7 Alternative Valentine’s Day Adventures

Looking to make a big impression on your special someone? Break with tradition this Valentine’s Day

If you’re stuck on finding the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day that doesn’t involve heading out to a restaurant with a dozen roses in hand, fear not. Discover plenty of unique ways to showcase your affection (minus the traditional candlelit dinner) and score a spot in his or her good books while you’re at it. 

The Way to the Heart is Through the Stomach

Couples who cook together, stay together. Thank goodness, then, for The Dirty Apron’s couples cooking classes. It’s a fun, alternative way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your significant other. With multiple classes to chose from (It Takes Two: A Class for Couples, and Better Together – An Ocean Inspired Couples’ Class) you’ll be rolling up your sleeves and baking up a love connection.  

540 Beatty Street 

Get Cocoa Cosy

In what has to be some form of cosmic harmony, the final day of this year’s Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival is February 14. It’s a great way to squeeze in a sweet tour around town, sampling new and delightful chocolatey creations. With 24 different chocolate makers participating in this year’s festival, the options are delicious and numerous. It’s definitely a unique and yummy way to enjoy some quality time together.

See our picks for this year’s Hot Chocolate Festival.

Make a Steamy Escape

Book yourselves into CHI, The Spa at the Shangri-La Hotel in the heart of Downtown Vancouver and enjoy a much deserved couples escape as part of their Lovers Retreat package. You’ll be treated to your own private spa suite stocked with roses to kick-start the romance, followed by a couples eucalyptus steam and West Coast Wave Massage, finished off with sparkling wine and chocolates. Make it a night and book one of their hotel packages created just for Valentine’s Day weekend: the Romance Package or CHI, The Spa Escape Package and truly unwind.  

1128 West Georgia Street, 5th Floor

Love and the Ocean

The Vancouver Aquarium is featuring a couples-only “Hugs and Fishes” sleepover experience. Enjoy a unique night of romance surrounded by aquatic life as you indulge in a multi-course plated dinner, cocktails, wine, romance-infused games and special “after dark” tour of the aquarium before settling in for the ultimate cuddle session.

845 Avison Way

Head for the Hills

Whistler offers the perfect answer for those seeking a bit of winter wonderland-themed romance this Valentine’s Day. Make your way up the Sea to Sky and head straight to Scandinave Spa Whistler, where you and your sweetheart can indulge in a luxurious duo massage prior to hitting the baths. Enjoy quality relaxation time together in the spa’s tranquil outdoor retreat surrounded by snowcapped mountains and bluebird skies. 

8010 Mons Road

Yoga for Two

Up the intimacy factor this V-Day and score a spot on the mat as part of YYoga’s “Contact Partner Yoga Event” geared toward couples. This unique and fun experience will help you and your partner push a few personal and physical boundaries as you interact on and off your mat. Led by Chris Brandt, enjoy a fulfilling duo asana, try out some basic acro yoga and partake in a relaxing Thai massage to finish up the evening. Romantic energy will indeed be flowing by the end of the class.  

Classes held at YYoga Kitsilano and Downtown Flow locations

Snowshoe and Fondue

Grouse Mountain is hosting its annual Snowshoe and Fondue Valentine’s Day event and it’s a sure-bet for romance. Score some fresh air as you hit the trails and work up an appetite before heading in for a sweet treat. Warm up with drinks and enjoy a chocolate fondue as you relax in the Alpine Timber Room. Alternatively, book a reservation at The Observatory restaurant and take in the city scene below as you enjoy a special five-course prix fixe dinner atop the mountain. 

6400 Nancy Greene Way