Hey there, lovebirds! Valentine’s day is just around the corner, and like every holiday over the last year, things are going to look and feel a little different than they have in the past. However, this doesn’t mean there won’t be anything to do or see. You can still treat your significant someone to something special, bright, romantic, and fun! Here are 10 creative Valentine’s Date ideas to check out in and around Calgary.
HAVE AN AT HOME PAINT NIGHT
Feel like staying home this Valentine’s day? We totally get it! This weekend, instead of going out, split a bottle of wine and get in touch with your creative, more colourful sides! Head over to Amazon, order a few watercolour paints, some brushes, and a canvas, then have yourself a paint party. Need some inspo and a few tips? Why not get them from the one and only Bob Ross himself!
COZY UP IN THE EAST VILLAGE HYGGE HUT
Scandinavian-decor, a roaring fire, a warm beverage, and each other’s company? Sounds like a winner to us! Located just off RiverWalk Plaza in the East Village, Calgarians looking to warm up after a day of in city cross country skiing, shopping, or walking around are encouraged to check out the romantic East Village Hygge Hut! Oh, and while your there, don’t forget to document the special occasion in front of their winter wonderland photo wall – it’s super cute and totally Insta-friendly.
When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Where: See location here
Time: Fridays (3 pm -7 pm) Saturday and Sunday (1 pm – 7 pm)
Cost: FREE
TAKE A SELF-GUIDED HOT CHOCOLATE TOUR
It’s no coincidence that Calgary’s sweetest festival takes place in February. This Valentine’s Day, bundle up and check out YYC’s Hot Chocolate Fest. Take the entire weekend, do choco-hop and cross off as many crazy creations as you can – keep score and then vote for your favourite. You’ll have plenty to talk about, you’ll get some fresh air and it’ll be delicious! Talk about the perfect date!
When: Until Sunday, February 28th
Where: See participants here
Time: All-day
Cost: Prices vary
TREAT YOUR SPECIAL SOMEONE TO SOMETHING SPECIAL AT HOTEL ARTS
After months of quarantining together, how could one day make you feel any closer? Well, the folks at Calgary’s Hotel Arts want you to find out for yourselves with a magical one-night Valentine’s staycation package. For less than $400, enjoy a night of luxury in one of their suites, share a bottle of wine, and indulge in an unreal four-course meal. Fancy.
When: Friday, February 12th (until the 15th)
Where: 119 12 Ave SW, Calgary
Time: Whenever
Cost: $349+
DO AN AT-HOME BEER OR WINE TASTING
Put together a charcuterie board, and pick your poison. Whether it’s beer or wine, why not stop by and pick up a few bottles or cans of the good stuff. Score each one, jot them down and spend the evening drinking and talking. Heck, if you really want to go all out, you can even virtually tour Napa Valley together. Check it out!
SOLVE A VIRTUAL CASE TOGETHER
This Sunday, put your thinking cap on, grab the hand of that someone special, and fully immerse yourself into a world of clues, puzzles and mystery with The Calgary Public Library’s virtual Valentine’s Day escape room! This is a great way to get to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and work as a team.
When: Sunday, February 14th
Where: Online at the link above
Time: 12 pm – 12 am
Cost: $42
“TRAVEL” AROUND THE GLOBE
Don that Tommy Bahama, climb aboard a magic area carpet and show each other the world! From google Earth, live cams, photo galleries and museum tours, there are about a hundred ways to travel without going through airport security or hopping on a plane!
RACE EACH OTHER DOWN THE HILL AT MOUNT NORQUAY
This Valentine’s day, bundle up and get in touch with your more playful sides at the Mount Norquay inner-tube park! Here, you can enjoy the breeze, the snow, and each other’s company while fast-flying down a powder-covered hill.
When: See dates above
Where: 2 Mt Norquay Road Banff, AB
Time: Book times above
Cost: $27+
STROLL THROUGH THE CHINOOK BLAST ‘HUB’
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This year, in order to warm the hearts of Calgarians even in the coldest of weather, the City will host the first-ever Chinook Blast, a winter celebration of lights, art, and community spirit in collaboration with local businesses. Check out the link above for programming events and any updates regarding the event.
When: Saturday, February 13th– Sunday, 14th
Where: Downtown Calgary
Time: 3 pm – 9 pm
Cost: Free
RENT A CABIN FOR TWO AND UNPLUG
Looking to really connect this Valentine’s day? Turn your cell phones off and enjoy the simple life at Baker Creek Mountain Resort, an authentically Canadian place to really take in the beauty of the Rockies. Enjoy lantern-lit meals, go for walks or snowmobile rides, and cozy up next to each other fireside under the stars.
Where: Baker Creek Mountain Resort, P.O. Box 66, Lake Louise
There you have it, cuties! Our picks for creative Valentine’s Date ideas in Calgary! Now all you need to do is pick an outfit! Good luck out there!
