If you’re in need of some inspiration for a weekend getaway, check out these unique date ideas in Victoria. Whether you’re into a low-key, outdoorsy adventure or prefer a luxurious, romantic night out, you’ll have no trouble finding something fun to do with your partner, any time of year.

1. Pack a Picnic

If you’re close to downtown, stop in at Bubby Rose’s Bakery & Cafe and grab some sandwiches to go. If you’re on the Saanich Peninsula, visit The Roost Farm Bakery for a huge selection of home-made lunch items and baked goods. Take your picnic along to one of Victoria’s many parks or beaches where you’ll enjoy one another’s company alongside a delicious spread.

Image by @theroostfarm

2. Explore Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is a classic Victoria date spot. Take a closer look at the decorations of picturesque floating homes and meet the playful resident seals. Grab some lunch and explore the wharf as you enjoy one another’s company.

You can also rent kayaks here (singles or doubles) with Kelp Reef Adventures.

Image by @stephsnelling

3. See How Well You Work Together

See how compatible you and your date really are! Plan your very own Amazing Race (and hide fun clues for your partner to find around the city), or rent a doubles kayak from Ocean River Adventures and work as a team to navigate Victoria’s gorgeous shoreline. Want to test your trust? Head to Crag X indoor climbing gym for a beginner lesson and belay each other as you learn the basics of climbing.

For another fun and playful date, head to Quest, where the two of you will be locked in a room together and race against the clock to find a way out.

Image by @matt_shannon_photography

4. Enjoy Natural Beauty

Get physical and climb Mount Douglas, for a breathtaking view of Victoria, the surrounding islands and distant mountains, or enjoy a trail walk along the beautiful coast of Sooke. If you’d like to hire a guide, opt for an immersive forest adventure with The Natural Connection.

Image: Hiking around Bear Mountain

5. Get Fresh (vegetables)

Head up the Saanich Peninsula to take in beautiful ocean views and see many of our island vineyards. Visit The Fickle Fig Farm Market, where you’ll be able to shop for inexpensive, locally-grown organic produce as well as delicious baked goods. Everything is made on-site, so you know it’s a true farm-to-table experience!

While you’re on the Peninsula, make a stop at the Gardens at HCP and explore their gorgeous winter garden.

Image by @fieldandforest

6. Scope Out Stunning Wedding Venues

There’s no time like the present, right? Take your loved one to Hatley Castle & Gardens in Colwood, Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse on the Saanich Peninsula and other great wedding venues to scope out the spot where you’ll say “I do!”

Image: @menmen219 on Instagram, Hatley Castle

7. Challenge Each Other

Bring your own board game to Caffe Fantastico and challenge one another over a cup of locally-roasted espresso, or spend the day at the Interactivity Board Game Cafe playing Monopoly, The Game of Life, Settlers of Catan, or one of their other hundreds of board games!

Pro tip: Opt for one of the Board Game Cafe’s home-made milkshakes. You won’t be disappointed.

Image of Interactivity Board Game Cafe by Bob Hewitt

8. Get Away from It All

Hop in the car and take the scenic Malahat drive, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Gowlland Tod and the Olympic Mountain Range. Enjoy lunch at the Malahat Chalet.

Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city with a romantic overnight stay at the Villa Eyrie Resort. Perched at the Malahat Summit, you’ll enjoy first-class dining and spa services with stunning views all the way across the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Image: Villa Eyrie Resort

9. Keep it Classic with Chocolate

Nothing melts the heart like chocolate. Stroll through downtown Victoria and stop by historic Rogers’ Chocolates for a Victoria Cream or head across Government Street to Chocolats Favoris for a chocolate-dipped ice cream cone.

10. Explore the Coast

Explore the shoreline, throw a frisbee and enjoy one another’s company at one of Victoria’s many sandy beaches. Make it an adventure and take the drive up to Sombrio Beach or Botanical Beach Provincial Park. You’ll have lots of time to make conversation with your date on the way there and back, and the views once you’re out there are totally worth the drive. If you have 2-3 days, consider completing the Pacific Marine Circle Route, which is a perfect romantic getaway for any adventurous and outdoorsy couple.

Image by @matt_shannon_photography

11. Cook up Some Love

Shop local at the Victoria Public Market where you’ll find all the ingredients you need for a romantic, home-cooked meal. Or, opt for a couples’ cooking class at The London Chef, where you’ll learn to make Indian, Moroccan, French or Spanish dishes – just to name a few! You’ll leave with memories and recipes to try at home.

