In Vancouver, B.C., Valentine's Day is about more than just cards, flowers and candy. In fact, some of the ways to celebrate this most romantic day of the year definitely depart from traditional ideas.
One rather unique event is the Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival. 2017 will be the 7th year for this chocolate lovers celebration. From late January to Valentine's Day, approximately 25 chocolate makers gather to offer their one-of-a-kind hot chocolate recipes. As of the 2016 festival, the number of recipes encompassed 59 flavors. At 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters, you are urged to try “The Bee's Knees” made with lavender syrup, honey-infused marshmallows and steamed milk, or “Saturday Nut Fever” created from dark chocolate and hazelnut milk. Whatever beverage and accompanying side you choose, everything is made from scratch including all jams, glazes, fillings, pastries and donuts. Proceeds from Vancouver's Hot Chocolate Festival are donated to a local charity or foundation group.
If you think all Valentine's Day dances are run-of-the-mill occasions, attending The People's Prom-19+ is guaranteed to change your mind since guests include people from all walks of life especially those of alternative gender persuasion. This event is held for the benefit of “creative resistance and direct action in B.C.”
Another suggestion is a romantic dinner cruise offered by Spirit Cruises of Vancouver. Making an early reservation is the best way to ensure that all in your party will be seated at the same candle-lit table as you feast from a gourmet buffet, enjoy complimentary sparkling wine and breathtaking scenery.
Most of us enjoyed sleepovers with friends in various places; however, how many of those places have included an aquarium. At Vancouver Aquarium, your adventure begins with a 3-course dinner served in the Canaccord Gallery. Other activities include the opportunity to tour behind-the-scenes areas of the aquarium accompanied by highly-qualified staff members or enter a seafood cooking competition. Roommates in the Wild Coast exhibit area include Chester the whale and a dolphin named Helen. Following a hot breakfast, you are welcome to revisit other areas of the aquarium on a self-directed tour.
Under the auspices of Vancouver's Chinese Benevolent Association, a Chinese New Year parade has attracted crowds estimated to reach 50,000 to enjoy performances and floats manned by some 3,000 participants on Valentine's Day since 1979. Following the parade, Chinatown becomes the venue for a spring festival and fair one of whose highlights is lion dancing. The day is capped off with dinner and live entertainment at Floata Seafood Restaurant.
For a unique date idea, couples are invited to visit Exit Room in Downtown Vancouver where teams of two have 45 minutes to negotiate their way from the entrance to the exit by solving various clues along the way.
Outdoor activities can include going snowshoeing at Grouse Mountain. A one-hour guided tour is available that concludes with a chocolate fondue party.
To ensure that your Vancouver Valentine's Day is the best ever, Griffin Transportation, a Vancouver car service, stands ready with plush interior vehicles and qualified drivers to meet your every need.
