If you’re looking for the best ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Vancouver or Galentine’s you’re in the right place. This guide brings together 25+ ideas for marking the occasion, from romantic walks and standout dining experiences to winter light displays, theatre performances, food and wine classes, outdoor skating, and gallery visits. Whether you’re planning ahead or deciding closer to the day, you’ll find thoughtful options for Valentine’s Day.

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Romantic Walks, Waterfront Plans & Where to Eat After

Making a full day of it for Valentine’s Day in Vancouver becomes truly special when you weave together a series of romantic adventures, moving hand in hand from one enchanting spot to the next.

North Vancouver

In North Vancouver, start in the afternoon at The Shipyards District, where fire pits, open harbour views, a chance to lace up skates, or a visit to a gallery await you. From here, transition to the Love Lights at Capilano Canyon, where forested walks and a swinging suspension bridge contrast dramatically with the waterfront experience.

West Vancouver

Head to West Vancouver for a romantic shoreline walk from Ambleside Beach to Dundarave Pier. The seawall offers sweeping views of Vancouver’s skyline, Stanley Park, and the UBC Endowment Lands. As the sun sets, the golden light creates the perfect backdrop for a memorable evening together.

Pause for a romantic brunch, lunch, or dinner at The Beach House at Dundarave Pier, renowned for its West Coast-inspired cuisine, or stroll hand in hand back to Ambleside Beach along Marine Drive to select from an inviting variety of Italian, sushi, and casual dining restaurants, as well as charming boutiques.

Vancouver

Fraser River Trail

In Vancouver, during the day, park near the south end of Victoria Drive and walk east along the Fraser River Trail to Riverfront Park to view tugboats on the Fraser River, then head to the River District for options like Romer’s Burger Bar, Japanese bistros, or casual cafes.

Stanley Park Seawall

There’s a reason this walk never loses its appeal. Start near Coal Harbour and walk toward Brockton Point. If you are energetic, continue along the seawall to English Bay or do the route in reverse. Caderoes and the Teahouse are classic dining options along the way, or continue to Beach and Denman for a variety of restaurants and cafes.

False Creek Seawall: Olympic Village to Granville Island

Take the SkyTrain to Science World, then ferry over to Granville Island Market or walk the scenic stretch of seawall. After exploring, enjoy a meal at Sandbar, Bridges Tap and Barrel, Dockside, The Keg or at the market. Cap off your day with a show at the Arts Club Theatre Granville Island Stage or enjoy comedy at the Improve Centre.

Queen Elizabeth Park After Sunset

End your evening with a cinematic city view from Queen Elizabeth Park’s lookout, where twinkling lights stretch to the mountains. Earlier, explore the conservatory before enjoying dinner at Seasons in the Park.

Nitobe Memorial Garden in Winter

Nitobe, often overlooked outside spring and summer, is worth exploring in winter. Pair your visit with a tour of the Museum of Anthropology.

Spanish Banks at Low Tide

On clear evenings, Spanish Banks delivers one of Vancouver’s most open, expansive sunsets. Walk the hard-packed sand at low tide with the North Shore mountains darkening in silhouette. Take a picnic or bring snacks to munch on with a thermos of hot chocolate.

Lighthouse Park Coastal Trails

Lighthouse Park offers forested paths and dramatic viewpoints for couples who prefer wilder romance. You’ll feel far from the city without leaving it. Enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants in Horseshoe Bay.

Seasonal Light Displays

Lights at Lafarge – November 28 – February 17, 2026

Activities: The winter Lights at Lafarge has two walking loops to help disperse crowding.
Admission: Free. Parking is limited. Consider walking or taking the SkyTrain to  Lafage Lake – Douglas station.
Hours: on until – February 17, 2026, from 4 pm – 10 pm.
Location: Town Centre Park, 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam

Animal-themed Light Installations – January 9 to February 28, 2026

Animal-themed light installations brighten downtown Vancouver from January 9 to February 28, transforming the Canada Place area into a playful winter experience. Visit each illuminated animal, scan its tag to collect digital stamps and enter to win major prizes, then continue your evening stroll along the Coal Harbour seawall, where more than 120 twinkling trees light the way between the Vancouver Convention Centre and Cardero Park.

