Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, but why scramble for a gift, when you could book a trip of a lifetime?! Canada is home to some of the world’s most romantic destinations– many of which are just a stone’s throw away from the U.S. border! (Or a quick domestic flight away!)
Whether you’re looking to escape into nature, get those European small-town feels, or exploring a new city, I’ve put together 8 of the most romantic Canadian destinations that are perfect for a Valentine’s Day weekend getaway.
8 Romantic Canadian Getaways That Are Perfect For Valentine’s Day
Quebec City
Quebec, Quebec is easily one of the most romantic cities in Canada. It’s actually where my boyfriend and I chose to spend our one-year anniversary together! Honestly, it was the perfect romantic weekend getaway. With beautiful buildings dating back to 1604, incredible food, and its cozy small European town vibe, it would definitely a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day!
If you feel like splurging a little, book a room at the world’s most photographed hotel, the Chateau Frontenac. Built in the heyday of the trans-Canada railway, this luxurious hotel will have you feeling like you stepped back in time. Located in the heart of Old Quebec City, it also makes it easier to explore the city over a weekend.
After exploring the Chateau’s beauty, take the funicular down to explore Petit Champlain. This neighbourhood is the oldest part of Quebec City. Stroll down the narrow cobblestone streets and pop into the local businesses. If you’re needing a little warm-up after braving the brisk February air, I recommend popping into La Maison Smith for a maple latte.
After visiting Petit Champlain, take your time to leisurely explore the fortifications, the Abraham Martin battlefield, and the city’s incredible restaurant scene.
To see where to get the European feels in Quebec City, click here. To find some sweet little pick-me-ups in Quebec City, click here.
Lunenburg
A short drive out of Halifax, Nova Scotia lands you in the UNESCO heritage town of Lunenburg. Although many visitors choose to visit the picturesque town in the summer, many Haligonians recommend exploring the best surviving planned British colonial town in North America during the winter. And what better way to explore this colourful town than on Valentine’s Day?
Lunenburg was established in 1753 by the British as a settlement for German Protestants. Since then, many of the ornate, colourful houses haven’t changed. This earned the town a National Heritage Site designation in 1991 from the federal government. (And subsequent UNESCO heritage site status in 1995.)
My AirBnB hosts in Halifax highly recommended a winter visit to Lunenburg. They described it as a movie set thanks to the colourful houses peeking out under snowy roofs. They even had a snowball fight on an empty street!
As the city is known to have many summer visitors, it’s often quiet during the winter months. This makes the town much more appealing for a romantic getaway for two! Explore the colourful buildings along snow-lined streets. Pop in to local coffee shops and pubs and meet some incredibly friendly locals. Indulge in the serenity of an old, small town. The possibilities to explore and relax in Lunenburg are truly endless!
To see some of the most beautiful British colonial houses in Lunenburg, click here.
Jasper
A short drive West from Alberta’s capitol is a true winter wonderland. The cute ski town of Jasper has been the background to many New Years Eves in my life, and I’m convinced the town itself is truly magical. Although that could be partly because it’s less touristy and less expensive than its sister town, Banff.
When I drove through Jasper earlier this year, I was greeted by two elk grazing on some tall grass. Nature is the main draw to Jasper– even the wildlife know so! Take some time exploring the snowy streets, and pop into the local shops. Locals are incredibly friendly and will gladly point out some of the best restaurants and bars in town. And if you’re up for the challenge, hit up the slopes one of the days you’re in town! It’s cheaper skiing here than at most places in the Canadian Rockies!
Victoria
For the hipster couple with old souls, Victoria makes the perfect weekend getaway. This quirky city on Vancouver Island mixes the beauty of a seaside town with architectural marvel of some of Canada’s oldest buildings. Its streets are filled with local gems like Fan Tan Alley, Butchart Gardens, and Fisherman’s Wharf, a floating neighbourhood.
Victoria is one of the warmer destinations in Canada at this time of year. This makes it an ideal weekend getaway to escape the freezing temperatures of most Canadian cities. It also helps that Victoria is incredibly walkable, so you can fully explore the city without a vehicle or relying on public transit.
I recommend taking the ferry from Vancouver to get to Victoria. The crisp, slightly foggy air hovering over the small islands leading to Vancouver Island is a spectacular sight! It’s a great way to start your weekend getaway. If you are planning to fly into Victoria, you can still experience Vancouver Island from the sea by taking one of Victoria’s popular orca watching tours.
