22 Date Ideas in Victoria, B.C.
Posted on January 18, 2018
Valentines Day is coming up and a weekend getaway to Canada's Most Romantic City is the perfect way to celebrate. If you're in need of some inspiration, 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.
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.
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.
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.
For another fun and playful date, head to Trapped escape rooms, where the two of you will be locked in a room together and race against the clock to find a way out. Tip: You can also get into an escape room with multiple couples, if you're visiting Victoria with friends.
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, or book with HikeVictoria.com if you'd like to get some great, professional photos taken of you and your partner along the way.
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.
6. Scope Out Stunning Wedding Venues
There's no time like the present, right? Take your loved one to Hatley Castle & Gardens, Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse and other great wedding venues to scope out the spot where you'll say "I do!"
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 their home-made milkshakes. You won't be disappointed.
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.
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.
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.
12. Capture the Magic of Travel
Take a walking tour with your date and snap photos of each other all along the way. Voted Canada's Most Romantic City four years running, you'll be charmed by the character and beauty of the city.
Spice up your date with a romantic Flytographer photo shoot. You'll be paired up with a local photographer who will capture the magic of your date with candid, beautiful photos that you can enjoy for years to come.
13. Indulge Your Senses
Lose yourself in the smells and tastes of Victoria's greatest tea collection. Visit Terroir Tea Salon on Fabulous Fort Street for an authentic tea tasting experience, or kick things up a notch with a couple's aromatherapy massage at Silk Road Tea.
14. Explore the Breakwater
Take a leisurely stroll along Dallas Road and out to the lighthouse at the end of the Breakwater. See float planes 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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!
18. 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 or Clive's Classic Lounge in the Chateau Victoria. For an intimate date with a unique atmosphere, head to Nourish Kitchen in James Bay. They've recently opened an upstairs lounge and botanical bar which are open from 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.
19. 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!
20. 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.
21. 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!
22. 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 10 Acres Bistro.
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!