The 10 Most Romantic Places in Greater Victoria
For more ways to turn up the charm in Victoria, check out our list of 24 date ideas in the city.
1. Dallas Road
Grab a pair of lattes from Breakwater Café & Bistro (we recommend their London Fog) and take a hand-in-hand stroll down Dallas Road. The oceanside breeze paired with the beachy west-coast landscape and crashing waves yet romantic date idea.
Tip: Head along the 1km (roundtrip) Ogden Point Breakwater, culminating in a lighthouse on the Juan de Fuca Strait. It’s quite the extraordinary sunset spot
2. Goldstream Provincial Park
If you’re looking for a nature escape, drive over to Goldstream Provincial Park. Home to Greater Victoria’s own Niagara Falls, a short hike from the parking lot will take you to a canyon where you can see water cascading over a 47.5 metre drop.
If the waterfall doesn’t get your heart thumping, a kiss on the peak of Mt. Finlayson will. A great exercise challenge and a bit of a scramble, this mountain hike looks out at views over Greater Victoria, as well as the beautiful nearby grounds of The Westin Bear Mountain Resort & Spa Hotel.
3. Abigail’s Hotel
Tucked into a quiet pocket of downtown Victoria, Abigail’s Hotel revitalizes a certain charm that has been lost to ages – a charm that is well known to Victoria! It’s an inviting boutique hotel to consider for your couples getaway.
Each of Abigail’s 23 rooms is decorated in one of five different themes – Amethyst, Ruby, Opal, Emerald, and Sapphire. New to 2023, Abigail’s is expanding to add eight new luxury guestrooms. Booking a room here includes a gourmet 3-course breakfast and access to this stunning patio!
4. Esquimalt Gorge Park
As North America’s first Japanese Garden, Esquimalt Gorge Park makes for a lovely place to visit. Walk over a traditional Japanese bridge, alongside an ornamental stream, and through a Japanese entry gate into a blossoming garden landscape.
Tip: If you’d like to see it by water, Victoria Harbour Ferry Company Ltd. does a charming and ever-popular historic Gorge Tour by pickleboat. It’s also a great area for paddleboarding! A stay at the nearby Robin Hood Inn & Suites gives you complimentary access to the hotel’s kayaks and paddleboards for this very reason.
5. Fireside Grill
Dine by the glow of a flickering fireplace – or several, at Fireside Grill. Whether you’re going for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, mouth-watering farm-fresh fare is served in a restored heritage tudor estate surrounded by manicured gardens.
Bonus, Fireside Grill was one of the runner’s up for YAM Magazine’s People Choice award for Best Date Night!
6. Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Some places have the ability to melt your stresses away. Oak Bay Beach Hotel is one of these places, offering pristine, rejuvenating luxury in a seaside setting. We recommend waking up at sunrise to go for a dreamy hot pool dip – all oceanside, meaning sometimes, a pod of orcas may even swim by.
Tip: Try booking a ‘friandise’ welcome amenity, consisting of a selection of macarons, coconut bites, fruit gelées, dark chocolate truffles, pistachio bouchons and marshmallow kisses. You can add on some wine or bubbly as well!
7. The Malahat Viewpoint
Steal a moment with your sweetie while gazing out at a pristine mountain view. A 30-minute drive from Victoria to the top of the Malahat will reward you with jaw-dropping views of the Saanich Peninsula and the Gulf Islands. Some of the most open, clear views can be found by walking the spiral tower of Malahat SkyWalk – a great attraction that will have you connecting to one-another, as well as the nature around you.
Tip: If you can’t get enough of these views, consider booking a room at the cozy Moon Water Lodge & Malahat Chalet or the luxurious Villa Eyrie Resort. Both are immersed in nature and offer impeccable, panoramic views from their rooms.
8. Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse
A short drive north from downtown Victoria will bring you to Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse’s breathtaking orchard, which doubles as one of Victoria’s most popular wedding venues. Located on the Saanich Peninsula, this 10-acre orchard features over 1300 apple trees, and grows over 50 varieties of heirloom apples from which they press their organic, craft ciders.
As a wonderful add-on to your date, consider ordering one of their local picnic boxes. These boxes are full of delectables such as local cheeses, sausage made with dates, hummus and crackers to be enjoyed out in the orchard, or at the comforts of your own home.
9. Fisgard Lighthouse
Delight in a visit to Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse, perfect for lovebirds who are history buffs and view seekers alike. As Canada’s first west coast lighthouse, Fisgard Lighthouse is one of Canada’s National Historic Sites built before Vancouver Island was even part of Canada.
You’ll have the chance to step inside a real 19th century lighthouse located in an extremely photogenic setting, set against a backdrop of the Olympic Mountains of our friendly southern neighbours.
10. Willow’s Beach
Walk along the shores of Willows Beach, basking in views of Discovery Island and Mount Baker. During the summer, this is possibly Victoria’s most popular swimming hotspot. During the early months of spring and late winter, the beach is much less crowded, and makes for a peaceful walk.
Tip: Delight in the fresh tastes of the West Coast at Marina Dockside Restaurant while you’re in the area. With a complete sushi bar and a sustainably sourced 100% Ocean Wise menu, this restaurant overlooking Oak Bay Marina offers a memorable oceanfront dining experience.
If you two own a furry companion, they are welcome to come along for the pawesome walk between October 1st and May 1st – as long as they are leashed!
For more ways to turn up the charm in Victoria, check out our list of 24 date ideas in the city.