Although Victoria can be fully explored in a weekend, take a few extra days to explore the island, if you can. The sheer beauty of Vancouver Island is truly unparalleled. Plus there is ample opportunity for activities in nature on the island.
To see more on how to spend the perfect day trip to Victoria, click here. For amazing activities you need to do on Vancouver Island, click here.
Banff
If you’ve been dreaming of a weekend getaway to the Canadian Rockies, chances are you’re daydreaming of the quaint ski town of Banff. Located a short hour-and-a-half drive outside of Calgary, this small Canadian town will make your snowy winter getaway dreams come true!
Whether you’re looking to spend all your time outdoors or indoors, Banff has more than enough to keep even the slickest city slicker busy. Wander the snowy streets and pop into some of the local shops. Splurge on a weekend stay at the impossibly beautiful Chateau Lake Louise. Swap into your swimsuit and hit up the natural hot springs. Pop on your skis and hit the slopes. Or better yet, strap on some skates and glide across a frozen lake!
And you know what they say: Winter doth make the heart warmer. But that could also just be the number of beautiful roaring fireplaces around town. So grab your partner and immerse yourself in luxury and nature for the perfect Valentine’s Day getaway.
For the ultimate 3-day Alberta road trip, click here.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
For the couple who love to ski, Revelstoke Moutain Resort is easily some of the best skiing in the Canadian Rockies, and its small-town appeal make it the perfect romantic Valentine’s Day weekend getaway. I have spent many Christmases at this beautiful ski resort, and it’s easy to see why many skiers love Revvy.
Let’s talk ski logistics. Although I mostly ski Revelstoke in the early season, there’s still enough base and fresh powder to keep my family and I coming back. Every. Single. Year. We mainly ski in the trees off the Stoke chair, and even though parts may be skied off, there are still enough untouched areas to make every run fun!
If you’re wanting to make the weekend extra special, book yourself and your significant other into the The Sutton Place Hotel, which is on-hill. Not only are the rooms deluxe, with King-sized beds and full kitchens, they also have storage for your skis on the main level, a bar for your apres-ski drink, and three outdoor hot tubs. There’s nothing like relaxing after a great day on the slopes when you can still see the slopes.
Apart from the actual mountain resort, the town of Revelstoke is quite cute under a blanket of snow! Check out some of the local shops and restaurants for some of the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet. Take a stroll through the downtown and grab a cup of Stoke Roasted Coffee. (Seriously, they brew some of the best coffee in Canada!)
For beginner skiers, here’s everything you need to pack for a perfect ski day. For tips on driving through the Canadian Rockies in the winter, click here.
Niagara Falls
Formerly known as a popular honeymoon destination, Niagara Falls is one of the most romantic weekend getaways in Ontario. Start your weekend by booking yourselves into a B&B along the main road leading to the falls. Many of them offer couples’ rooms, including beautiful jacuzzi tubs to set the mood for the weekend. Grab a bottle of wine from the nearby Niagara wine region, and spend the evening relaxing.
During the day, visit the iconic Horseshoe Falls. Take in the sheer power and beauty of the falls! It’s absolutely mesmerizing, and there are many different ways to see it! My personal favourite is by walking over Rainbow Bridge to the American side of Niagara Falls– just don’t forget your passport!
Otherwise, you can unleash your inner James Bond and dress to the nines for a night out at Niagara’s many casinos. Whether you’re there for a drink and to watch some of the games, or you set aside $10 to hit the slots, it’s fun to live in an extravagant universe for the night!
For 7 beautiful ways to see Niagara Falls, click here.
Montreal
Although Montreal is one of the oldest metropolises in Canada, it’s often overlooked as a romantic weekend destination. The city itself is a network of beautiful buildings in Gothic Revival style, cobblestone roads, and cute cafes.
Stroll along some of Canada’s oldest city streets around the iconic Notre Dame Basilica. Explore some of the newer neighbourhoods near Mont Royal. The elegant mix of old and new will leave you feeling as though you leaped across the pond to a small French town.
With plenty of museums, events and friendly locals, there is so much to explore in this French culture hub. Don’t be scared to brush up on some of your basic French skills either, locals appreciate someone willing to learn the language. But don’t be too offended if they switch to English right away– half the population is Anglophone anyways.
Where would you like to spend Valentine’s Day in Canada the most?
Let me know your favourite romantic spots in the comments down below!
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