6 Creative Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day in Vancouver

For the music lover:
1. Attend an intimate Taylor Swift tribute concert by candlelight.

Photo: Candlelight Concerts by Fever / Facebook

Picture this: you’re sitting in a church, surrounded by candles and being serenaded by the sweet sounds of a string quartet. But instead of Mozart or Chopin, they’re playing Taylor Swift songs! This “Enchanted” concert is straight out of a “Love Story” from your “Wildest Dreams”. (See what we did there?)

Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
Various dates from Feb to April, 6:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.
Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church
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For the foodie:
2. Sip on more than 100 tasty, interesting and unusual hot chocolate creations.

Photo: Rich Won

This year’s Hot Chocolate Festival runs until February 14th and boasts over 100 hot chocolate creations at 67 different locations. There are classic flavours like 49th Parallel’s caramel popcorn or Thomas Haas’ dark chocolate cherry, but more adventurous eaters might opt for Beta5’s Thai green curry-infused white chocolate or the miso caramel offering from Coho Coffee. Whatever you choose, you’re in for a treat. Like we said – there’s nothing wrong with chocolate on Valentine’s Day.

Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival
Now until February 14th
Various locations
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For the adventure seeker:
3. Watch an intimate magic show inside a hidden speakeasy.

Photo: Hidden Wonders Speakeasy Magic Experience / Facebook

Immerse yourself in an evening of magic in New Westminster’s historic downtown. The show’s hidden location is only revealed once you get your tickets – but the mystery doesn’t stop there. Once inside, you’ll witness magician Shawn Farquhar perform awe-inspiring illusions that will leave you asking yourself, “How did he do that?!”

Hidden Wonders Speakeasy Magic Experience
Now until February 18th
A secret location in New Westminster
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For the outdoors person:
4. Go ice skating on one of the Lower Mainland’s outdoor rinks.

Photo: @little_stephy0925 / Instagram

Grab your skates (or rent a pair) and take your partner for a spin around an outdoor rink. You can find a complete list of places here. Consider opting for an evening date – there’s something very romantic about gliding along arm-in-arm amidst twinkling lights or under the stars.

Outdoor ice skating rinks
Various dates and times
Vancouver, North Vancouver, Grouse, Whistler
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For the amateur chef:
5. Prepare a gourmet dinner with a virtual or in-person cooking class.

Unlike your regular dinner date, a cooking class gives you and your partner the chance to learn something new together. The Dirty Apron offers in-person classes with different themes based on cuisine (Italian, Thai, French), protein type (meat, seafood, vegan) and more. (Head’s up: their Valentine’s Day class is sold out, but there are a ton of other available dates in February.)

If you’d rather stay in, Cocktails & Canapés has a virtual Valentine’s Day cooking class. Learn how to make butternut squash risotto with shrimp and for dessert, a twist on chocolate covered strawberries. All ingredients will be delivered to your door, with a bottle of wine and charcuterie board so you can snack and sip while you cook. (The last day to book is Monday, February 7th at 4pm.)

The Dirty Apron
Various dates and times
540 Beatty St, Vancouver
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Cocktails & Canapés
February 12 & 14 at 6 p.m.
Online
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For the creative type:
6. Immerse yourself in a virtual reality exhibition celebrating Leonardo da Vinci.

Photo: Sensea Canada / Facebook

If strolling an art gallery or museum is your partner’s idea of a good time, the DaVinci Experience is the perfect date for them. Immerse yourself in the work of Leonardo da Vinci through 10 built-to-scale replicas, digital displays, sound effects, projection mapping and virtual reality.

The Da Vinci Experience
Daily until March 2022, various times
Tsawwassen Mills Shopping Mall
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