5 Last-Minute Date Night Ideas for Valentine’s Day in Victoria

It’s down to the wire. You’ve put off planning the one of the most romantic events of the year and now you’re scrambling to think up something special to impress your partner. But luckily, at the eleventh hour, sweating bullets, you come with the perfect plan! A quick island getaway to Victoria!

With its lush gardens, sweeping ocean views and historic architecture, the city of Victoria, BC serves as a picturesque backdrop for a charming escape with that special someone. Explore the quaint cobblestone streets and discover the array of options for creating an intimate, romantic experience. Whether you want to sample the abundant array of options for romantic dining or cut a rug on the dance floor, Victoria has got you covered. Here are a few date ideas that will help sweeten the night with the one you love.

1. Experience a Taste of the French Countryside at Brasserie L’École

They say the way to a foodie’s heart is through their stomach, and it doesn’t get more romantic than classic French cuisine. Country-style fare meets seasonal, local ingredients to result in sumptuous dishes well worth the wait at the popular bistro Brasserie L’École. The name of the petite, Chinatown restaurant translates to “school” and is a nod to the building’s historic roots as a Chinese schoolhouse.

With a daily rotating menu, there is no shortage of delicious eats to tempt your taste buds. The mouth-watering steak frites are a perennial favorite, and if you love seafood, the fresh caught Salt Spring Island mussels are a must-try.

2. Toast the Night at Vista 18

Cap off your evening perched atop the Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites’ restaurant, Vista 18 Westcoast Grill & Wine Bar. Kick back, relax and as you soak in panoramic views of Victoria’s bustling Inner Harbour as well as the snow-capped Mount Baker and the Olympic Mountain range.

Toast your one and only with a glass of one of BC’s finest wines and nibble on a lineup of tasty small plates. On Friday or Saturday nights, you can sip your favorite vintages while you groove to some equally sweet tunes from local artists.

3. TREAT YOURSELF TO SOMETHING SWEET

It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without giving into your sweet tooth and noshing on a few sugary treats. As you pass the threshold of the iconic Rogers’ Chocolates store, it’s nearly impossible not to be drawn inside by the tantalizingly sweet smell of freshly made truffles, caramels and other goodies.

Sample a piece of chocolate history and bite into the chocolatier’s first and most famous creation, the Victoria Cream. Featuring a thick, rich chocolate shell with a decadent, creamy center, if this little piece of heaven doesn’t make your mouth melt, we don’t know what will.

4. Show Off Your Moves on the Dance Floor

Strut your stuff (and burn off that extra truffle you ate) to classic jazz tunes performed by a live band at Red Hot Swing’s Friday Night Dances. Dance the night away with the Lindy Hop, the Charleston, the Balboa and Collegiate Shag. Still working on perfecting your moves? No worries! Drop in on the beginner class and get into the swing of things before the social dance begins later in the evening.

5. Cozy Up at The Boathouse Spa

If you really want to pamper your special someone (and score a few extra brownie points), swing by Victoria’s only oceanfront spa at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Indulge in the “Romance By the Sea” package and relax in the invigorating Eucalyptus steam room or soak in sweeping ocean vistas from the bubbling waters of seaside mineral pools.

You’ll also receive a 60-minute side-by-side couple’s relaxation massage as well as a 30-minute seaweed and lavender facial. Tranquil, serene and stunning, there is no better place to end a Victorian Valentine’s Day than cozied up to up your special someone than in this intimate, oasis-like setting.

Whether you are craving a candlelight dinner and cocktails, a night on the dance floor or a rejuvenating soak under the stars, Victoria offers plenty of date night ideas that are guaranteed to turn your next romantic outing into an evening you both won’t forget.

Clipper Recommends: 

• Take a walk on the wild side with your S.O. this year with the Inn at Laurel Point’s “Naughty or Nice” Romance Package and delight in rose petals on your bed, Pastry Chef Kimberley Vy’s chocolate Valentine’s creation,  a bottle of BC wine, breakfast in bed and late check out!

• Spend an afternoon at Fisherman’s Wharf and stroll hand-in-hand along the wooden boardwalk, make friends with the local harbor seals and Instagram a shot or two.