Things to Do on Valentine’s Day in Vancouver in 2026

Whether your feelings about Valentine’s Day are positive, negative or somewhere in between, there’s no denying that there’s something nice about the idea of setting aside a gloomy day in midwinter to celebrate your love.

For some, the traditional fine dining, chocolates, jewellery and a dozen red roses are the epitome of romance. For others, the ideal way to spend the day together might look more like an exhilarating snowshoe tour through the forest, a wellness escape, a craft cocktail in the port district or a cozy evening at home.

Note: The restaurants recommended below all have some availability on Valentine’s Day at the time of writing. If you’re planning to go, book reservations quickly to avoid disappointment.

A Classic Romantic Valentine’s Day

You’re looking for a classy steak dinner. Try Black + Blue: subtle mood lighting, cozy booths and top-of-the-line steaks aged in their one-of-a-kind, Himalayan salt–lined meat locker. After dinner, cross the street to Thierry for a decadent dessert… maybe to bring home to enjoy together.

Time to spare before you eat? Wander Alberni Street’s glittering “Luxury Zone” and select some Valentine’s Day gifts together. Burberry, Cartier, Prada and Tiffany & Co. are all within a block’s walk.

Outdoorsy Things to Do on Valentine’s Day

Ride the gondola to the Peak of Grouse Mountain to enjoy a winter wonderland just a 20-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. Lace up and skate hand in hand at their mountaintop skating pond, or don some crampons or spikes and wander through the atmospheric forest light walk.

Back in town, enjoy a dinner at Lunch Lady. This Michelin Bib Gourmand pick serves comforting Vietnamese food crafted with Pacific Northwest ingredients. End your night with a stroll along the always vibrant Commercial Drive.

Valentine’s Day Ideas for Foodies

Adventurous tasters will be wowed by the work of Chef Jasper Cruickshank at L’Abattoir, set in a historic brick-and-beam building on the site of Vancouver’s first jail. Blending French technique with West Coast ingredients, the 5-course chef’s tasting menu features creative pairings like pork jowl confit with charred cabbage, nuoc cham and herb salad.

Continue your evening with a stroll through Gastown, or journey east to the port district for a drink at Odd Society. The lounge of this small-batch craft distillery features charmingly eclectic decor, tasting flights and excellent cocktails.

An Adventurous Valentine’s Day

Head up to Cypress Mountain for a morning of snowshoeing. Their 11km of snowshoe trails crisscross through the subalpine meadows and snowy mountain forests of Hollyburn Ridge, with beautiful views over Vancouver. Stop for a mulled wine or local craft beer in the historic Hollyburn Lodge.

For dinner, book a table at Salmon n’ Bannock (Fairview), Vancouver’s only Indigenous restaurant. Starters like the Game Sampler, Pemmican Mousse or Bison Bone Marrow offer a unique taste of place, and you can’t go wrong with the tender, slow-cooked Bison Pot Roast for a main course.

A Cozy Valentine’s Day

Looking for things to do on Valentine’s Day in Vancouver that don’t involve dinner reservations?

Start your date with a specialty hot chocolate from one (or two!) of the many wonderful spots participating in this year’s Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival. If the weather’s cooperating, take it to go on a walk around the False Creek seawall. There’s nothing like walking hand in hand, sipping a cozy drink while a fresh sea breeze whips up waves and seagulls wheel overhead.

Next, head to the Granville Island Public Market to pick up supplies for a cheese and charcuterie dinner. Think artisanal salami, prosciutto and pâté from Oyama Sausage Co, cheese from Benton Brothers, smoked salmon from Longliner Seafoods, sourdough from Terra Breads and some fresh fruit from Four Seasons Farms. If you’re after a little something sweet, Bon Macaron or ChocolaTas have you covered.

A bouquet of fresh cut flowers from V&J Plant Shop rounds out your market finds nicely.

Back at home, light some candles, arrange your bounty on a board, add a few little dishes of preserves, honey or mustard and enjoy.

Whether you and your partner lean more classic romantic, outdoorsy, food-loving, adventurous or cozy, there are plenty of things to do on Valentine’s Day in Vancouver. The excellent dining scene and beautiful natural surroundings can provide the perfect setting for a day to remember.