Valentine’s Dates in Victoria for Any Time of Day

Love is in the air, and perhaps you are looking for a way to celebrate!  With Victoria recognized as Canada’s Romance Capital year after year, there is no shortage of activities you and your better-half can participate in.

Perhaps like so many of us, and you are constantly on the go. Perhaps you two can’t fit in a date-night but are more interested in a date-morning instead! Fear not: we’ve racked up a full day’s worth of activities with your partner to show them that you truly care. Read on for Valentine’s Date ideas, whether you lovebirds are going out in the morning, afternoon, night… or all of the above.

Morning Date Idea: Brunch at the Breakwater

Start your day with a beautiful coastal exploration of the city. A walk alongside Dallas Road is an excellent way to recharge and reconnect with your sweetheart. We advise you to fuel-up by grabbing a delicious brunch or lunch from Breakwater Café, Bistro, and Bar, renown for their stunning views of the Olympic Mountain range and their proximity to Ogden Point. Their brunch menu features locally sourced, fresh, and foraged ingredients and is a cozy spot to nestle in with your partner before seizing the rest of the day.
After brunch, spend your morning soaking in the splendor of the salted Pacific air, stretching sun rays, and crashing ocean waves that our city is known for. A walk hand-in-hand down Ogden Point Breakwater to reach the lighthouse is a romantic way to take it all in.

Insider Tip: Can’t get enough of these ocean views? Come back at sunset for a dazzling light display performed by Mother Nature herself.

Morning Date Idea: Food for the Heart, and the Soul

Rise and shine, lovebirds! Are you two craving brunch, but are notorious for sleeping in? The Village has you covered, with an all-day breakfast menu that is sure to get your day started on a sweet note. The Village has not one, not two, but five unique locations around Greater Victoria where you can grab your fresh, locally sourced brunch.  One bite in, and you will know exactly why this awesome spot was featured on the Food Network’s You Gotta Eat Here!

Insider Tip: The Village in Chinatown has a new pop-up called Ghost Ramen, which has taken the ramen scene in Victoria by storm! If you can’t decide between brunch or ramen… why not get both?

Delicious Brunch served at the Village in Victoria

Afternoon Date Idea: Tea, Tea, and More Tea

Is there anything more romantic and Victorian than partaking in an afternoon tea experience? The perfect blend of indulgence, tradition, and comfort; this dining session will have you falling head-over-heels for the city, and for each other.  The Pendray Tea House’s Victorian Afternoon Tea experience will have you sipping on fine tea while nibbling on assorted sweets, breads, and small sandwiches as you watch ships come and go from Victoria’s Inner harbour.

Do as the Victorians do, and follow your meal with a leisurely harbourside stroll, or a walk through the The Pendray Inn and Tea House’s grounds. Considered one of the most romantic wedding venues in Victoria, the walk alone may have you completely swept away.  If so, consider booking one of their 9 unique heritage rooms, or a room at the Huntingdon Manor Hotel (their sister property!) for a night you won’t soon forget.

Another option for drinks, dessert, and romance is a high tea experience at the formidable Fairmont Empress. Your partner will be taken aback when you bring them to the Castle on the Coast for your Valentine’s lunch! As one of the oldest hotels in Victoria, their 1908 Chateau-esque style building offers an intimate space for you two to dine in.

Insider Tip: Book ahead of time and request a seat next to a window for mesmerizing harbour-views.

Afternoon Date Idea: Hop Aboard the Love Boat!

Introducing the “Love Boat”, a new event that Victoria Harbour Ferry is holding in recognition of Valentine’s Day! From February 12th to the 19th, hop onboard a romantic 2-hour cruise that escorts you to the gorgeous waterfront restaurant, LURE Restaurant & Bar at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort. The cruise can be booked as early as 11am, and as late as 7pm to catch the red skies at night (a sailor’s delight!). This $80 package includes the cruise for two, glasses of champagne, and a decadent dessert at Lure.  Smooth sailing, lovebirds.

The Victoria Harbour Ferry sails beside Fisherman’s Wharf – Deddeda Stemler

Evening Date Idea: Did Someone Say Yoga?

Imagine: an evening of yoga by candlelight, in a beautiful pavilion overlooking an apple orchard and the ocean, topped with a cider tasting.  Sounds like a dream, right?  Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse is here to deliver on that dream, and provide you an evening of all three!  Whether you two are seasoned yogis, or looking for a new venture, Amy Haysom (a Victorian yoga instructor) will conduct her practice at Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse on February 14th.  Doors will open at 5:30pm, candlelit yoga will be from 6-7, and a flight of 3 ciders and a delicious Sea Cider Artisan Tasting plate will be enjoyed from 7:15-9pm. This yoga practice will promote connection, sensuality, and presence between the two of you… and the flight of ciders will have you two laughing more than ever before.

Evening Date Idea: Dinner by Candlelight

They say the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach!  Treat your loved one to the candle-lit, warm, and rustic vibes of Wind Cries Mary.  Your meal will be West Coast-inspired, locally sourced, and creatively curated dishes; a standout meal that will have you raving until next Valentine’s Day.

Late-Night Date Idea: A Toast to your Love

After a day of festivities, treat yourselves to cocktails at Clive’s Classic Lounge. This high-quality cocktail bar has been consistently nominated as the World’s Best Hotel Bar by Tales of the Cocktail. Staying on the forefront of global cocktail culture, your final nightcaps in Victoria will surely sweep you two off your feet.
Victoria is in fact home to several award-winning cocktail bars, such as the show-stopping Little Jumbo Restaurant & Bar, consistently deemed as Victoria’s top setting to dine and drink at. With an original, finely crafted cocktail menu that rotates every six weeks, their beverages are sure to delight all tastes. Cheers to you two!

Lastly… Get a Room

To turn up the romance, we recommend staying at the elegant Magnolia Hotel & Spa. Hotel amenities include the Spa Magnolia, fine-dining at the award-winning fine-dining restaurant The Courtney Room, and timelessly luxurious rooms, many featuring deep soaker tubs and fireplaces. The Magnolia is featuring a new Fire & Ice Romance Package that includes a stay in one of their Diamond Rooms with a roaring gas fireplace, and a bottle of British Columbian sparkling wine. Rates start from $309+ tax per night and run until February 27th. Another option is booking the Experience Magnolia Getaway package, which offers a $75 per-night credit that can be used towards dine-in or room service from The Courtney Room, for minibar items, for sparkling wine upon arrival, or for the Spa Magnolia.

But Wait… Let’s Not Forget the Gift!

Perhaps you were so wrapped up in planning your perfect day, that getting them a gift has slipped your mind. Fear not… Rogers’ Chocolates will come to your rescue. Grab a box of tasty hand-crafted chocolates for a classic Victorian show-of-love. Their sweet notes and authentic approach to crafting their chocolates makes for a memorable, heartwarming gift.

A display of hand-crafted sweets by Rogers’ Chocolates – Danielle Lindenlaub Photography

HAPPY CELEBRATING!