Whether you’re asking the big question, enjoying a honeymoon, celebrating an anniversary, seeking a romantic getaway, or planning an unforgettable date, this province has plenty of places for you to make intimate memories. Here are some of Cupid’s favorite and most exclusive options…
British Columbia’s internationally acclaimed wine industry rests in the cradle of the arid Okanagan highlands, where acres and acres of rolling hills produce some of North America’s finest grapes. Whether you’re staying in Vernon, Winfield, Oyama, Kelowna, Westbank, Peachland, Summerland, Penticton, Naramata, Oliver, or Osoyoos, an unforgettable wine tour awaits. For the free-spirited, most visitor centers have maps and brochures to make self-guided tours easy. But for those looking to experience more, there are organized tours available at very reasonable prices. Okanagan wine country tours bring you the magic of more than 60 award-winning wineries, from small estates to massive international operations. Most of these tours include lunch or dinner and, of course, a hearty sampling of the libations the Okanagan produces. But for something truly memorable, experience the seaplane tour that departs from Okanagan Lake in Kelowna and follows lakes and mountains to the southern end of the valley to Osoyoos Lake. From there, enjoy the area’s vineyards as your luxury vehicle leisurely returns to Kelowna. This area also has a full calendar of wine festivals. Thousands of self-described aficionados come from far and wide to enjoy the 10-day Fall Wine Festival, Ice Wine Festival in January, Spring Wine Festival in May, and Summer Wine Festival in August. Happy tasting!
Whistler is romantic enough simply with its mountain views and incredible cuisine. But if you’re looking to kick it up a notch, Canadian Snowmobile Adventures offers a summer package that transports visitors in a jeep or ATV up Blackcomb Mountain to the legendary Crystal Hut, where you’ll experience their world-famous baked salmon. Maple Salmon Cream Cheese Spread and Crackers, Wild Salmon on Maple Glazed Cedar Plank, Caesar Salad, Seasonal Greens in Balsamic Herb Vinaigrette, Roasted Nugget Potatoes, Candied Carrots, Fresh Bumblebee Pie…
In the winter, grab a snowmobile or snowcat for the same breathtaking view, but this time, for a rich and hearty fondue feast. Are you in love with an early riser? Experience the Waffle Sunrise in the same amazing setting and on top of the world. A Whistler favorite is the Fairmont Chateau Chalet’s Sleigh Ride and Fondue Dinner, which includes a 30-minute Clydesdale-Percheron sleigh ride or dog sledding tour followed by a 3-minute fondue dinner. dishes including cheese and Chinese fondue with beef tenderloin, prawns and salmon and apple strudel.
For the sheer beauty of the West Coast, Mystic Beach in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park offers some of the most romantic shorelines in the Pacific. A 2-kilometer walk through the lush rainforest leads to a long, secluded sandy beach. Feel the salty spray as the waves crash on the shore. Explore the many sandstone sea caves. Discover hidden waterfalls. Take in the incredible wildlife and stunning mountain views. And if a walk on the beach isn’t enough, Mystic Beach is part of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, which consists of 47 km of wilderness that runs from China Beach to Botanical Beach. Put on your hiking boots!
The picturesque capital city of Victoria offers many activities and romantic settings, including excursions offered by Tally-Ho Carriage Tours. With several departures from the city center, you can enjoy the heritage neighborhoods, Chinatown, city parks, and the waterfront of the Strait of Juan De Fuca. Using Percheron, Belgian and Clydesdale horses, these tours and the gentle giants that make them possible run most of the year, weather permitting. With a personalized pick-up service and a warm faux fur blanket for night tours, this once-in-a-lifetime date is not to be missed! Consider Victoria’s incredible array of fine dining restaurants and you just might have the night of your life…
Across the Strait of Georgia, the metropolis of Vancouver offers many unique attractions. And because it enjoys a temperate climate very different from the rest of Canada, a culture of outdoor events has flourished in and around the city. Theater Under the Stars is testament to this. A favorite Vancouver summer tradition for decades, this professional troupe has been putting on incredible shows in Stanley Park at the outdoor Malkin Bowl forever. Usually run together, the shows alternate nightly, weather permitting. Recent shows include Grease, Oklahoma!, Annie Get Your Gun, and Jesus Christ Superstar. In a more traditional vein, the Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival in Vanier Park has been performing Shakespeare’s works in fresco for two decades. Two show tents provide nearly 800 seats for fans of The Bard from June through September. The main stage tent is open and offers a magnificent view of the mountains, while the Douglas Campbell tent hosts performances of some of The Bard’s minor works in non-traditional stagings. She said that she loved the stage… show her something completely different!
Just across the water from Nanaimo on Vancouver Island is Hornby Island. Unique in that traveling there involves a ferry from Nanaimo to Denman Island and then another ferry from Denman to Hornby, this magical little island has a certain isolation that has nurtured a community like no other. The wooded co-op store has the rustic, organic charm of a hippie commune, and indeed, for all intents and purposes, the island is exactly that. But it’s the beaches that make Horby Island special. Protected in the placid waters of the Strait of Georgia, Tribune Bay has smooth rock faces, caves, gorgeous warm water and, of course, acres of sand. A small but hilly island, Hornby also has plenty of cycling and walking routes, if your particular idea of romance involves a good workout.
Now imagine enjoying any of these amazing and intimate British Columbia activities with your own private vacation rental accommodation to enjoy the rest of the night. The candles are lit and the jacuzzi is ready…
We’ll close the blinds and leave you alone now.