The City of Gardens, as Victoria BC is sometimes referred to, is nestled on the southern tip of Vancouver Island sporting some of Canada’s most favorable weather. With a solid seat on the top five places to visit in Canada list, Victoria offers lots of outdoorsy thrills, gardens, water, and mountains. And, when searching for a lovely, romantic getaway, Victoria has all the cornerstones.

It doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day to plan a romantic trip to Victoria. Find a special property for your home base and build the itinerary with a few of your favorite things in mind. Maybe it’s art and culture that you love…maybe it’s shopping and history. We have ideas to serve as food for thought below.

Planning the Perfect Romantic Getaway in Victoria

• Tourists flock to Butchart Gardens by the (tour) busload during the daytime, but an evening gander might be just the mood-setter you are looking for. Choose a Saturday night and enjoy not only the beautiful flowers and buds, but also get a firework show to boot.
• Go exploring…hand-in-hand. Victoria’s Inner Harbor offers great gems like the Government Buildings, harbor cruises, street performers and lots of art as well as shopping and dining options.
• Don a blanket and snuggle up for a horse-drawn carriage ride through James Bay. You’ll be treated to fabulous views along with a look at historic homes, Beacon Hill Park and the harbor.
• Visit The Empress for high tea. Nosh on finger sandwiches and treats while sipping your choice from an array of teas. The views of the harbor are pretty special, too.
• Hop on a seaplane for a bird’s eye view of the Gulf Islands. Spend a half-hour or so flying high above lush gardens and spying the gorgeous coastline of the area.
• Checkout Parkside Spa for a couples’ experience. How romantic does a side-by-side Swedish Massage followed by a few quiet moments in the hot tub sound?
• Set aside one evening for The Breakwater of Ogden Point (just off of Dallas Road). Not only is the walk itself stunning, but there are also lovely photo opportunities, sunsets to die for and a little bistro on-site for dinner.

There are so many ways to include romance in your trip. Aside from these great ideas, there are dinner cruises, wine tours, kayaking and food tours, just to name a few. No matter what you fancy when it comes to a romantic getaway, you’ll find it in Victoria. What are you waiting for?

If you’re ready to ring in the new year amidst a snow-blanketed village brimming with Canadian beauty, then Whistler is your spot! Make plans now to include fabulous events ranging from family-friendly activities to bars and parties. Whistler offers a beautiful backdrop for your celebration, and we have some great ideas to get you thinking.

Whistler Village and Fireworks

Outdoor fun for families starts at noon on New Year’s Eve with a special Family Après at Whistler Olympic Plaza. Enjoy outdoor activities, entertainment and more, or head indoors for more family-friendly experiences at the Whistler Conference Centre’s Holiday Experience “Reflections and Intentions Installation” open on December 31 and January 1. Your family will love Zen gardens, water features, even a campfire where you can ponder the past and look forward to what the new year holds. Crafts, entertainment and dancing are in the Grand Foyer. Don’t forget the ever-popular bouncy land and game room as well.

Early birds can turn in early after attending a High-Flying Snow Show at 7:30 p.m. at Skiers Plaza (base of Whistler Mountain). A firework show follows at 8 p.m. If you’ve got the stamina, ring in 2020 with a Special Edition Fire & Ice Show at 11:30 p.m. with a grand firework show at midnight.

New Year’s Eve Parties

One of Whistler’s best NYE parties promises to be CIROC presents: New Year’s Eve 2020 at Garibaldi Lift Company from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. This fancy shindig aptly named “Dress To Impress” offers a bubbly midnight toast coupled with front seats to the fireworks extravaganza. Get your tickets early and if you have a group of eight or more, ask for the group rates.

Check out the lively Great Gatsby Roaring 20s NYE party at the Longhorn Saloon & Grill from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Embrace the theme by dressing in proper Roaring 20s attire and enjoy a glass of bubbly as you arrive in addition to favors and exclusive access to the Longhorn patio for the midnight fireworks show.

Perhaps one of the most anticipated events of the season is The NYE Masquerade Ball presented by Buffalo Bills Bar & Grill beginning at 9 p.m. Enjoy the beauty and ambiance of the mountains as you don a mask (handed out upon entrance) and patiently wait to unveil your identity at the midnight chime. Enjoy a champagne toast, party favors and maybe some fresh snowfall.

There are lots of other parties and bar hops to consider so spend a little time reading over the lengthy list. And, don’t forget to start your planning early for the best selection of properties in Whistler and ring in 2020 with pizzazz.