritage & Harmony
Where to Stay
Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Imagine waking up in your cozy, elegant suite at Oak Bay Beach Hotel as the first pink light spills across the Salish Sea. It’s pure magic right outside your window. Slip into plush robes at the spa and spend slow, dreamy mornings in the oceanside mineral pools, or slip into the stargazing sauna together while as the day melts away like the sunset. Treat yourselves to meals that spotlight the best local flavours, each bite better than the last, with the ocean as your backdrop. Each moment of your stay feels thoughtfully crafted, effortlessly blending seaside tranquility, luxury, and heartfelt hospitality for couples seeking true escape.
Abigail’s Hotel
For those who favour historic charm and intimate romance, Abigail’s Hotel offers an enchanting escape in a renovated 1930s Tudor mansion. This adults-only boutique hotel wraps guests in vintage elegance, from its stained-glass windows and rich woodwork to guestrooms outfitted for ultimate comfort, many with inviting spa tubs and fireplaces. Each morning, couples are treated to a gourmet breakfast delivered with an artist’s touch, setting a gracious tone for culture-filled days. Perfectly situated within a walkable distance to Victoria’s museums, galleries, and culinary hotspots, Abigail’s blends old-world allure with thoughtful, personalized hospitality, ensuring each stay is as memorable as it is romantic.
Day 1: Arrive & Immerse
Courtney Room
Begin your artistic getaway at The Courtney Room, an elegant downtown brasserie recognized for its refined, beautifully presented plates and commitment to local ingredients. Whether you opt for breakfast or brunch, you'll enjoy creative dishes that look as stunning as they taste, making it the perfect prelude to a romantic arts-focused weekend.
Search for the Hands of Time
Embark on a romantic adventure together as you seek out Victoria’s 12 Hands of Time Sculptures. These whimsical bronze hands hidden throughout the city, each tell a unique story of local history and culture. This playful public art trail invites couples to explore charming streets and secret corners, hand in hand, collecting memories with every discovery. Want a hint to get started? Look near the very heart of the Inner Harbour for your very first clue! Spark joy and curiosity together on this unforgettable citywide scavenger hunt.
Beacon Hill Park
Lose yourselves in the magic of Beacon Hill Park, Victoria’s sprawling 200-acre escape, footsteps from downtown, where lovebirds can wander for hours. Stroll through vibrant gardens, wave hello to wandering peacocks, and share a quiet moment together on a storybook stone bridge or beside a bubbling fountain. Spread out your blanket for a midday picnic under towering trees. And for a touch of wonder, set off on a playful search for the famous Moss Lady (she’s tucked away, waiting for couples to find her).
Local tip: Didn’t pack a picnic? Nearby Cook Street Village is teaming with local restaurants, coffee shops and grocers, including Pizzeria Prima Strada and The Root Cellar.
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
Spend your afternoon exploring the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, which houses a blend of Canadian, contemporary, and international works in both traditional and modern styles. Highlights include pieces by Emily Carr and rotating exhibits that bring fresh perspectives, making every visit an inspiring journey through creativity. This November, the Art Gallery’s vibrancy is on full display, with two major exhibitions, A View From Here: Reimagining the AGGV Collections – focusing on Indigenous, Asian, and Canadian artists from the 19th century to the present, and starting November 22nd, sheeshe ‘ch thareṛ | a crack in the mirror – a survey of the works of artist, Simranpreet Anand.
Vista 18 Restaurant & Lounge
Let’s wrap your first day at Vista 18, where panoramic views over the city and harbour set the stage for a romantic dinner. The culinary team crafts west coast-inspired dishes with artistic flair, thoughtfully plating every course and showcasing the best of local flavours. Boasting an intimate ambiance, it's an unforgettable spot to toast the start of your cultural adventure.
Local tip: If you’re visiting Sunday or Monday, enjoy a Wine + Dine Dinner Deal for two, which features an entrée and dessert for each patron, as well as a bottle of wine to share.
Day 2: Romantic Artistry
Abkhazi Garden & Teahouse
Step into the storybook beauty of Abkhazi Garden, the garden that love built, where every winding path whispers the epic romance of Prince and Princess Abkhazi. Lose track of time together as you wander gardens crafted by love, pausing in leafy hideaways made just for two. Indulge in a leisurely afternoon tea at the charming Abkhazi Teahouse, where delicate pastries are served at your table with serene views of the garden below. This is the timeless garden tea experience every couple dreams about.
Craigdarroch Castle Historic House & Museum
Step into the grandeur of Craigdarroch Castle Historic House & Museum, a Victorian-era masterpiece renowned for its dazzling stained-glass windows, sweeping oak staircases, and intricate woodwork. Built in the late 1800s for coal baron Robert Dunsmuir, the castle is a living storybook of love, ambition, and opulent design. Hand in hand, couples can wander through lavishly decorated rooms and imagine life in the era of romance and intrigue. With breathtaking city views from the tower, this is a magical spot for partners to make cherished memories together.
