It’s almost 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 Islands 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, 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 your 2025 Valentine’s Day dinner?
Bridgemans Bistro in Mill Bay: Dine with us on February 14th and get entered to win a Romantic Two Night Getaway in Port Renfrew. Bridgemans will also be offering a Valentines Day Feature Menu after 4pm. Open 11am-8pm on February 14th (Feature Menu offered after 4pm). Contest runs all day. Reserve a table by contacting reservations@bridgemans.ca
Merridale Cidery & Distillery: From the Valentine’s Sip & Shop Market on February 7th and 8th (free entry) to the fun-filled Pints & Paint Night on February 9th, and finally a romantic four-course dinner, A Cozy Night in Italy, on February 14th, there’s something for everyone to embrace the season of romance. Learn more here: https://merridale.ca/valentines-day2025/
Gibby’s Cafe and Catering: Enjoy a sweetheart breakfast or lunch. Bring your sweetie/friend and enjoy a heart shaped meal with a free dessert for two. Available from 8am-1:30pm on February 14th.
The Masthead Restaurant: A decadent 4-course menu starting with sparkling Rose on arrival and delightful truffles to take home and enjoy! $109 plus taxes and gratuities (add $30 for wine pairings). There will be two seatings available on February 14th at 4:30pm & 8pm. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (250) 748-3714. See the full menu here: https://www.themastheadrestaurant.com/valentinesdinner
Satellite Bar & Grille: Offering a 3-course Valentines Day dinner (includes 2 cocktails) on February 14th from 4pm-8pm. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (250) 743-5100. $155 per couple, gratuity not included.
Blue Grouse Estate Winery: Join us for a Wine and Chocolate Pairing on Valentines Day! Enjoy 5 different wines paired with 5 different chocolates from Sirene Chocolate. We will also be featuring our Rose Charm De L’ile by the glass and staying open until 6pm on February 14th. Wine and Chocolate pairings will be available for all of February ($25 public, $10 for club members). Blue Grouse is open 11am-5pm from Wednesday-Sunday. Learn more here: https://bluegrouse.ca/visit/
Chocolate Master Class at Blue Grouse: Meet Taylor Kennedy from Sirene Chocolate. Taylor will tell us about the process of making bean to bar chocolate, and we will discuss similarities and differences to producing fine wines and how the two work together. February 15th from 3pm-4pm ($35 public, $25 for club members). Book in advance at https://www.exploretock.com/bluegrouseestatewinery/ or by calling (250) 743-3834
Vertical Pinot Noir Tasting at Blue Grouse: Enjoy tasting 3 different vintages of Blue Grouse Pinot Noir paired with Cowichan Station Creamery Cheese. A great opportunity to taste food and wine grown here in the Cowichan Valley. This seasonal experience is available January and February 2025. ($25 public, $10 club members). Reserve at https://www.exploretock.com/bluegrouseestatewinery/ or by calling (250) 743-3834
Averill Creek Vineyard: From February 1st-16th, we’re hosting a Valentines Chocolate Fondue experience —because nothing says love like melted chocolate and a bottle of Joue Rosé. For $40 per duo, you’ll get an 7oz pot of rich melted chocolate with an assortment of apples, strawberries, marshmallows, and mini cookies, plus a bottle of Joue Rosé. If you prefer just the sweet stuff, the fondue alone is available for $20. Reservations are required, so gather your besties and make it a Valentine’s to remember! Reserve by emailing info@averillcreek.ca or calling (250) 709-9986
The Restaurant at Unsworth Vineyards: Spend the evening with The Restaurant at Unsworth Vineyards for Valentine’s Day 2025. Our talented culinary team have created a unique 3 course meal; naturally, we are offing optional wine pairings curated by sommelier Chris Turyk. This romantic offering starts at $95 per person (plus tax and gratuity) for dinner, with wine pairings offered at $35 per person. Please note our regular menu will not be available. Available February 14th from 4-8pm. Make your reservation online at https://www.unsworthvineyards.com/Visit/Restaurant/Reservations
