It’s February and love is in the air! Here you will find a few ideas to treat your special someone to an unforgettable date; whether it be a fun adventure, live-music, tasty treats, or a romantic dinner, you’ll be sure to find something to impress your plus-one in Cowichan!
Raise Your Heart rate on a Cowichan Trail
Find out what makes Cowichan the heart of the West Coast by trekking the Heart Lake Loop for spectacular views of Ladysmith, the Gulf Island and Mount Baker. Heart Lake is the perfect place to cuddle up on the shore and sip on a cup of coffee with your special someone.
For something more relaxed, go chasing waterfalls and embark on a nature walk through the rainforest in Stocking Creek Park near Chemainus. This short walk rewards you with great views of the creek and falls.
If it’s a Cowichan view-scape you’re chasing, Mt Tzouhalem offers some of the best. It is a short but challenging hike up to the cross, where on a clear day you can see for miles and get a sense of the sheer size, scope and beauty of this stunning region.
Share some cowichan fare
No Cowichan date is complete without a taste of our local fare. With several hundred farms in the region, our restaurants, bistros and cafés are truly farm-to-table.
Looking to book Valentine’s Day dinner?
Merridale Cidery & Distillery is offering one 6:00 pm seating and a special Valentine’s Day Menu. Enjoy one appetizer to share, your choice of an entrée and one trio of desserts to share all for only $49 per person, plus tax and gratuity. The Merridale Culinary team has prepared a Special Menu celebrating locally sourced ingredients and homemade farm-to-table options.
Villa Eyrie has seatings on the evening of Saturday February 11th and Tuesday, February 14th. Love will be in the air at Alpina Restaurant, as they serve up a one-of-a-kind four course dining experience.
Osbourne Bay Pub presents an unforgettable evening with the lovely Edie Daponte and her quartet. Perfectly paired with a delicious 3 course dinner, on Friday, February 10th. Find tickets here.
February 14th, bring your loved one to Unsworth for a romantic evening. They are thrilled to announce the first special menu of Unsworth’s new chef, Dan Bain! The special menu is also being offered on February 11th & 12th. View the menu and make a reservation here.
Enjoy a lovely farm to table Valentine’s dinner with your special someone. Farm Table Inn is offering a special Valentine’s Day menu on February 14th with two seatings available at 5:00pm and 7:30pm. Make sure to reserve your cozy table soon as space is limited.
The Satellite Bar & Grille at Arbutus Ridge Golf Club is offering a 3-course dinner the evening of February 14th for $70/person, plus tax and gratuity. View the menu here and make your reservation online or by phone.
Enjoy a special Valentine’s menu at Bridgemans Bistro on February 14th. The 3-course meal is $80/person including tax and gratuities – view the menu here. Enter their contest on social media to win two complimentary Valentine’s dinner tickets, a bottle of wine and a $100 gift card to Bayside Goods (with cute matching mugs) for you and your sweetheart. It is recommended to still make a reservation online and if you win the contest, your tickets will be refunded!
Visit Genoa Bay Cafe for a romantic Valentine’s day dinner by the waterfront on February 13th and 14th. Their culinary team has crafted a special 3-course Valentine’s menu designed to be shared by two at $119 per couple. Reservations are recommended by calling 250-746-7628.
Staying in? Rocky Creek Winery has Valentine’s Day online special on Katherine’s Sparkle – a 5 year vintage release with 13 varietals of grapes and so much complexity.
A Valentine’s Virtual Dinner is presented by Averill Creek. Gather online February 14th to make one of Italy’s most beloved pasta dishes… Pasta alla Norma! Order deadline is February 8th – they ship the ingredients and wines to your door!
Need more food & dining inspiration? Check out our guide to this foodie paradise!
Savour something sweet with your sweetheart
There is no better way to get to know someone than by sitting down to a sweet something at one of Cowichan’s many quaint bakeries. If you haven’t yet visited True Grain Organic Craft Bakery, make this Old World-inspired bakery a must-see on your trip out to Cowichan Bay.
In Chemainus, warm up from a wander through the historical murals with a coffee and a homemade snack from Owl’s Nest Bakery & Bistro.
No gluten? No problem! Further north in Ladysmith visit the Wild Poppy Bistro. This charming café on First Avenue makes gluten and peanut-free living delicious.
Blue Grouse is offering Sirene Chocolate & Wine Pairing throughout the month of February. This experience includes a flight of 5 wines accompanied by 5 local chocolates from Sirene for $25 per person or $15 for fan club members.
Purchase some beautiful Cowichan made artisan chocolates to gift to your sweetheart at Chocolate Pearl, Shawnigan House Chocolate + Coffee, Rembrandt’s Chocolates, Sea Salt Chocolates, or Cocoa Love.
Slow down in the spa
If you and your partner are looking to zen out, a visit to a Cowichan spa is a must. Unwind mountainside with views of the Saanich Inlet at the Tuscan Spa at the Villa Eyrie, offering a Couples Escape spa package or Couples Essential Oils Massage. Settle in at the Cowichan Bay Spa for an oceanside retreat you won’t soon forget.
Settle in for a pint
Wine, spirits, cider and tea aren’t the only thing on the Cowichan beverage list. If hops are more your thing, grab a beer at one of Cowichan’s five craft breweries.
Riot Brewing in Chemainus boasts a colourful, fun location with a flavourful tap list, or brewery-hop to three other nearby breweries in Duncan – Small Block Brewing, Red Arrow Brewing Co and Craig Street Brew Pub. Cowichan’s newest brewery, Bayside Brewing, is located in Ladysmith and has won some significant awards in their first year of operation.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to a romantic getaway to Cowichan – whether you’re taking it easy or planning a high-velocity trip, you and your partner have plenty to work with. Start planning your romantic getaway to Cowichan now by finding places to stay!