With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to start planning that epic escape for you and the one you love. The capital of British Columbia is one of the world’s most romantic cities, and it’s within easy reach of Seattle. Getting there is all part of the fun (and incredibly scenic) adventure, thanks to the Victoria Clipper ferry! But you’ll also want to consider Victoria’s most romantic hotels, restaurants, and experiences when planning your itinerary.
To help you make the most of this epic getaway, we’ve rounded up our favorite places to stay, dining venues, and experiences. They’re sure to spark or re-ignite the flame for Valentine’s Day or any romantic escape.
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Victoria’s Most Romantic Hotels
The Fairmont Empres
A crown jewel on the waterfront since 1908, The Fairmont Empress is the grande dame when it comes to Victoria’s most romantic places to stay. Its list of illustrious guests have included everyone from Katherine Hepburn and Bob Hope to Harrison Ford and Queen Elizabeth II, so you know it’s going to be good. Filled with historic charm while incorporating 21st century amenities, for something extra-special, book a suite with panoramic views of the Inner Harbour.
The Fairmont Empress offers a wide range of facilities providing plenty of opportunities for romance right on-site. That includes a heated indoor pool, the Willow Stream Spa, and world-famous afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge.
Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Built in an English Manor House style and nestled on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Victoria’s Oak Bay Beach Hotel is an elegant luxury boutique resort reconstructed on the same oceanfront lot where the historical hotel sat for more than 90 years. As if the manor lift weren’t romantic enough, the hotel boasts three heated outdoor pools situated on the edge of the Salish Sea, no matter what the season, you can experience breathtaking oceanfront views. With onsite dining and a spa, wellness, relaxation, and romance achieved!
Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort
Located on the Inner Harbour, this Marriott hotel is a romantic gem with rooms options that include spectacular water views and cozy fireplaces. You’ll be perfectly positioned to enjoy strolls hand-in-hand along the scenic Songhees Boardwalk. There’s plenty to enjoy right on the property too. It includes a spa, an indoor pool, tennis courts, a 24-hour fitness center, and LURE, a trendy restaurant/bar.
Inn at Laurel Point
For an ideal mix of activities and relaxation, along with fantastic views of the harbor just steps from downtown, book a room at the Inn at Laurel Point. Romance packages are available that include your waterside accommodation along with a bottle of sparkling wine, a decadent welcome treat from the pastry team, upscale bath amenities, and breakfast in bed. For something ultra-luxurious, consider the Erickson Wing Dream Suite which includes a double Jacuzzi tub.
Villa Eyrie Resort
If you’d like to be close enough to the city to enjoy its many attractions while immersing yourself in breathtaking wilderness, the Villa Eyrie Resort is likely to fit the bill. It’s just 30 minutes from downtown Victoria, set high above the Pacific on the side of Malahat Mountain. You’ll be able to breathe the fresh mountain air and take in jaw-dropping views from nearly every room. Perhaps indulge in a little pampering too. Its mountainside Tuscan Spa offers treatments that combine organic ingredients with local island herbs and a 180-degree view.
Victoria’s Most Romantic Restaurants
Q at the Empress
Even if you don’t stay at the Fairmont Empress, you’ll want to enjoy at least one meal at the Q at the Empress. Inspired by Queen Victoria, it’s one of the city’s most storied venues. Enjoy a classic foodie experience fit for royalty with dishes prepared to showcase the best of British Columbia’s food artisans and farmers. Or, head to the Festive Veranda overlooking the harbor. There’s a fire to gather around with a hot beverage while roasting marshamallows and indulging in cheese or chocolate fondue. With blankets and outdoor heaters, you won’t have to worry about getting chilly, and it’s the perfect place to cuddle up together.
II Terrazzo
The atmospheric Il Terrazzo offers fine Italian dining at one of the most celebrated restaurants in Victoria. Dine by candelight next to the warmth of a wood-burning fire. Dishes include everything from homemade pastas and pizzas to cioppino and char-grilled Opal Valley lamb. Finish with the crème brûlée or allow the pastry chef to provide a sampling of three delicious desserts.
