Valentine’s day is the most special day since love is in the air. Some of us wait for the entire year just to make it extra special for the ones we love. Many people prefer traditional ways such as a romantic dinner and exchange of gifts while others go to great lengths to show their beloved how much they really mean to them. However, when you are planning something special in a new country, it sometimes gets daunting. So, if you are looking for ways to celebrate Valentine’s day in Canada, we have got you covered.
Our list comprises 8 unique, romantic and fun ways to celebrate Valentine’s day. You can opt for one method or opt for a mix of different ways depending on what suits you best.
Ice Skating in the Canadian Rockies
Nothing beats ice skating in the Banff National Park amidst the Canadian Rockies. If you are new to Canada, this is the place to be on Valentine’s day. You can skate all you want with your partner or play ice hockey but make sure you don’t miss out on the best ever hot chocolate after that.
There are multiple lakes in the area, including Two Jack Lake, Lake Minnewanka and Vermilion Lake, but Lake Louise is the one we would recommend for ice skating. It has been the safest of all the options and is surrounded by a beautiful glacier and offers a larger ice rink for skating.
Get All Soaked in at the Niagara Falls
Romance and Niagara Falls go way back in time. It has been one of the most preferred honeymoon destinations since the 20th century.
You may have seen Niagara Falls in a lot of movies and television shows. And if you are a TV buff, you would surely remember watching Niagara Falls in Jim and Pam’s wedding episode of ‘The Office’. So, what are you waiting for? Turn it into a romantic road trip. When we say road trip, trust us because driving to Niagara Falls is an experience in itself. And since it is a special day, you can benefit from some great offers on hotel bookings.
You may as well get on board on a cruise and take a close look at all three Niagara Falls. If not this, you can take a helicopter ride above the falls and enjoy the scenic vistas. And when that’s done, you can end your day with a fine dining experience at Skylon Tower, a popular revolving restaurant.
Drive and Walk Through Experience
If you and your partner love the outdoors, this is another one of the incredible ways to spend a romantic Valentine’s day in Canada. The ‘Winter Glow’ event started on 4th Feb and will end on the 27th Feb. It involves a series of activities, including snow carvings, life-size snow globes, ice sculptures, illuminated structures, a music-synchronized light show and more.
You can choose a drive and walk through experience, whichever you prefer. It takes place at the Black Creek Pioneer Village, 1000 Murray Ross Pkwy, North York, from 5:30 pm to 11 pm.
Stargaze Till the Sun Comes Out
There is an amazing place called the Binbrook Conservation Area, just an hour away from Toronto. Not many are aware of it, which makes it the perfect place to enjoy your Valentine’s day. Here, you can witness the wonderful sight of the southern part of Lake Erie. And while stargazing, you might as well get a chance to spot the bright red star known as the Betelgeuse or the Valentine’s Star. Sounds like an ideal Valentine’s date, right? We suggest you go for it, especially if it’s your first time in Canada.
Dance to your Heart’s Content
Looking for a safe yet fun way to celebrate Valentine’s day in Canada? Joining a dance party may just be what you are searching for. You can choose from a variety of dance parties, all of them provide a great mix of styles. From salsa, jazz, ballroom to hip hop and other forms of dancing, select a form that you truly enjoy. Not just dancing, these parties keep you engaged the entire night with several games and contests.
Why wait? Enrol in one of these parties now! Tickets to most of these parties are easily available online.
Go for a Retro Movie Drive-In
They say the romance of drive-ins is dying. But Valentine’s day is a day to rekindle the magic. Toronto offers some of the best drive-ins in town with movies that you just can’t get enough of. It’s a classic way to spend your Valentine’s day that requires minimal effort and guarantees a night you would remember for a long time.
If you’ve never had an experience of this sort, you would love every bit of it. Just park your car at a good angle to see the screen and tune into the movie soundtrack via your car radio.
We agree it isn’t a fancy way to spend a special day with your partner but it’s definitely a fun one. It is an excellent choice for the couple who bond over movies and music.
Take a Sightseeing Tour
Assuming it is your first time in Canada, sightseeing is something that you must consider. And if you’re not sure which city to explore, take our suggestion and choose Vancouver. Versatile in every way, Vancouver offers more than you can imagine.
Start with getting on top of the Vancouver lookout for a 360° view. Order a drink at the cafe while taking in the breathtaking vistas of the city. For those who aren’t afraid of heights, taking a ride up via the building elevator is an absolute must.
The VanDusen Botanical Garden, with its lush greenery and beautiful florals, also makes for an exceptional sightseeing experience. The garden is known for being only one of the six Elizabethan hedge mazes, something that is sure to fascinate history-loving couples.
When in Vancouver, you just can’t miss False Creek’s AquaBus ride. We recommend you buy a day pass and make the most of it by viewing all the destinations at once. One of the biggest advantages of riding all day is that you can witness the lit-up version of the globe of Science World after dark.
Rent a Cabin in the Woods
If you are looking to spend a cosy and quiet Valentine’s Day, there’s nothing better than a cabin in the woods. Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Monday this year, take it as your chance to celebrate a long weekend with your partner. A tranquil atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, makes this the most romantic option on our list of ways to spend your Valentine’s Day.
Wrapping Up
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, many of us tend to overthink ways to make it special. Canada’s winters make it all more difficult to come up with something unique and fun. We hope the above-mentioned list of activities helps release some of your stress. And if you happen to choose something from our list, then let us know in the comment section below.
FAQs
Yes, people in Canada celebrate Valentine’s Day. It is, in fact, one of the most exciting times of the year in the country.
If you have a partner, you can do a lot of things on Valentine’s Day in Canada. From ice skating and cross country skiing to visiting Niagara Falls and sightseeing, the list of activities are never-ending.
No, Valentine’s day is not a public holiday in Canada. Offices are open and have normal working hours. It is, however, considered to be the day of love in Canada.
Like every other country where Valentine’s day is celebrated, people in Canada also celebrate the day of love in different ways. Some book a dinner date at a lavish restaurant, while others exchange gifts to make their partner feel extra special.
An average Canadian is expected to spend 74-75 CA$ on Valentine’s day this year. The figure is almost 20% less than the figures from 2020, when Canadians spent around 92 CA$ on 14th February.