Romance is in the Air – Love Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – January 30 – February 22, 2026

Love Lights returns to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park from January 30 to February 22, 2026, transforming the Park into a glowing Valentine’s-inspired wonderland. Featuring romantic illuminated displays throughout the grounds, this enchanting evening experience is perfect for couples, friends, families, or a little self-love, with extended evening hours to linger and explore.

Food, Wine & Hands-On Experiences

Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA)- Immersive Experiences – January and February 2026

The Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts launches the year with hands-on cooking and wine classes at its Granville Island campus, offering immersive experiences for food lovers looking to sharpen skills or explore new flavours.

  • Valentine’s Chocolate-Making Workshop
 – Saturday, February 7, 10 am–2 pm
 – Create a heart-shaped chocolate box filled with truffle bonbons and learn professional techniques for tempering, moulding, and decorating chocolate with master chocolatier Chef Patrice.
 $159 plus tax
  • Chicken Butchery & Chicken Vesuvio Cooking Class
 – Saturday, February 7, 10 am–1:30 pm
 Chef Phyllis teaches essential chicken butchery skills, followed by preparation of classic Chicken Vesuvio with garlic, white wine, herbs, and potatoes.
 $175 plus tax
  • Pinot Noir: Roots, Regions & Revelations
 – Tuesday, February 10, 6–8 pm
 – An exploration of Pinot Noir’s global expression, from Burgundy to the New World and British Columbia, featuring six wines and canapé pairings.
 $98 plus tax
  • It Hasta Be Pasta: An Exploration of Filled Pastas
 – Thursday, February 12, 6–8:30 pm
 – A hands-on evening with Chef Shane focused on filled pastas, including ravioli with lemon, ricotta, and spinach, and tortelloni with wild mushrooms and mascarpone, paired with Aperol Spritz. Includes a PICA-branded apron.
 $139 plus tax

Hot Chocolate Festival – January 17 – February 14, 2026

The 16th annual Hot Chocolate Festival features all sorts of delicious ways to celebrate, from hot chocolate flights to a Chocolate Gelato Masterclass.

Fanny Bay Oyster Bar – Oyster Master Class – February 11 at 6:30 pm

Fanny Bay Oyster Bar hosts a hands-on oyster master class designed for sharing. Guests will learn proper shucking techniques, sample premium oysters, and enjoy curated beverage pairings, along with practical tips from the team.

Theatre, Skating and Evening Entertainment

Arts Club Theatre The Golden Anniversaries – January 22–February 15, 2026

A witty and deeply relatable comedy-drama by acclaimed Canadian playwright Mark Crawford, The Golden Anniversaries follows Glen and Sandy Golden, who have marked every wedding anniversary at the same cottage for fifty years. This year, expectations unravel, sparking a weekend of reflection, humour, tenderness, and hard-earned honesty about long-term love.

Granville Island Stage

Uncover a Dark Truth – Murder Mystery Dinner Experience – October 4-February 2026

Don’t miss this entertaining, immersive, and interactive event. In collaboration with Netflix, Secret City presents a one-of-a-kind murder
mystery dinner experience launching for the first time in Vancouver, Canada. The Perfect Bite, A Dinner Experience Inspired by Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery takes a biteout of the captivating and thrilling universe of the Knives Out film series. This immersive and interactive event will have guests on the edge of their seats as they dine together and work to uncover a dark truth.

Robson Square Outdoor Skating – December 2 to February 28, 2026

Outdoor skating at Robson Square Ice Rink from December 2 to February 28, offering one of Vancouver’s most iconic winter experiences. Admission is free, with skate rentals available for $5. On select evenings, live entertainment from local performers adds to the festive atmosphere.

Valentine’s Dining in Vancouver

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea at Notch8 – January 9 – February 22, 2026

Welcoming the Year of the Horse, Notch8 at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver presents a Lunar New Year inspired afternoon tea that feels both celebratory and meaningful. This seasonal experience blends traditional flavours with refined afternoon tea classics, pairing beautifully crafted sweet and savoury bites with an exceptional selection of teas.

What makes this offering especially memorable is its partnership with the Chinatown Storytelling Centre. Guests will find Gold Mountain tea featured on the menu, along with opportunities to receive tickets to the Storytelling Centre and be entered to win exclusive experiences in Vancouver’s historic Chinatown, adding a thoughtful cultural dimension to the occasion.