Image by @thelondonchef

12. Indulge Your Senses

Lose yourself in the smells and tastes of Victoria’s greatest tea collection. Visit Silk Road Tea in Chinatown for some of Victoria’s finest tea, or kick things up a notch with a couple’s aromatherapy massage at the  Silk Road Spa.

13. Explore the Breakwater

Take a leisurely stroll along Dallas Road and out to the lighthouse at the end of the Breakwater. See floatplanes take off and land on the Inner Harbour and keep an eye out for people fishing along the lower level of the walkway.

Tip: Enjoy a pint of local craft beer and some live music afterwards at The Breakwater Bistro. 

Image: karuna_rebel on Instagram

14. See the City Light Up

Take your date on an evening stroll through Old Town. Victoria is especially beautiful when the sun goes down, the historic downtown buildings light up and create a romantic ambience. Make sure to stroll through Trounce Alley.

Tip: Stop for a glass of wine at Bodega or the Tapa Bar.

15. Take A Ride

Work up a sweat with your date! Victoria is super bike-able and lends itself to scenic cruises on two wheels. Rent e-bikes from Ride the Glide or traditional cruiser bikes from The Pedaler, or find out if your hotel offers free bike rentals! For a more intense cycling experience, book a road riding adventure with North 48 Bicycles.

Image: Cycling in Victoria

16. Stroll Through Beacon Hill Park

Grab a cone of infamous soft-serve from the Beacon Drive-In and wander through beautiful Beacon Hill Park where you’ll find beautiful gardens, fountains, and roaming peacocks. Tip: Don’t forget to bring some treats for the ducks!

17. Toast to Romance

Visit the tasting room at Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. where you can take a brewery tour and try some samples of their many craft brews. Speak with their friendly staff and learn all about the brewing process.

If cocktails are more your scene, celebrate your love with a cocktail or glass of bubbly at one of Victoria’s many unique lounges and wine bars. For unique and handcrafted libations, try Vista 18 Westcoast Grill & Wine Bar, Clive’s Classic Lounge, Stage or Little Jumbo.

Image by @littlejumbobc

18. Take a #heartVICTORIA selfie

Get the perfect date shot outside the BC Parliament Buildings or with one of Victoria’s historic statues and landmarks lining the Inner Harbour. If you’re sharing your photos on social media, include the hashtag #heartVICTORIA – we’ll be sharing our favourite photos during the month of February!

19. Stroll Along the Sidney Pier

For a quiet escape, take a leisurely stroll along the Sidney Pier. You’ll enjoy some alone time with a spectacular backdrop. Connect with your date over your shared love of books in downtown Sidney, which is also known as Booktown because of, well, it’s bookstores.

Image: Sidney Pier

20. Dance the Night Away

Get moving at Irish Times Pub or Hermann’s Jazz Club, where there’s often no cover charge and there’s always live music. Check out the online event calendar for a full lineup of live music and events in Victoria!

21. Enjoy a Relaxing Morning

Who says dates have to be at night? After a decadent sleep-in, head for Sunday brunch at one of Victoria’s fabulous breakfast specialists like Agrius Restaurant or The Village.

Image by @chinatownvillage

22. The Trifecta

For a playful and unique date night, head to Axe & Grind and challenge your significant other to a friendly competition! Then refuel at Virtuous Pie with the most delicious vegan pizza. Shake it up by taking your pie over to Whistle Buoy. There you bring the food and they provide the small-batch, locally made beer.

Image by @virtuous_pie

23. Get out on the Salish Sea

Take in the magic of the coast with an epic whale watching trip. It’s such a transformative experience, so don’t be surprised if you get caught up watching your partner light up rather than watching the whales! We recommend an afternoon tour because with the right conditions, Victoria’s winter sunsets make the sky explode in pink and orange hues.

Image by @fieldandforest

24. Soak up Love

Spend an afternoon getting a luxurious treatment by the Salish Sea and then soaking your worries away in the Oak Bay Beach Hotel’s mineral pools.

Image by Derek Ford

Still looking for more?

Learn more about romantic events taking place in Victoria and check out this winter itinerary – 56 Hours in Victoria: How to Plan the Perfect Winter Escape for more inspiration. You can also search for romantic hotel packages in Victoria. Don’t forget to tag your photos on social media using the hashtag #heartVICTORIA so that we can keep up with your adventures!

#heartVICTORIA