If Victoria, B.C. were a guy you saw on a dating app, you better believe he’d be worth a swipe to the right. A good-looking exterior, a friendly attitude, an active lifestyle, throw in a bit of old-school tradition and wait… was that a British accent? He’d be the one to sweep you off your feet using charm alone.

Voted as Canada’s Most Romantic City four years in a row by Amazon.ca, Victoria, B.C. takes romance to the next level. Whether you’re testing the waters with a new flame or planning a relaxing holiday with your long-time partner, Victoria is the perfect place for a romantic getaway.

Be Swept off Your Feet

Of course, a leisurely stroll through Victoria’s downtown core and Inner Harbour is a great place to start. Take a ride on a pint-sized Victoria Harbour Ferry and see the sights from a different perspective.

Extend your walk over to Fisherman’s Wharf , where you’ll be greeted by playful resident harbour seals who splash around the docks and will do just about anything to get your attention. Grab lunch or a snack from Barb’s Fish & Chips and check out the colourful floating homes that line the wharf.

Write Your Love Story in Historic Chinatown

Immersing yourselves in the hustle and bustle of Victoria’s historic Chinatown makes for a fantastic date experience in Victoria. Check out Silk Road Tea for a huge selection of traditional, hand-blended teas and cool tea accessories. Explore the famous Fan Tan Alley(North America’s narrowest commercial street) where you’ll find cool boutique shopping and great photo ops.

Experience the Art of Love

As you see the sights in Victoria, keep an eye out for numerous sculptures and public artworks around the city. Stop in at local art galleries and souvenir shops like Alcheringa Gallery and Cowichan Trading where you’ll find locally-made First Nations artworks and souvenirs.

Stroll the iconic Ogden Point breakwater and admire its striking murals, painted by the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations. Then, warm up with a cup of coffee or a pint at the  Breakwater Bistro . Keep your eyes peeled for other public art, like the Commerce Canoe in Bastion Square and the twelve Hands of Time statues which are hidden in plain sight around the city.

Eat Your Heart Out

For a romantic dinner, choose one of Victoria’s quaint eateries where you’ll dig into fresh, seasonal fare with a west-coast twist. The Mint is a classic “first date” spot in Victoria, and 10 Acres Bistro is well-known for their farm-to-table offerings. Tip: Their produce and meats come straight from the 10 Acres farm on the Saanich Peninsula.

If you’re ready to really crank up the romance, opt for an aphrodisiac oyster experience at Ferris’ Grill & Oyster Bar. With its rich brick walls accented by candlelight, and a great wine list, this is the perfect place to get in the mood for love.

Toast to Romance

Victoria is home to many cocktail bars, each of which puts their own creative spin on handcrafted libations. You’ll find serious mixologists behind the wood, incorporating unique ingredients like local honey and craft spirits made right here on the island.

On date night, try  Clive’s Classic Lounge in the Chateau Victoria or  Veneto Tapa Lounge in the Hotel Rialto. Little Jumbo is another local favourite, with insanely creative cocktails that you just won’t find anywhere else. Ask your bartender for something made with Victoria Distillers‘ gin (a must-try when visiting the island) or Sheringham Distillery‘s coastal craft spirits.

Beer lovers should make a stop at The Drake Eatery in Market Square and sample from their extensive craft beer offerings, or visit Irish Times Pub where the atmosphere is cheery and there’s live music every night of the week.

Love these photos?

Book a vacation photographer in Victoria (or choose from 200 cities around the world) with Flytographer. You’ll work closely with their shoot concierge team to plan a personalized photo shoot with a local photographer and capture the magic of your romantic getaway.

All photos included in this post were taken by Stephanie, a Victoria-based Flytographer.

#heartVICTORIA