8 romantic and unique Canadian Valentine’s Day date ideas

For the Architecture Lovers

Fogo Island Inn is one of those places that tug at your heartstrings with its incredible beauty. This design wonder perched on Newfoundland’s iconic, rocky landscape will spark your imagination if you love art, design and architecture – and with views like this, how could sparks not fly? For more info: fogoislandinn.ca

Get icy

This one isn’t for the faint at heart (or those who can’t handle the cold), but spending a night at the famed Hotel de Glace in Quebec will be a Valentine’s Day you won’t soon forget. First, the hotel itself is an architectural wonder (think of the inspiration you’ll get for Instagram photos or your next at-home design conquest). Second, cuddling up in a room made of ice is the perfect reason to get close and cozy. For more info: hoteldeglace-canada.com

Skate Ottawa’s Rideau Canal

How could this NOT make the list? It’s classically Canadian and something everyone should try if they are in Ottawa during the colder months. Grab a pair of skates (bring your own or rent a pair) and prepare to hold hands as you glide (or wobble) along the Rideau Canal while taking in Ottawa’s pretty scenery. And don’t forget to pick up a hot chocolate and BeaverTail! For more info: rcs.ncc-ccn.ca

Cooking = Love

Who doesn’t love a meal cooked at home by their loved one? Even better, who doesn’t love cooking with the one that they adore? Learn how to make sweet treats together with a romantic cooking class at one of Toronto’s favourite pastry shops, Le Dolci. Perfect your Parisian macarons, truffles, or the always crowd-pleasing fruit-filled pie, then try duplicating the fun at home. For more info: ledolci.com

Take in the snow

Rather than complain that Valentine’s Day happens to be during one of the coldest months in Canada, embrace that magical winter vibe. Banff and Lake Louise are spectacular all year long (those mountains, the lodges, the skiing), but in the days leading up to February 14th the SnowDays festival takes full advantage of the cold. From the beginning of January until February 7th, you can take in fun winter activities like ice sculpting, great food events, skiing and more before getting cozy by a fireplace at your hotel. For more info: banfflakelouise.com/Area-Events/Festivals/Winter/SnowDays

A weekend getaway

Since Valentine’s Day falls on a weekend this year (a long weekend in much of Canada, too!), why not extend the day into a longer getaway? Book a sweet (!) suite at White Point Lodge just outside of Halifax along the coast and hunker down for a weekend of chocolate workshops, ocean-side strolls, delectable seafood and a bonfire complete with s’mores and wine. Need we say more? For more info: whitepoint.com/events/valentines-weekend

Snowshoe through a winter wonderland

Montreal on its own has a leg up on the rest of Canada in the romance department, so that’s even more amplified come Valentine’s Day. Think about exploring the outskirts of the city through snowy, wintery trails with gorgeous views. Les Amis de la Montagne takes you through Mount Royal’s many trails on the evening of the 14th by snowshoe. Afterwards, you get to warm up by sipping hot wine and indulging in a few chocolate truffles. For more info: lemontroyal.qc.ca/en/events

Hot Chocolate Festival

Back for its sixth year, Vancouver’s ultra-delicious hot chocolate festival has love and romance written all over it. As delicious as HC already is, it’s always better when shared with a special someone. Various locations across the city participate, whipping up frothy concoctions that range from traditional to super creative, but all equally tempting. Make a cold winter’s night date to try out a few (and fit in some Instagram-worthy #foodie moments and selfies, too). For more info: hotchocolatefest.com