Romantic Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day in Canada

LIVING
Romantic Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day in Canada

Love is in the frosty air as Canadians gear up for a unique Valentine's Day celebration this year. Embracing the true north spirit, couples across the country are finding creative ways to express their affection in the midst of winter.

In Toronto, couples are exploring the enchanting High Park, adorned in a picturesque blanket of snow, before enjoying a romantic dinner at the revolving 360 Restaurant atop the CN Tower.

On the West Coast, Vancouverites are escaping the chill by snuggling up in waterfront cabins on Bowen Island, relishing local wines from the nearby Okanagan Valley, and indulging in seafood feasts.

In the prairies, Calgary couples are hitting the slopes at Banff National Park, trading traditional roses for adrenaline-pumping snow sports. Meanwhile, in Montreal, lovebirds are immersing themselves in the city's rich cultural scene with visits to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and candlelit dinners in Old Montreal's historic restaurants.

Virtual celebrations are also weaving their way into the fabric of the festivities. Couples separated by distance are joining online mixology classes to craft the perfect cocktail together or engaging in friendly competition through virtual board games and quizzes, creating shared memories despite the physical distance.

Whether it's the urban allure of Toronto, the coastal romance of Vancouver, the adventurous spirit of Calgary, or the cultural ambiance of Montreal, Canadians are showcasing their diverse ways of celebrating love this Valentine's Day. (Must Do Canada)

CANADA EH?
Things to do around you:

Celebrate Black History Month at the Pacific Arts Market! From February 3rd to February 25th, immerse yourself in an extraordinary (almost) month-long event highlighting the incredible contributions of Black artists in Vancouver. Join us in honouring their creativity and talent. Check it out.

Experience a delightful blend of love and laughter this Valentine's Day, February 14th, with a hilarious stand-up comedy show at one of The Rec Room numerous locations across Canada. Check to see if there's a show near you and secure your tickets today!

Support your Toronto Maple Leafs as they hit the ice at one of Toronto's most iconic outdoor rinks and spend the weekend celebrating the game of hockey at all levels. Enjoy free admission and free skate rentals on a first-come, first-served basis from .February 8-10 Learn More. 

Embark on a journey to explore local Black cultures with the Vues d’Afrique Rallye-Expos Passport. Beginning February 1st, this passport grants you access to a diverse and captivating program of exhibitions, conferences, and film screenings hosted in museums, galleries, libraries, and cafés all through Montreal. Get your Passport. 

Experience cultural richness, lively performances, and unity at the Ottawa Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade. Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with vibrant festivities on February 10th. Free admission! Learn More

Experience how delicious Kingston is this winter. Now in its fourth year, Kingstonlicious is a season-long culinary festival pairing premier prix fixe menus with curated culinary events across the city. Between January 15 and February 17 at participating restaurants, cafés, and breweries offer something for every budget and taste. Learn more

The Military Museums in Calgary will be hosting an exhibition in the Atrium from February 2nd to the 29th. The exhibition aims to showcase the valuable role and sacrifices made by Black Canadian Soldiers from The First World War to the present day. (CTV - watch) (Get tickets)

TRAVEL
16 Relaxing Spas in Canada to Spend Valentine’s Day

Embrace the warmth of love this Valentine's Day with a weekend getaway to one of Canada's finest spas. Treat yourself and your special someone to the ultimate relaxation experience, from rejuvenating massages to luxurious thermal pools. Just a short journey for those in the Great North, these havens promise an escape from the winter chill. 

Curiosity list of the top 16 most soothing spas in Canada, just in time for a Valentine's Day retreat. Who knows, there might be a tranquil haven right around the corner to create the perfect romantic escape for you and your special someone!

Willow Stream Spa in Banff, AB 
Discover an expansive luxury spa offering a range of traditional services and amenities. Emphasizing curated packages and experiences, from facials to full-body scrubs, this destination justifies its price tag.

Nimmo Bay in Great Bear Rainforest, BC
Immerse yourself in the unique offerings at Nimmo Bay, where exploration meets relaxation. Picture yourself unwinding in a hot tub by a waterfall, enjoying wood-fired saunas, and indulging in rejuvenating massages. It's an unparalleled escape – truly one of a kind!

Ste Anne’s Spa in Grafton, ON
Consistently recognized as Canada's top spa, and rightfully so. Boasting a comprehensive spa experience, it offers everything you could desire, and at remarkably reasonable prices. Initially perfect for a day trip, you'll soon find yourself seeking any excuse for a weekend retreat at this exceptional destination.

Balnea Spa in Bromont, QC
Nestled in the heart of southern Quebec is a stunning thermal spa, just an hour outside Montreal. Ideal for a day trip while in the city, this gem is more than worth the visit. Trust us, you won't be disappointed.

Northern Lights Resort and Spa in Whitehorse, Yukon
For a truly unique rejuvenation experience, Northern Lights offers the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis. The spa is fantastic, but nothing quite matches the revitalizing power of one of the coolest natural phenomena on Earth, especially during the winter.

POLL OF THE WEEK 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT
7 Valentine’s Day Desserts That Outshine Boxed Chocolates

Effortlessly Delicious Chocolate Fondue
Savour the simplicity of a 2-ingredient chocolate fondue, a timeless delight perfect for dipping fresh fruit, salty pretzels, or fluffy marshmallows. Recipe.

Irresistible Chocolate Cream Truffles
Crafted with minimal ingredients, these truffles, featuring your choice of semisweet or dark chocolate, boast an impressive appearance and taste. Elevate them further by rolling in a dusting of cocoa-powdered icing sugar—leaving boxed chocolates in the dust! Recipe.

Decadent Dark Chocolate Cinnamon Truffle Tart
Add a dash of spice to your Valentine’s Day with a silky, dark chocolate tart subtly infused with cinnamon—guaranteed to delight your taste buds. Recipe. 

Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Tarts
Indulge in the sweetness of bite-sized bliss with these tarts, where Canadian Cream cheese, crunchy peanut butter, and chocolate shavings unite in a homemade dough, delivering a treat as satisfying to create as it is to savour. Recipe.

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• Law and Order Toronto: Criminal Intent is premiering on February 22nd. Based on the classic series, this season will showcase original Canadian stories written and produced by, and starring, Canadians! Super cool! (watch)