Ugly Duckling
The Ugly Duckling was created around an obsession for the beautiful place that is Victoria. Often ranked among the best and most innovative dining experiences one can enjoy on Vancouver Island, it was inspired by the cultural heritage of the oldest Chinatown in North America and Coastal BC’s stunning landscapes. The menus change seasonally with two experiences available: a six+ course tasting menu and the three-course prix-fixe menu. Dishes feature fresh ingredients the chef often handpicks right from the local markets.
Blue Crab Seafood House
Often called the top seafood spot in the British Columbia capital, the Blue Crab Seafood House is all about showcasing the local flavors. The menu is focused on fresh, seasonal west coast cuisine with ingredients baked, grown, raised, or caught on Vancouver Island ,or just offshore. It’s particularly renowned for its local Dungeness crab but you’ll find many other mouthwatering seafood dishes that can be enjoyed with a beautiful view of the water and the city.
Victoria’s Most Romantic Experiences
Take a Horse and Carriage Ride Through the City
For a romantic old-fashioned tour, explore Victoria by horse and carriage. There are many different options, including the 75-minute Grand Tour that will bring you by the Parliament Buildings, the Salish Sea waterfront, Fisherman’s Wharf, and through Beacon Hill Park. Or, opt for the personalized excursion based on your interests. Either way, your driver/guide will provide intriguing insight into the city and its history while you marvel at the enchanting views.
Stroll the Grounds of Hatley Park and Castle
It’s doesn’t get much more romantic than a castle. The late Gothic Revival Hatley Castle, featuring a spectacular Elizabethan-style Grand Hall, was built as a retirement residence for James and Laura Dunsmuir in the early 1900s. After the couples’ passing it became a dormitory for cadets and staff officers at Royal Roads Military College. It now serves as the administrative center for Royal Roads University and has been a popular filming site for everything from the “Smallville” and the original “MacGyver” TV series to “Deadpool.”
While the castle is the crown jewel of Hatley Park, there are many photo ops to take advantage of. The grounds feature beautiful Rose, Italian, and Japanese formal gardens following Edwardian design, over nine miles of forested trails, a protected migratory bird sanctuary, and more.
Explore Butchart Gardens
Steal a Kiss Above the Clouds from the Malahat Skywalk
For what they call the “ultimate natural high,” stroll the TreeWalk that soars above the forest floor at Malahat Skywalk. It leads to a 10-story spiral tower that rises above the treeline for the perfect place to steal a kiss! The panoramic views are to die for, showcasing the Cascade Mountains, including Mount Baker, Finlayson Arm, and the Saanich Peninsula. And, for even more thrills, you can whiz down the over 65-foot-long spiral slide.
While it’s about a 30-minute drive from downtown Victoria, if you book through Clipper Vacations, the Malahat Shuttle is included so there’s no need to worry about public transportation or rent a car.
Indulge in Pampering Spa Treatments
There are many spas where you can enjoy pampering treatments throughout Victoria. The Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Empress offers a special couples’ package that we highly recommend as it’s practically guaranteed to leave you feeling like Jello-O. You’ll enjoy a massage in the Royal Couples Suite and then head to the private couples pedicure room. There, indulge in a foot soak and a deep hot stone massage with a hot parrafin treatment. Afterward, take advantage of the Finnish-style sauna, steam inhalation room, and mineral bath whirlpool, all of which are included.
Pedal Your Way Around
Victoria is both walkable and bikeable! The Pedaler–located just blocks away from our terminal–offers a wide variety of options to explore the city, parks, and the Vancouver Island coast on two wheels–and yes, that does include bicycles built for two!
Embark on a Harbour Boat Tour
photo credit: Creative Commons
Harbour boat tours are available through Victoria Harbour Ferry from February through October. It’s a great way to get a unique perspective of the historic buildings lining the Inner Harbour. Plus, with the area’s abundant wildlife, you might spot everything from sea lions, seals, and sea otters to bald eagles. And, if you’re lucky, orca whales!
Indulge in Fine Canadian Chocolates
Don’t forget the sweets! Victoria has many wonderful candy shops, but Roger’s Chocolates, with its famous Victoria creams and a historic storefront from preserved from the early 20th century raises this traditional Valentine’s gift to a new level. And with a favorable exchange rate for American dollars, there’s a built in discount on everything you buy!