A Couple’s Guide to Romantic Getaways in Vancouver During the Holidays

Vancouver is magical during the holiday season, with the local mountains blanketed with snow, and the slightly colder temperatures inviting cozy times indoors over a glass of bubbly.

The city’s immersion in nature means that romantic getaways for couples in the wilderness are a short ride away. Or, if you’re looking for a self-care date together, Vancouver has some luxurious hotels for a weekend getaway, as well as spas that will leave you feeling relaxed, and reconnected as a couple.

What Are Some Romantic Getaways at a Local Mountain in Vancouver?

Nature is at your doorstep, with Grouse Mountain easily accessible by car in as little as 20 minutes, or by convenient transit from downtown.

The date begins with a ride on a gondola. Hold hands in wonder as you make your journey up the mountain, passing over forested areas. You’ll take in spectacular views of the water, the majestic surrounding mountains, and the city below.

Once at the top, you’ll arrive at the Peak of Christmas, a festive wonderland with twinkling lights and Santa busy at his workshop. Skate on the outdoor pond, the crisp mountain air making both of your cheeks rosy. Follow that up with a magical stroll along the Light Walk, a luminous path around Blue Grouse Lake, and you can take a selfie at the entrance.

Then, it’ll be time to head indoors to warm up. Your romantic getaway at Grouse will end with a meal at The Observatory, a restaurant housed in a chalet that overlooks the sweep of Vancouver’s downtown.

Which Hotels in Vancouver Have Couples’ Packages for Weekend Getaways?

Hotels in the city will help you feel romance, with weekend getaway packages that treat you like a celebrity couple taking a much-deserved break from the paparazzi. Plus, Vancouver’s mild temperatures mean you get the best of the holidays, without the chilly weather.

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, located in a castle-like building dating back to the 1930s, offers a Romance Package, which includes your luxurious stay, overnight parking, a lavish in-room breakfast, and a late check-out. Pop open the complimentary bottle of sparkling wine when you arrive, and indulge in decadent chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Head for dinner at a nearby romantic restaurant, like Carlino, a dreamy northern Italian restaurant that serves some of the best pasta in town. If you aren’t ready to head to bed, the hotel hosts Kringle’s, an annual holiday bar pop-up, in the lower lobby where you can enjoy a night-cap of boozy eggnog over small bites.

The Sutton Place Hotel also ensures your holidays are merry and bright with their Stay and Dine package, which includes your lux accommodation, free parking, and a gift card at Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar. The gift card will definitely come in handy since nothing says romance like freshly shucked oysters paired with sips of local wine.

The hotel is close to many festive attractions, so wander down the street after dinner to the annual Lights of Hope at St. Paul’s Hospital, an inspiring light display that raises money for life-saving health care. As you admire the lights, you’ll celebrate the importance of love for everyone during the holidays.

Which Spas in Vancouver Feature Couples’ Treatments?

Granville Island makes for a romantic getaway during the holidays with its lights, festive decorations, and charming views of False Creek. Away from the bustle of shoppers at the Public Market, you’ll find Circle Wellness, an oasis of calm and wellness.

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill treatment. Instead, the two of you will spend a couple hours in a private open air thermal spa. The self-guided experience includes a cedar soaker tub, a cold plunge bath, and a sauna with Himalayan salt walls. You’ll feel time slow down as you soak in the water, the stress of work and your day-to-day lives melting away.

You can also bond as a couple at the Wedgewood Spa with their incredibly relaxing couples’ Tranquility package. It’s the ultimate romantic getaway at a spa, with a side-by-side massage in their Harmony Suite, as well as a facial that will leave you both glowing.

Post-treatment, make your way downstairs to the Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge, which gets completely decked out for the holidays. A crackling fireplace, plenty of garlands, and a silvery Christmas tree make Bacchus one of the most festive rooms in the city. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner while a pianist serenades you both to your favourite holiday songs.

While the pianist plays, you’ll realize, “all I want for Christmas is you,” and a lovely weekend getaway to Vancouver during the holidays.