For families, Notch8 also offers a charming Children’s Tea, complete with kid-friendly finger sandwiches, cookies, and scones, making this an inviting experience across generations.

Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge

For classic romance with European elegance,  Michelin Recommended Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge offers candlelight, live piano, and a timeless menu.

A Taste of Romance | Valentine’s Dinner

A Taste of Romance is offered over Valentine’s weekend, featuring a set dinner designed for the occasion. The evening centres on a multi-course menu with dishes such as poached East Coast lobster, grilled tenderloin with oxtail, and a shared Baba au Rum for two. Wine pairings are available for those who wish to add a guided pairing to the experience.

Cupid’s Afternoon Tea – February 7 – Sunday, February 22, 2026

Cupid’s Afternoon Tea is offered over three weekends in February, presenting a Valentine’s-themed afternoon tea service in the Dining Room. The menu features a rotating selection of seasonal sweets, finely prepared finger sandwiches, and freshly baked scones, paired with a considered selection of teas, or you can add a glass of champagne to complement the experience.

Loam Bistro

Loam Bistro marks Valentine’s Day with a two-course set menu at $55 per person. The menu centres on comfort-driven flavours, beginning with Beetroot & Burrata Risotto made with roasted beetroot purée, sage butter, parmesan, burrata, and fresh dill. Dessert follows with Strawberry Tiramisu layered with strawberry mascarpone, fresh berries, and compote. A Strawberry Hot Chocolate is also featured throughout February.

Alouette Bistro

Alouette Bistro offers a Valentine’s weekend Surf and Turf Cheese Fondue designed for sharing. Priced at $190 for two, the raclette fondue is served with filet mignon, prosciutto, prawns, scallops, pickled and fresh vegetables, Creamer potatoes, and sourdough. The feature runs throughout the weekend alongside seasonal beverage specials

Desi Indian Lounge

Galentine’s High Tea – February 7

Seatings at 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm, featuring a curated selection of sweet and savoury bites designed for sharing with friends.

Valentine’s Dinner – February 13 and 14

A four-course pre-fixe menu for $97 per couple begins with an Amuse Bouche Trio, followed by a choice of starters and mains including Malvani Chicken Curry, Lamb Rogan Josh, or Anjeer & Akhrot Kofta. A solkadi interlude separates courses, with Rasmalai Rosette to finish. An optional Valentine’s cocktail is available.

Burdock & Co

Burdock & Co remains a standout. Its tasting menus and thoughtful wine, cocktail or mocktail pairings suit couples who care as much about what’s in the glass as what’s on the plate.

Bar Gobo

Bar Gobo called the Hi-Fi Wine Bar At The End Of The World works well for more casual Valentine’s plans. The room is lively, the menu is built for sharing for those who prefer small plates over set menus. It’s also a good choice if you’re celebrating with friends and want a table where conversation carries the night.

Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine

Baan Lao offers one of Vancouver’s most distinctive dining experiences, with refined Thai cooking served in a setting that suits a special occasion. The menu is layered and precise, making it ideal for couples who want dinner to be the main event. If you’re booking one Valentine’s meal that feels like a true night out, this one belongs on the shortlist.

Published on Main

Published on Main has a curated eight-course tasting menu designed to be enjoyed as a shared evening at the table. Additional wine pairings will be available the night of the event or opt for an a la carte beverage experience.

Riley’s

Riley’s presents a Valentine’s Day prix-fixe menu on February 14 priced at $110 per person, with optional wine pairings. The evening opens with house brioche and continues with first-course options such as Ahi Tuna Carpaccio, Steak Tartare, or Crispy Burrata Salad. Entrée choices include Steak Rossini, Cioppino, or Porcini Mushroom Risotto, followed by dessert with a sweet wine pairing.

St. Lawrence

St. Lawrence brings back its Cabane à Sucre experience for Valentine’s weekend and beyond, offering a refined take on Québec’s sugar shack tradition. Available through March, the menu highlights maple-forward dishes inspired by seasonal gatherings, including cured steelhead trout, duck confit ravioli, venison loin, and maple-focused desserts. It’s a thoughtful option for couples looking for something distinctive and rooted in culinary tradition.

