8 Valentine’s Day Date Ideas That Aren’t Dinner

Don’t get me wrong, a white tablecloth, candlelit dinner with a multi-course menu is romantic. But if you’re in the mood for something a little different, here are eight creative date ideas around Vancouver to spice up celebrating February 14.

1. Oyster Shucking Masterclass at Fanny Bay Oyster Bar

Let your shared love of seafood bring you together at the oyster shucking masterclass at Fanny Bay Oyster Bar. Sip on a selection of beverage pairings while learning to expertly shuck oysters on February 11 at the tide-to-table seafood bar. And yes, you’re rewarded with fresh oysters supplied by the restaurant’s farms on Vancouver Island. There are only 14 spots available, so reserve here while there’s still space.

762 Cambie Street
Wednesday, February 11; 6:30 p.m.
$132.50 per person

2. Love Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

Embrace the glow with Love Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge. The park is going all-in on the Valentine’s theme, with photo ops like a giant “LOVE” sign, a Cupid-curated food and drink menu and, of course, the iconic 450-foot suspension bridge lit up in pink and red. Perfect for couples, singles, galentines, families—or whoever you’re spending love season with—Love Lights is on until February 22.

3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver
Now until February 22; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Tickets $28 to $75

3. Royal Winnipeg Ballet in Vancouver

For those looking to stray from the Valentine’s theme, why not take in a performance? The Royal Winnipeg Ballet is coming to Vancouver on February 9 and 10 to conclude its winter tour around the province. See Canada’s longest-running ballet company perform a mixed program of the modern classic Carmina Burana and the West Coast premiere of choreographer Cameron sinkʷə Fraser-Monroe’s T’əl: The Wild Man of the Woods. Purchase tickets for your preferred night here.

The Centre Vancouver, 777 Homer St.
February 9 and 10; 7:30 p.m.
Tickets from $66.85

4. Valentine’s Chocolate-Making Class at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts

Kick your Valentine’s boxed chocolates up a notch this year with the gift of handmade sweets. Learn from the pastry and chocolatier masters at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts at the Valentine’s chocolate-making class. For couples or friends DIYing their gifts, fill a heart-shaped box with chocolate truffle bonbons and chocolate paste roses to give to your sweetie. There are only a few spots left, so register here to reserve.

#101-1505 W 2nd Ave
Saturday, February 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
$159 (+ tax) per person

5. Afternoon Tea at Bacchus Restaurant

If you don’t want to stray too far from a restaurant date this Valentine’s Day, afternoon tea is a lovely adjacent option. Afternoon tea at Michelin-recommended Bacchus Restaurant serves up an elevated, elegant arrangement—tiny handheld bites, scones, sandwiches, tea and a glass of champagne—to the ambience of live piano. Available on weekends in February, reserve here.

Wedgewood Hotel & Spa, 845 Hornby St.
Saturdays and Sundays in February; 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. seatings
$79 per person (pre-paid)

6. Every River Has a Mouth at the Bill Reid Gallery

For those seeking a reflective, go-at-your-own pace Valentine’s Day activity, head to the Bill Reid Gallery’s new exhibition, Every River Has a Mouth. Opening on February 14 and running until February 2027, the exhibition brings together 11 Coast and Interior Salish artists working in sculpture, print, textiles, painting and mixed media, showcasing the shared connections across the Salish world.

639 Hornby St.
Gallery hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday
$15 admission for adults

7. Build Your Own LEGO Botanicals Bouquet

 

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Buy—or rather, build—flowers that will last this Valentine’s Day at the LEGO Botanicals Bloom Bar Cart. With pop-ups around the world, two Bloom Carts are coming to B.C., with select dates in Vancouver and Richmond. Pick up a set to assemble on your own time, and snap a photo in the decorated cart’ mirror. While no reservations are required, supplies are limited, so get there early.

Pallet Coffee Roasters at 980 Howe St (Vancouver); CF Richmond Centre at 6551 Number 3 Rd (Richmond)
February 10 and 11 (Vancouver), February 13 and 14 (Richmond); 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free, with additional purchases

8. Science World After Dark: The Science of Love and Sex

 

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Science World’s adults-only night is embracing chemistry this month at After Dark: The Science of Sex and Love. Try your hand at cheeky sex ed trivia, watch riveting pole dancing performances and experience chemistry (the science) shows. Remember, this after-hours event is 19+, with beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) available along with snacks at the Snack Lab and Triple O’s. Purchase tickets here.

1455 Quebec St
6 – 10 p.m.
$44.95 per person