Ken Christensen
Special to The Province
There are times when a romantic getaway far from the city or home is an absolute must. And what better time to plan a weekend together than Valentine’s Day?
On a tight budget? An inexpensive hotel/motel is fine. The important thing is, you’re spending quality time together. While in the area, check out the local B&Bs/hotels for future dates. Ask the locals about memorable country drives. Mention that you’re looking for unforgettable picnic destinations, and you may see a twinkle in their eye and a smile on their lips.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for potential sunset spots.
Tuscan Farm Garden, Abbotsford
The Tuscan Farm Gardens in Abbotsford.
A peaceful sanctuary with ancient cedars, sprawling gardens, reflective ponds, and endless flowers including roses, dahlias, echinacea and oceans of lavender. Enjoy a picnic, explore the gift shop and then treat yourselves to a spa experience or an overnight B&B stay on property. 604-857-1998 • tuscanfarmgardens.com
Harrison Hot Springs
The Harrison Hot Springs Resort.
A stunning drive though mountains and open country lead to this quaint village with unique stores, boutiques and restaurants. Picnic at Bridal Falls, where you’ll see a cascading waterfall in a picture perfect setting. The Agassiz-Harrison Museum, an old wooden railroad station, has an Arboretum; perfect for a romantic interlude.
The hot springs at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa are reserved for guests, however, there is a mineral water public pool at the junction of Hot Springs Road and Esplanade.
Rowena’s Inn On The River in Harrison Mills features romantic luxury waterfront cottages. 877.796.1001 • prettyestateresort.com
Ladner/Tsawwassen area
The Duck Inn cottages in Ladner.
Let’s be honest, Stanley Park is tough to beat, but here are some great picnic/park destinations south of Vancouver.
Explore the trails at Ladner Harbour Park where towering cottonwood trees are the perfect perches for nesting bald eagles.
The Duck Inn in Ladner has two cottages set on pilings on the edge of the Fraser River, an unforgettable romantic retreat. 604-946-7521 • duckinn.net
Reifel Bird Sanctuary in Tsawwassen features more than 200 species of birds. Diefenbaker Park has paths that lead through beautiful scenery complete with waterfall, stream and pond.
Vancouver Island
The Sooke Harbour House.
Everyone visits Victoria; and of course afternoon tea, or exploring The Empress is a great diversion. Let’s take it a step further with the next two spots.
Sooke features more than 20 beautiful beaches, (many secluded) including French Beach, a local favourite. The park at Whiffen Spit is a rock breakwater with a walkway that runs along the harbour. Race Rocks is home to 2,000-plus sea lions in the winter. East Sooke Regional Park offers extensive hiking trails and picnic destinations.
The ultimate goal here are the romantic lodgings in the area. All offer memories guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Romantic Lodgings: Sooke Harbour House (800-889-9688); Markham House (888-256-6888); Point-No-Point Resort (250.646.2020)
The Malahat/Trans-Canada Hwy.
Storms on Long Beach offer spectacular proof of the might of the Pacific Ocean.
A breathtaking scenic drive along the rolling hillsides of Finlayson Arm, at the start of the drive is Goldstream Park, famous for the annual salmon run, its nature house and seemingly endless hiking trails. At the summit, you’ll find an awe-inspiring vista and see distant volcanoes.
The small east coast towns of Cowichan Bay, Duncan and Chemanius allow for intimate adventures and memories.
The Bird Sanctuary in Fanny Bay is perfect for a sunrise or moonlight walk. The open air “Enchanted Forest” — an art gallery in the woods — is a true romantic destination.
Tofino, on the west coast, attracts surfers, nature lovers, campers, whale watchers, or anyone just looking to be close to nature year round. In winter, storm watching along the coast is a favourite pastime. March brings the migration of thousands of grey whales and is celebrated with the Pacific Rim Whale Festival.
Romantic Lodgings: Dream Weaver B&B, Cowichan Bay (888.748.7689); Tigh-Na-Mara Resort, Parksville, (800.663.7373); Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino, (800.333.4604)
Ken Christensen is the author of Romantic British Columbia and 10+ Kindle Travel Guides. Visit romanticamerica.net to access Amazon/Kindle books and special prices through Valentine’s Weekend.