Kobe Japanese Steakhouse

Always dinner and a show. Kobe Japanese Steakhouse celebrates with paired His & Hers cocktails, alongside Galentine’s drink features including rosé sangria and discounted wine bottles. Guests can combine the cocktails with Kobe’s hibachi experience, where chefs prepare meals tableside with flair, fire, and precision, making it a lively option for couples or groups.

The Teahouse in Stanley Park

The Teahouse offers a prix-fixe dinner priced at $98 per person, available from 4:00 pm. The menu begins with Dungeness Crab Arancini, followed by a choice of appetizers and entrées including Surf & Turf, Salmon Wellington, Pan-Seared Duck Breast, or Heart-Shaped Ravioli. Desserts include White Chocolate Blueberry Cheesecake or Chocolate Raspberry Heart Duo. A reduced à la carte menu is also available.

The Sandbar

The Sandbar marks Valentine’s Day with special features alongside its regular menu, allowing guests flexibility in how they dine. Highlights include Lobster Bisque, Burrata Salad, Bouillabaisse, Surf & Turf, and Wild Mushroom Ravioli, with Chocolate Lava Cake served as a Valentine’s dessert feature.

Moltaqa Moroccan Restaurant

Moltaqa Moroccan Restaurant offers a Valentine’s Day option built around the flavours and traditions of Moroccan cuisine. The menu features tagines, aromatic spices, slow-cooked meats and house-baked bread forming the centre of the experience.

L’Abattoir

This Michelin-recommended restaurant is set in a heritage building in Gastown. L’Abattoir ‘s Chef Jasper Cruickshank blends French technique with West Coast ingredients.

Blue Water Cafe

Blue Water Cafe continues to be one of Vancouver’s most trusted destinations for a Valentine’s dinner built around seafood and refined service. Known for its raw bar, sushi program, and expertly prepared fish and shellfish.

Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House

A Vancouver classic, Joe Fortes remains a dependable choice for Valentine’s Day thanks to its lively atmosphere and seafood-forward menu. Oysters, chilled seafood towers and prime steaks.

Lavantine

Lavantine presents a three-course prix-fixe menu priced at $165 per person, showcasing Middle Eastern–inspired flavours. Courses include options such as Cauliflower Panna Cotta with Osetra caviar, Lamb Manti, Roasted King Salmon, and desserts ranging from Chocolate Biscuit Cake to Chocolate Baklava with vanilla gelato.

Fable Diner

Fable Diner offers a three-course set menu on February 14 from 2:30 pm to 10:00 pm. Priced at $65 per couple, the menu includes choices such as Bacon-Wrapped Scallops, NY Striploin, Roast Duck Risotto, and nostalgic desserts, including Chocolate Strawberry Milkshake or Pavlova. Wine add-on available.

House of Dawn

House of Dawn centres Valentine’s Day around its steak program, featuring premium cuts including Kobe beef. Special Valentine’s cocktails and mocktails are available throughout the weekend, making it a strong choice for couples looking for a classic steakhouse experience with a modern edge.

Five Sails

Five Sails presents a five-course Valentine’s Day tasting menu priced at $195 per person. The menu includes Bluefin Tuna “Rose,” Lobster Bisque with Pacific scallop, Comté spaetzle with foie gras, A5 Wagyu striploin, and a strawberry-focused dessert to finish. A formal option suited to milestone celebrations.

C|Prime

C|Prime’s Valentine’s menu focuses on indulgent classics, including Beef Wellington, Surf & Turf with Dungeness crab ravioli, and squid ink tortellini. Dessert features Pliable Chocolate with pistachio and strawberry elements, offering a polished close to the evening.

The Victor

The Victor offers a Valentine’s set menu on February 14 with a limited à la carte selection. The celebration continues on February 15 with a Valentine’s-themed Spoils of Sunday brunch, complete with added desserts and a champagne cart.

Honey Salt

Honey Salt offers a Valentine’s prix-fixe menu on February 13 and 14 priced at $88 per person, with optional wine pairing. The menu includes options such as cheese fondue for two, burrata ravioli, Angus striploin, and shared desserts. Add-on packages featuring roses, chocolates, and prosecco are also available.

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About the Author:

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Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.

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