Originally published January 5, 2017 | Updated January 19, 2018
Dinner? Check. Movie? Check. Same ole, same ole “romantic” date? Ugh.
The season for roses, hearts, bubbly and romance is just around the corner. And while dinner and a movie are great, another night of routine doesn’t exactly scream warm fuzzies. Luckily, you can surprise that special someone with a quick getaway right in your own backyard. A relaxing ride aboard the Victoria Clipper lands you in one of the world’s most romantic cities, beautiful Victoria, BC. With amazing ocean views and an array of intimate bars and restaurants to cozy up in, Victoria is chock-full of great date spots to check out this winter.
1. Sweep that Special Someone Off Their Feet
Perched on the edge of the Inner Harbour, the slower pace and serene waters surrounding the Inn at Laurel Point, make the resort-style hotel the perfect locale to indulge in a little R&R. Bring your “A” game and spoil that special someone with the ingredients to the ultimate romantic escape – you, your partner, jaw-dropping views, a bottle of bubbly and chocolates at your side. The icing on the cake? The excuse to stay cozied up in your room a little longer for a fabulous breakfast in bed.
2. Indulge in Sensational Sips
On a cold and blustery day, delight in a day trip north on the Cowichan Valley wine tour and warm your body and soul with some of the finest wines on Vancouver Island. Cruise past massive cedars and the glistening Saanich Inlet on your way to three boutique wineries. While away the afternoon sipping on crystal clear Ortega wines. Combined with incredible vistas of the vineyards, it doesn’t get more romantic than this.
3. Discover Victorian Era Romance
Remind your S.O. how well you clean up and dress in your best threads for a luxurious afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. Live like a king and queen, sink into a plush couch, cuddle up with a steaming hot cup of one of the hotel’s 21 exquisite loose leaf teas and gaze out on the boats bobbing in Victoria’s Inner Harbor. Want to get extra fancy? Add on a couple of flutes of bubbly to your meal and toast to a day of lavish relaxation.
(Inside tip: A cozy trip to Victoria would not be complete without drinking buckets of tea. For more liquid perfection, make your way to the hidden Abkhazi Garden and duck inside the homey Teahouse to sip on a comforting cuppa. A romantic and inspiring spot, there no sweeter place to get your tea fix.)
4. Explore Trendy Boutiques in the Downtown Core
A special gift can go a long way…’nuff said. Make your way to the adorable Tonic jewelry store housed in Market Square for distinctive, handmade gold and silver baubles. Or pop next door to Little Gold and pick up sweetly scented lotions. Bonus points for hopping into The Regional Assembly of Text next door where you can go old-school and craft up a quick love letter on a typewriter or pick up a crafty postcard.
5. Unwind at a Seaside Spa Oasis
With sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Mt. Baker, there is no better place to rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit than the tranquil Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Indulge in a relaxing 60-minute side-by-side rubdown or listen as waves crash against the shore as you and your partner soak in the steaming waters of an oceanside mineral pool. Afterward, bundle up and head out on a moonlit stroll along one of Oak Bay’s scenic walking trails.
6. Dine by Candlelight
It’s hard to argue with some classic Italian fare when the intended vibe is romance. Tuck yourself into one of the private niches in Il Terrazzo’s courtyard and dine on mouth-watering Northern Italian cuisine while being surrounded by flickering candles. Cap off your evening with a cocktail at the Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites’ breathtaking rooftop lounge, Vista 18. Share a decadent dessert, groove to local tunes and soak in panoramic views of the city as the lights click on and fill the sky with a warm glow.
(Inside tip: Looking for another romantic date spot? Head to the intimate Trounce Alley to dine on a selection of phenomenal eats on the Tapa Bar’s heated outdoor patio while fairy lights twinkle overhead.)
7. Stargaze on a Waterfront Stroll
When the sun begins to melt into the ocean at day’s end, grab your special someone and head out on a moonlit stroll along the breakwater at Odgen Point. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Victoria’s minimal light pollution makes it easy to enjoy an abundance of twinkling stars overhead.
Don’t spend another weekend curled up on the couch. Whether you are craving a lavish spa experience, fun shopping or a taste of Europe, Victoria offers plenty of romantic date ideas for an escape you both won’t forget.
