Classic Romance - Your Valentine's Day Itinerary

Looking to celebrate love closer to home this year? Luckily, Greater Victoria is known as Canada’s most romantic city! Read on for a perfectly planned day in Greater Victoria so you and your partner can reconnect and spend some serious quality time together.  

Please note that all businesses mentioned have taken the necessary steps to adapt their business to safely serve you during this time. Please check directly with the business you wish to visit for their COVID-19 safety protocols. 

 

9:00 a.m.

They say the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. Start the day off right with brunch at Nourish Kitchen & Cafe. Located in one of James Bay’s unique heritage homes, this quaint and charming eatery holds a strong belief in growing and sourcing seasonally. Here, you’ll find classic brunch items with a twist, like eggs benny with cashew hollandaise and oatmeal pancakes with bee pollen sprinkles.

Image by @stephsnelling

 

10:00 a.m.

After breakfast, take a romantic horse-drawn carriage tour with Tally-Ho over toward the Inner Harbour. There are tons of options for fun dates in this area, including visiting the Royal BC Museum, followed by a film at IMAX Victoria. Or meander down the street to the Robert Bateman Centre for their art and nature gallery. If contemporary art is more your thing, venture down Trounce Alley and visit the West End Gallery, Alcheringa Gallery or Legacy Art Gallery, where you’ll find original Pacific Northwest artwork and fun, rotating collections by a diverse range of Canadian artists.

Image of @alcheringa_gallery

 

11:30 a.m.

After your art adventure, walk a few short blocks to Fisherman’s Wharf and check out this colourful community of floating houses, boutiques and businesses. 

Insider tip: Embark on a whale watching adventure with Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Watching Tours.

Image by @betterwithadventure

 

12:30 p.m.

Continue your walk along the waterfront toward Ogden Point. Walkout to the end of the breakwater and take in the vista. Then, grab a bite to eat at the Breakwater Bistro & Tasting Room, where you’ll enjoy local and seasonal fare overlooking the Salish Sea.

Insiders tip: If you’d rather come here for dinner, there is usually live music in the evenings!

Breakwater Bistro & Tasting Room

Image by @breakwaterbistro

 

2:00 p.m.

Get some fresh air and take in some local history at Craigdarroch Castle in the neighbourhood of Rockland. Alternatively, take an afternoon drive out to Colwood and visit Hatley Castle and Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site.

Image by @matt_shannon_photography

 

4:00 p.m.

It is Valentine’s Day, after all, and the day just wouldn’t be complete without a little sweet indulgence. Visit Roger’s Chocolates on Government Street and try a classic Victoria Cream or take home one of three special heart-shaped Valentine’s Day boxes of chocolate. For a truly decadent chocolate tour, get Off the Eaten Track on the Chocolates & Churches tour. Or keep it lighter with a Valentine’s Day Tea.

Image by @rogerschocolates1885

 

6:00 p.m.

While Victoria is home to an abundance of incredible restaurants, try  Zambri’s or Little Jumbo for a special Valentines’ Day dinner date. These are classic date night spots with a romantic ambiance and a great selection of wine and cocktails. 

Image by @zambrisrestaurant

 

8:30 p.m.

After dinner, walk it all off with a romantic stroll through downtown Victoria. If you’re still feeling the love and want to extend your Valentine’s Day a little bit longer, head to Wind Cries Mary, or Clive’s for one of the city’s best cocktails or nightcaps. Vista 18 is another great après dinner option, where you’ll enjoy hand-crafted libations while looking out over the city from the 18th floor. Although after a day like this, you’ll probably just be staring lovingly into one another’s eyes. Gross. Get a room, guys.

Image by @itkasanimages

Still looking for more date options? Check out more romantic ideas in Victoria here.

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Destination Greater Victoria is honoured to be based on the traditional territory of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples of the Songhees Nation and the Esquimalt Nation, whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.