Take your sweetheart somewhere new this Valentine’s Day! With this list of six romantic getaways to take in Canada this year, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from for an unforgettable few days.
The breezes of Canadian winters may be frosty but there are plenty of romantic escapes across the country to melt the coldest of hearts. Traditional red roses and handwritten cards are okay, what’s better than a quick jaunt with your sweetheart? These weekend getaways for Valentine’s Day are sure to fill you and your special someone with a few days of romance and adventure.
Top Experiences and Weekend Getaways in Canada for Valentine’s Day
Indulge in the best fine-dining Montreal has to offer
There are few things more romantic than a candlelit dinner, and Montreal’s world-renown food scene makes it the top pick for weekend getaways for Valentine’s Day! L’Express on Rue Saint-Denis is the classic choice for French food (oysters anyone?), while Elena in St-Henri was named one of the country’s Best New Restaurants by En Route Magazine last year for its casual vibes and delish pizza.
Wander through the Plateau — one of Montreal’s coolest neighbourhoods — and cement your eternal devotion by placing a love lock together in Parc La Fontaine. Finish the weekend with a couples’ massage at Bota Bota, the spa boat in the Old Port after a skate in front of Bonsecours Market.
Hotel recommendation: The elegant Hotel Le St. James Montreal is housed in a restored 1870 bank building, just down the street from the Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montreal, offering romantic suites with fluffy bathrobes and down comforters.
Lean into the wind in Tofino
Surfers flock to chill Tofino for its renowned waves but the romance of storm-watching season — which runs from October to February — is a unique option for weekend getaways for Valentine’s Day. On Vancouver Island, temperatures rarely drop below eight degrees which makes for impressive winter storms, the perfect show to watch with your valentine from the comfort of your cozy inn.
There are at least half dozens of spas to choose from in Tofino (and plenty across the island), but Sacred Stone Spa is our pick for the best winter deals and hot stone massages. Dine at the award-winning Wolf in the Fog after a day of leaning into the ocean winds.
Hotel recommendation: The Wickaninnish Inn sets the stage for romantic storm watching — after all, they popularized the activity back in the 90s. Guestrooms have views of the ocean, complete with rain gear and rubber boots for romantic strolls along Chesterman Beach.
See the far east of St. John’s
Newfoundland’s tourism scene has exploded thanks to amazing new restaurants, hit Broadway musical Come From Away and luxe Fogo Island Inn, but the capital city is a romantic destination in its own right. The most easterly of weekend getaways for Valentine’s Day is full of cozy dinners, live music and dramatic ocean views. Skate side-by-side on The Loop in Bannerman Park, swoon over traditional music at Bridie Malloy’s on George Street or take a chocolate-class at Newfoundland Chocolate Company.
Cocooned in Quidi Vidi village, dinner at Mallard Cottage pairs perfectly with a pint at Quidi Vidi Brewery just around the corner. Or for the luxe romantic gesture, reserve a corner table at Raymond’s whom the late Anthony Bourdain and cohort ordained as one of the best restaurants in Canada when they visited St. John’s last year.
Hotel recommendation: The luxurious JAG Boutique Hotel in downtown St. John’s has a rock-star-meets-hipster vibe with music memorabilia, fluffy bathrobes and fantastic room service from Exile downstairs.
Take a dip in the Banff hot springs
Banff’s year-round appeal makes this mountain town a no-brainer when choosing romantic weekend getaways for Valentine’s Day. Snuggle on a sleigh ride, go snowshoeing, or skate on Lake Louise. The Alpenglow Festival running from February 15 to April 13 offering up a light show at the Banff Gondola and mountain-top cocktails and smores in front of the fire. For couples preferring to heat things up while exploring the Rockies, there are many natural hot springs like Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Banff dining options have boiled over in the past few years with hot spots like High Rollers with its retro bowling alley, great slices of ‘za and 48 beers on tap. Stare at your sweetie over candlelight at Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar or the newly-renovated The Bison.
Hotel recommendation: The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel was one of the first of the iconic Canadian railway hotels and has been known as the “Castle in the Rockies” since it opened in 1888. Every window has a view of the mountains so you’re guaranteed a good table at one of the seven restaurants on site.
Drink in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara Falls is a honeymoon capital of the world, but if you and your Valentine want to swap the crowded buffet line for an intimate dinner overlooking a vineyard, head to Niagara-on-the-Lake. A snow-blanketed main street with restaurants like Treadwell Cuisine and shops on the shores of Lake Ontario, this charming town is just a short drive from dozens of world-renown wineries to wet your whistle.
February weekends are made for Days of Wine and Chocolate, where Valentines can visit more than 20 Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries and indulge in chocolate desserts paired with their Pinot. Visit Peller Estates and huddle close to your true love at the igloo-like 10Below Icewine Lounge while you sample world-famous Canadian ice wine (we’re not just known for our maple syrup, guys!)
Hotel recommendation: Most hotels in the area also offer Valentine’s getaway packages, like the Chocolate Lover’s Getaways’ or couples spa weekends. The elegant and comfortable rooms at Harbour House overlook Lake Ontario and are complete with soft cotton sheets, fireplaces and whirlpool tubs.
Hit the slopes two-by-two at Whistler
As if the majestic mountain views weren’t enough, choosing Whistler for weekend getaways for Valentine’s Day is a sure bet for lots of adventure mixed with romance. Aside from the skiing and snowboarding, lovers can tandem bungee jump, double up on the zipline or ogle the views from the Peak 2 Peak Gondola.
Test the waters of Scandinave Spa located near Lost Lake (their silence policy will test any couples non-verbal communication skills), or watch the Sunday evening Fire and Ice show at the base of Whistler Village.
Hotel recommendation: Located at the base of Whistler Mountain, the chalet feel of First Tracks Lodge with its hot tubs and fireplaces make the perfect nest for two.
Hotel Deals for Your Valentine’s Weekend Getaway
Still looking to book a romantic inn or hotel for your Valentine’s getaway? Start with our hotel search below, where you can get access to the best hotel deals to all of these Valentine’s vacation destinations!