Explore Local Art Galleries
Continue your artistic adventure by visiting a collection of local art galleries in Victoria’s downtown. From contemporary spaces showcasing up-and-coming talent to galleries featuring Canadian masters, you and your partner can immerse yourselves in creative expression, lively discussions, and perhaps even bring home an original piece as a romantic memento. In the heart of downtown, you can explore galleries such as Out of the Mist, Mark Loria, Madrona, Gage, or even Puzzle Lab, for those looking for a distinctive keepsake for their time in Victoria.
Wind Cries Mary
For dinner, reserve a table at Wind Cries Mary, where west coast small plates are elevated with an inventive, artistic touch. This cozy, brick-lined spot is dedicated to ensuring each dish is as visually striking as it is delicious, focusing on the beauty of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Its warm, intimate ambiance makes it a favorite among couples seeking a uniquely Victoria dining experience.
Local Tip: The folks at Wind Cries Mary have mastered the art of… fried chicken? That’s right, their famous Rossdown Farms Fried Chicken features semolina, pickles, and honey butter (and maybe a few dabs of their house hot sauce if you so fancy) is a must-try share plate at this elegant but down to Earth local favourite restaurant.
Live Performance at the Royal Theatre or McPherson Playhouse
To end your day, immerse yourselves in live performance at either the Royal Theatre or the McPherson Playhouse, two of Victoria’s most distinguished historic venues. Both have been lovingly preserved and host an array of cultural events, from concerts and ballet to theatrical productions and symphony performances. Enjoy the grandeur of these beautifully restored spaces as you take in an unforgettable show. November is loaded with performances at these great venues, and there’s something for everyone. From side-splitting laughs with Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood to musical performances from the likes of The Victoria Sympjony, Kluxen Tam, or Shawn Desman, recitals from Hung Dance and the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers, and much more.
Day 3: Heritage & Harmony
Fireside Grill
Begin your morning at Fireside Grill, a charming heritage Tudor estate beautifully restored to its former glory. Savour their award-winning brunch, featuring a vibrant farm-to-table menu crafted from the freshest local ingredients Victoria has to offer. Settle in by the crackling fireplace, looking our at the Gary Oak meadow that surrounds you, for an unforgettable dining experience steeped in history. Discover why Fireside Grill is a beloved Victoria culinary landmark for couples seeking atmosphere and a timeless taste of the elegance of the city.
Explore Point Ellice House & Gardens
Step back in time together at Point Ellice House Museum & Gardens, where beautifully preserved Victorian rooms reveal layers of Victoria’s history. Explore authentic period artifacts and stories, while also learning about the site’s efforts to acknowledge and address its colonial legacy through active Indigenous reconciliation initiatives. Even in November, the historic grounds offer a picturesque setting for memorable photos and a peaceful stroll. Visiting Point Ellice House adds depth and discovery to your romantic arts and culture weekend, inviting thoughtful connection with both each other and the deep history of Victoria, BC.
Inner Harbour Stroll and the Emily Carr Statue
Continue your day with a scenic walk along the Inner Harbour, an area filled with creative energy, stunning views, and the city’s iconic architecture. Pause to admire the whimsical bronze Emily Carr statue with her monkey and dog, a poetic homage to one of Canada’s most celebrated artists. Along the way, visit the stately BC Parliament Buildings, an architectural masterpiece and a wonderful backdrop for photos to capture your romantic weekend.
Local Tip: The Lower Causeway of the Inner Harbour is a favourite hang-out for many local makers and artists, be sure to explore the mix of arts and hand-made goods on display.
Royal BC Museum
Get swept up together in the Royal BC Museum, the spectacular galleries feel like a new adventure through BC’s storied history. Wander side by side past towering totems and vivid dioramas before slipping into the “Beyond the Beat: Music of Resistance and Change” exhibit, an experience that stirs the soul with stories of hope, defiance, and the music that brought people together. Pause with your partner to listen, reflect, and maybe even catch yourselves swaying to the echoes of protest and possibility. All at once, you’re learning, connecting, and making meaningful memories in a place where the province’s past and present pulse in time with your own.
Q at the Empress
Next, tuck into an unforgettable dinner at Q at the Empress, where historic grandeur meets culinary artistry. This renowned restaurant inside the legendary Fairmont Empress Hotel features locally sourced, boldly crafted dishes that celebrate the bounty of Vancouver Island. The beautifully restored dining room, glowing chandeliers, and carefully plated cuisine make Q at the Empress the perfect setting to toast your romantic arts adventure in Victoria.
Hermann’s Jazz Club
Cap off your weekend at Hermann’s Jazz Club, where sultry saxophones and smooth vocals bring the city’s heartbeat to life. Cozy up with craft cocktails as the notes swirl around you, inviting easy conversation and stolen glances across the table. The vibe here is intimate and electric; a favorite hideaway for couples eager to linger just a little longer. Let the music, the laughter, and the romance carry you late into the evening at this beloved local gem.
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