Updated January 8, 2020
It’s date night and you’ve just finished a cozy, candlelit dinner with your S.O. Can’t get much better than that, right? Except, perhaps, with a trip up to Victoria, BC (Canada’s most romantic destination) just in time for the month of love!
Whether your to-do list for the new year includes cozying up with that special someone, making time for friends and family or focusing on personal growth, BC’s capital has something to fit the bill. Get to planning with our roundup of 11 things to do in Victoria, BC this February!
1. Cowichan Valley Wine Tasting Getaway – Starting February 1
Gather your gal pals and hop aboard the Victoria Clipper ferry for a cruise up to BC’s capital on a wine weekend getaway! Kick back with your crew as you’re chauffeured through the scenic Cowichan Valley for a day of vineyard-hopping in the burgeoning wine region.
Sip on generous samples at three wineries and chat with local vintners for a peek behind the scenes along the way. Cap off your day of expertly guided exploration with an artisan picnic lunch at Blue Grouse Estate Winery and Vineyard. Surrounded by their sprawling grounds, it’s a great spot to raise a glass with your girls and toast to a new tradition!
2. Victoria Film Festival – February 7 – 16
Every year, film buffs from Vancouver Island to continental Canada flock to Victoria for the annual Victoria Film Festival, a citywide celebration of local filmmaking talent. In addition to screenings, you’ll find interactive exhibits like a virtual reality experience, a Canadian Film poster art exhibit and in-depth conversations with industry insiders. Truly a can’t-miss event for PNW cinephiles!
3. Victoria Yoga & Wellness Conference – February 14 – 16
If “self-care” is part of your new year’s resolutions, here’s the perfect opportunity to make good on that intention! The eighth annual Victoria Yoga & Wellness Conference is back, offering a full weekend of spirituality workshops, healing ceremonies and, yes, yoga! With activities for the curious to the serious, you’re bound to leave having learned something new about this ancient practice – and quite possibly yourself.
4. Valentine’s Day Jazz Show – February 14
Flickering candles, frosty martinis and a thrumming bass. This is how Valentine’s Day is meant to be celebrated! An evening of soulful jazz and sultry singing. A cornerstone of Vancouver Island’s jazz community, Hermann’s Jazz Club is both cozy and inviting, perfect for a romantic nightcap with your valentine!
5. Have a Romantic Dinner on the Town – February 14
From stellar seafood to farm-to-table eats, it’s no secret that Victoria punches above its weight when it comes to dining out, making it an ideal spot to spend Valentine’s Day! For dinner with a view, try the waterfront Boom + Batten and dig into a prosciutto-topped pizza or roast duck with a mulled wine sauce.
For an intimate atmosphere, grab a table by the crackling brick fireplace at local fave Il Terrazzo. Wherever you dine, be sure to stop by chic watering hole Little Jumbo for an expertly crafted cocktail before you call it a night!
6. Wildlife Photographer of the Year at Royal BC Museum – February 14 – March 29
Prepare to have your breath taken away at this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year display at the Royal BC Museum! In its 55th year running, this global competition showcases a diverse selection of nature photography from mountain peaks to the depths of the sea. Presented in enormous backlit displays, the exhibit is designed to take you on a visual journey around the world.
7. Island Beer & Spirits Festival – February 16
Raise a glass to the best brews that Vancouver Island has to offer at the 11th annual Island Beer & Spirits Festival! Sip on some suds from nearby breweries such as Whistle Buoy and Driftwood, or sample some concoctions from up-island favorites like Howl or Land & Sea Brewing Co.
Beer not your thing? Not to worry, apple elixirs from Sea Cider and some stronger distilled options will also be available. Cheers!
8. The Butchart Gardens Historical Display – January 15 through March 15
When we tell people that there’s no wrong time to visit The Butchart Gardens, we really mean it! Even in the winter, the world-renowned grounds have more than enough to keep you entertained.
Escape to a tropical paradise in the immersive Spring Prelude display or enjoy the quiet serenity of the frost-coated Sunken Garden. Add to that list The Gardens’ Historical Display, where the carefully-maintained Butchart family home is opened up to visitors. Learn all about how an old limestone quarry was transformed into the lush oasis you see today, perfect for your inner history buff!
9. Celebrate Family Day – February 17
Take a note from our neighbors to the north and celebrate Family Day! Spend the weekend experiencing a new city together, trying local foods, exploring parks and gardens and making memories as a family. Plus, a group getaway doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank – there are plenty of free things to do in Victoria, BC!
10. IQ Trivia 2000 at Smith’s Pub – February 25
Are you a Jeopardy master? Is Trivial Pursuit your favorite board game? Then why not try your hand (and noggin!) at Smiths Pub’s IQ Trivia 2000 series? With free entry, cool prizes and an impressive microbrew tap list, you’ve got nothing to lose!
11. Be a Local Tourist in Victoria, BC – February 27 – March 2
Experience the best of what makes BC’s capital so unique during this five-day celebration of all things local! Enjoy big savings on activities from brew tours at Sea Cider and Vancouver Island Brewing to admission to the Gardens at Horticulture Center of the Pacific (HCP) or Miniature World. Your wristband even grants you some fun freebies around town! By the end of the week, you may even find yourself working “eh” into your vocabulary.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, now is the ideal time to start planning a scoot up to the island for a weekend getaway with your special someone or gal pal squad. Whether you’re into cinema or looking for a jazzy night out, Victoria is perfect for a cozy escape to make some lasting memories with the ones you love next month!
Feature Photo: Tourism Vancouver Island/Ben Giesbrecht