Wild Poppy Market: Wild Poppy will have lots of tasty gluten-free Valentine’s treats starting February 1st, including heart-shaped sugar cookies, Valentine’s cupcakes, and a sugar cookie and hot chocolate gift pack. From February 12th-15th we will have a 6″ Chocolate Ganache Cake available for preorder only. You can place your pre-order by calling (250) 924-8696
Old Town Bakery: Starting February 1st, enjoy heart sugar cookies, Valentine’s cupcakes, our famous cinnamon buns, and more. From February 12th-15th, treat yourself to a decadent chocolate mousse cake topped with pink rosettes—pre-order recommended! Call (250) 245-2531 or order online at https://www.oldtownbakery.ca/custom-cakes
The Lakehouse at Shawnigan: We’re offering a dinner experience for two from February 7th-23rd which includes 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, and a special dessert. Optional add-on wines are available (sparkling, white or red). Dinner prices range from $150-215 depending on wine selection. Make your reservation at https://www.exploretock.com/thelakehouseatshawnigan/ or call us at (250) 929-2555
Cure Artisan Meat and Cheese: Offering specialty items like charcuterie boards, fondue for two, and beef tenderloin wrapped in bacon, to take away and enjoy at home. Ready prepared Italian sausage lasagna , meat loaf, shepherd’s pie are also available and great for a date night on Valentine’s Day. (Please note: Everything is to pick up and take home). We are open 7 days a week Monday to Friday from 10am-6pm, and Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm.
Duncan Garage Cafe: Order a custom cake to take home and enjoy with your loved ones on Valentines. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. Call (250) 748-6223
Ironworks Cafe & Creperie: Enjoy our Sweethearts Crepe for Valentines, a delicious sweet crepe with cream cheese icing and sweetheart candies. Available all-day on February 14th!
Island Pastry Haus: Love is in the air! Enjoy hand decorated heart-shaped sugar cookies, Valentine’s cupcakes, and pink velvet cake with strawberry mousse from either of our locations: Chemainus (9am-4pm) and Lake Cowichan (8am-3pm). Open Thursday through Monday.
Craig Street Brew Pub: Featuring live music with The Steadies. Food specials include coconut lime mussels, chicken Oscar, and braised beef short ribs. Live music starts at 8pm ($20 cover for live music). First-come, first-serve, no reservations available.
Looking for something a little more up beat? The Slocan Ramblers take the stage at 7:30pm on February 14th at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre. Find more information and purchase tickets here: https://cowichanpac.ca/event/the-slocan-ramblers-02-14/
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 or Island Pastry Haus.
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.
Purchase some beautiful Cowichan made artisan chocolates to gift to your sweetheart at Chocolate Pearl, Shawnigan House Chocolate + Coffee, Rembrandt’s Chocolates, or Sea Salt Chocolates.
Slow down in the spa
If you and your partner are looking to zen out, a visit to a Cowichan spa is a must. Settle in at the Cowichan Bay Spa for an oceanside retreat you won’t soon forget, or unwind mountainside with views of the Saanich Inlet at the Tuscan Spa at the Villa Eyrie. The Tuscan Spa is offering a a Simply Romantic spa package (February 1-28, 2025) designed to bring couples closer while soothing the body and mind. Treatment includes a 30-minute bath soak in Phytomer’s Oligomer Bath Soak, followed by a 60-minute couples massage featuring the enchanting scents of rose and vanilla essential oils. Surrounded by rose petals and heart-shaped balloons, this indulgent escape creates the perfect setting for love and connection.
Escape the ordinary this Valentine’s Day with a rejuvenating experience at Setri Nordic Spa or Nyubu Nordic Spa in Cowichan Valley. Immerse yourselves in the tranquil atmosphere as you indulge in the ancient practice of Nordic hydrotherapy. Alternate between invigorating hot and cold plunges, followed by moments of blissful relaxation in the serene surroundings. This unique and unforgettable experience will leave you feeling refreshed, connected, and deeply in love.
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 friendly and community-minded craft breweries – Red Arrow Brewing Co, Craig Street Brew Pub, Bayside Brewing, and Deadhead Brew Co.
Plan a romantic getaway
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!
