How to Have a Hallmark Valentine’s Day in Victoria
Plan your perfect Valentine’s Day in beautiful Victoria, BC.
Valentine’s Day is around the corner and what better place to celebrate your relationship than in beautiful Victoria? Informally known as the Hallmark capital of Canada, Victoria’s blend of old-world charm and modern culinary infusions make for a delightful day of activities.
Whether you’re stopping through town to recharge from routine, or a local looking to spice up your week with a dash of romance, here’s your guide on how to have a Hallmark Valentine’s Day in Victoria, BC.
Brunch
After a relaxed, cozy morning, coffee and brunch is the perfect way to start your day on the right foot. You can check out our full list of brunch spots here, but we’ve also hand-selected a few favourites:
Lure Restaurant & Bar
LURE provides a romantic setting with its breathtaking waterfront views overlooking the Inner Harbour. Share a special moment over their mouth-watering brunch menu, creating Valentine’s Day memories against Victoria’s most iconic backdrop.
Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub
Spinnakers combines the charm of a gastro brewpub with the intimacy ideal for Valentine’s Day. Enjoy a cozy brunch in a setting that sparks romance and conversation. After brunch, take a stroll through Lime Bay Park and ship-gaze over the water.
Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub
Bard & Banker
Immerse yourself in the historic ambiance of Bard & Banker, a charming restaurant in one of downtown’s oldest buildings. Nostalgic and romantic, this intimate setting makes for a perfect start to Valentine’s Day.
Bard & BankerAfternoon date
Following brunch, a stretch of the legs is in order. Maybe you want to explore the outdoors, or perhaps you’re more inclined to a warm and toasty excursion. Regardless of your adventure style, we’ve got something for you.
Walk the majestic Butchart Gardens
Perhaps the most well-known venue in Greater Victoria aside from the Parliament buildings, The Butchart Gardens is the quintessential Valentine’s Day experience. Surrounded by floral beauty, you’ll never want to leave.
The Butchart Gardens
Take a Harbour Air tour
Make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable with a scenic Harbour Air Side-by-side, take in the Victoria skyline from a rare vantage point and soak in the moment. Choose between 20- or 35-minute flights for a short yet exhilarating experience.
Harbour Air Seaplanes
Explore the Upper Harbour with Hot Tub Boat Victoria
Looking for a splash of adventure in your day? Look no further than Hot Tub Boat Victoria. It’s the perfect combination of sightseeing and relaxation, while sharing the moment with your significant other.
Hot Tub Boat Victoria
Relax during Afternoon Tea at Abkhazi Garden
Victoria is known for Afternoon Tea, and Abkhazi Garden is one of the finest settings in the city. Overlooking a pristine garden in a quiet area of town, you’ll lose all sense of time in the tranquility of the garden. Paired with delicious morsels, it’s an invitation for intimate connection.
Abkhazi Garden
Unwind at the Spa
When it comes to rejuvenation, there’s no better activity than an afternoon at the spa. Greater Victoria is home to many exceptional spas, including The Spa Magnolia, RITUAL Nordic Spa and HAVN Saunas. Unwind and decompress in the quiet serenity of these beautiful sanctuaries.
Take a walk along Dallas road
For a free yet remarkable experience, go for a stroll along Dallas Road and let your senses be awed by the power of the ocean. With over 7km of prime waterfront views, there are plenty of starting points to choose from. If it’s your first time in the city, we recommend checking out Finlayson Point or Ogden Point for some breathtaking views.
Dinner
The final touch on your dream day: dinner with the best of company. Each of these three restaurants are not only critically acclaimed for their food, but also their elegant surroundings.
Vista 18
Perched atop the Chateau Victoria Hotel, Vista 18 offers a romantic Valentine’s dinner like no other, boasting an unparalleled view of the Inner Harbour and the city’s twinkling lights. Experience the charm of dining high above the city, where the ambiance is as spectacular as the menu.
Vista 18
Il Covo Trattoria
Nestled in the heart of James Bay, Il Covo gifts you a genuine Italian experience this Valentine’s Day. As you step into this cozy trattoria, you’re instantly transported to Italy with its rustic decor and warm ambiance. Celebrate love with their hand-crafted, authentic Italian dishes, made with locally-sourced ingredients.
Il Covo Trattoria
Marilena Cafe + Raw Bar
Treat your loved one to something special at one of the top restaurants in the country. Marilena is modern yet elegant, and features local and global sustainably-sourced seafood in an homage to celebrating the best of Vancouver Island. We recommend La Tour, a 3-tier tower with a selection of some of the finest seafood around - including oyserts, tuna, scallops, lobster, and more.
Marilena Cafe + Raw Bar
Blue Crab Seafood House
Just steps away from Fisherman’s Wharf, Blue Crab Seafood House presents an unforgettable Valentine’s Day dining experience. Begin your evening with a choice of sophisticated appetizers before indulging in culinary masterpieces such as Pan Roasted Lamb Rib Chops, Atlantic Lobster Thermidor, Beef Tenderloin with Crab Ravioli, or Classic Pan Roasted Gnocchi. The night culminates with a Shared Dark Chocolate Open Face Tart, a perfect ode to love.
Blue Crab Seafood HouseHotel
Valentine’s Day isn’t complete without the perfect place to unwind from your magical day. You deserve a restful night, and you can sleep easy knowing that each of these hotels were recently featured in Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 15 Hotels in Western Canada.
Fairmont Empress
A symbol of elegance and romance, the Fairmont Empress has a long history in the heart of Victoria. This storied hotel boasts an incredible view of the harbour and arguably the city’s best location. With luxurious rooms and top-tier service, you’ll sleep well.
Fairmont Empress
Oak Bay Beach Hotel
On Victoria’s eastern shore, the Oak Bay Beach Hotel offers an invitation to serenity. Perfectly situated for the morning sunrise, you’ll enjoy the amenities the hotel has to offer—from turquoise mineral pools to the rejuvenating Boathouse Spa.
Oak Bay Beach Hotel
The Magnolia Hotel & Spa
The Magnolia Hotel & Spa offers a boutique Valentine’s experience. Its chic, comfortable rooms and personalized service provide a peaceful and romantic haven in the city’s heart. Adjacent to the lobby is The Spa Magnolia, a tranquil escape from the strains of everyday life.
Magnolia Hotel & Spa
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