This city was built for lovers. Sure, Venice has picturesque canals and charming gondolas, but WE are the “City of Flowers”. Our beautiful Island beaches and colonial architecture within a natural setting are perfect for Valentine's Day!
If you are looking for some romantic ideas about what to do with your partner in Victoria on Valentine’s Day, here are seven simple suggestions to spice up your love life:
Surprise them with a Romantic Getaway:
Book a romantic weekend getaway at a bed and breakfast or a cozy cabin in the woods. If you want to stay close to home, check out Tourism Victoria’s list of ten charming B&Bs and Inns for a Victoria Staycation.
Create a Romantic Dinner Experience at Home:
The food is important, but so is the atmosphere! With a little extra effort, you can create a truly memorable and romantic environment for your sweetheart.
Set up a romantic candlelight dinner in your backyard. String lights and lanterns among the trees create a dreamy ambiance. Keep the cuisine light and fresh to match the natural surroundings.
Do you have a pool or hot tub? Transform it into a romantic hideaway with the help of candles floating in the water. Set up pillows and blankets by the water's edge for a cozy dining experience.
Have a Movie Night:
Who doesn’t love snuggling on the couch and watching a good movie? Take some breaks to serve your lover some delicious snacks and finger food. Here’s Netflix’ selection of Valentine Day movies for Hopeless Romantics.
Go on a Scenic Drive and Plan a Picnic:
Plan a scenic drive around Victoria. There are so MANY amazing places to visit. We have castles, wharfs, parks, causeways, trails, and beaches. The rest of Canada may be covered in snow, but here, the flowers are about to start blooming.
Pack a basket with some of your favorite foods and drinks and go for a romantic picnic in a park or on the beach. Tourism Victoria features some of Victoria's lovely Gardens and Parks which are all well-worth checking out.
Bring a blanket. The weather is cool, and...who knows?
Take a Dance Class:
Dance culture is lively in Victoria, and there are plenty of schools and styles to choose from. Learning to dance together will teach you a great deal about you, your partner and your sense of timing together.
And yes, dancing together will improve you love life!
There are many styles to choose from: Tango is one of the most exciting and romantic dance styles, but if you want something a bit easier to learn, the slow, smooth Waltz might be the way to go. The popular Salsa is arguably the most sensual dance for couples.
Red Hot Swing’s Friday night weekly socials are back. “Friday night dances help me close out my week in the most fun way possible,” says Local Guide Joseph Hoh.
You can go as a complete beginner to swing, or if you want to spruce up your Lindy Hop, Charleston, or Balboa. And they’ve just reopened their class registration.
Want to learn HipHop? The dance center for you and the whole family is Vibestreet Dance Studio.
“My husband and I had a private lesson, and it was fantastic,” said Rachelle Little in her Google review. “The instructor packed so much into the hour and made us (who had no experience) totally feel like we knew what we were doing. We had so much fun and came away from it with a routine we can practice on our own.”
Spend a Day Pampering Each Other:
Book a couples spa day or have a relaxing day at home with massages. A couples massage not only brings physical and mental wellness to both of you, but also nourishes the soul.
The Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Empress is a sumptuous experience this author can personally attest to. They offer massages treatments starting at $165 mid-week, and an environment that promotes relaxation and rejuvenation.
If you want to create a luxurious massage parlour at home, set up some tealights, put on some music and warm up some towels. Use lotion or a non-irritating hypoallergenic product. Olive oil mixed with some essential oils work well.
A few tips on massage technique: Use your hands, fingers, and forearms to apply pressure and manipulate the muscles. Be mindful of the person's comfort level and adjust the pressure accordingly. Encourage your partner to breathe deeply and relax. Pay attention to their breathing pattern and try to synchronize your own breathing with theirs.
Remember, most people appreciate quiet enjoyment, but if you end up conversing, keep things light and fun!
Plan a Little L’Amour:
There’s no spice like sexy! What better way to appreciate your partner than to buy them intimate apparel or toys? The Intamo Pleasure Boutique is in the heart of Fernwood in Victoria where you can feel comfortable shopping for your lover.
Looking for some unique toys? Susan James Store with the tagline “A Store for Adventurous Adults” has a classy, female-friendly location on Hillside Avenue. Here, you’ll find LGBTQ favourites and a variety of pleasantries for every sexual orientation.
Whatever you choose to do with your loved one fir Valentine’s Day, we’re sure you agree, the most important thing to do is spend quality time together!
“Sing like no one is listening.
Love like you’ve never been hurt.
Dance like nobody’s watching,
and live (with each other) like its heaven on earth.”
Lyrics (version of) from 1987 song “Come From the Heart” by Susanna Clark and Richard Leigh.
