14 Romantic Things To Do For Valentine’s Day
Whether you’re looking for picturesque outdoor skating, a three-course dinner, chocolate pairings or something crafty, we’ve got you covered for Valentine’s Day.
photography by Marc Chalifoux Photography
February 2, 2016
Meet at Lovers’ Lane
The Silver Skate Festival runs from February 12 to 21, but between February 12 and 15, there’s a Valentine’s Day Weekend Special in the evening that would charm even the most reluctant romantic. The Meet Me at Lovers’ Lane experience stars with hot chocolate and lanterns as you wait for your horse-drawn sleigh. Then, you and your date will take a ride down lovers’ lane in Hawrelak Park. And, if you’re truly looking to wow your date, the organizers have provided the opportunity to add a box of JACEK chocolates or two general admission tickets to the Ice Castles to your package.
Hawrelak Park, 9930 Groat Rd., 780-488-1960, silverskatefestival.org
Experience a vintage Valentine
If you’re looking to step away from the 21st century for Valentine’s Day, Fort Edmonton Park has several events on its schedule. The Lovers’ Getaway includes a four-course meal, overnight stay at the Hotel Selkirk, and breakfast for two. Or, just stop by for Cupid’s Dinner and enjoy a meal set in the 1920s. Either way, wandering through the historic streets will make you feel as if you’ve been transported out of a romantic film from another era.
Fort Edmonton Park, 7000 143 St., 780-496-7381, fortedmontonpark.ca
Cook up something special
Just because you don’t feel up to squeezing in with other couples at a restaurant for Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you can enjoy a great meal — why not spend some quality time together and cook something as a couple? Try out the Cooking for Two class at Kitchen by Brad, and under chef Brad Smoliak’s expert instruction, you can prepare risotto, shrimp, roast chicken, chocolate pot au cremes and more.
Kitchen by Brad, #101 10130 105 St., 780-757-7704, kitchenbybrad.ca
Create a serving board you can use for an intimate dinner at home
On February 13, Oliver Apt. is offering a workshop where you can craft your own customized serving board out of a solid piece of wood. The workshop, which is perfect for beginners, allows you to get in touch with your creative side — and there will also be refreshments and treats from District Coffee Co. to fuel your woodworking endeavor.
Oliver Apt. Studio, 10225 100 Ave., oliverapt.com
Indulge your competitive side with a game of paintball
If you’re not really a dinner and drinks type of person, or you’d just like to do something unique this Valentine’s Day, stop by the Edmonton Paintball Centre for some friendly competition with your partner. The price of admission covers all necessary equipment and 200 paintballs per player, and the evening will include several Valentine’s Day themed games, prizes and more.
Edmonton Paintball Centre, 10010 107A Ave, 780-800-2324, edmontonpaintball.ca
Go on a sweetheart snowshoe adventure
Most Edmontonians have gone on a walk through the River Valley at some point, but have you ever experienced the River Valley on snowshoes? The special Valentine’s sweetheart snowshoe involves a guided snowshoe walk followed by hot chocolate and bannock making.
Alfred H. Savage Centre, 13204 Fox Dr., 311, edmonton.ca
Lace up your skates and check out the new Victoria Park Oval and Freezeway
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courtesy of City of Edmonton
One of the best ways to enjoy the chilly temperatures is by bundling up and ice skating — and why not check out the city’s newest outdoor rink, the Victoria Park Oval? Enjoy some ice skating with a view, then warm up in the Victoria Park Pavilion Winter Warming Chalet and plan your next stop.
Victoria Park, 311, edmonton.ca
Educate yourself about arctic wildlife during a wine tasting
Wine tastings are a tried and true event for Valentine’s Day, but why not expand your horizons and learn a little something while you enjoy sipping several varieties of vino? The Edmonton Valley Zoo brings in Dr. Andrew Derocher to talk about polar bears, their ecology, and the environment they inhabit. Enjoy a wine tasting and appetizers as you learn more about the fascinating creature.
Edmonton Valley Zoo, 13315 Buena Vista Rd., 311, edmonton.ca
Enjoy a three-course Mexican feast
You’ve probably popped by El Cortez Cantina, located just off Whyte Avenue, for margaritas and delectable tacos at some point, but on February 13 and 14, they’re having a special Valentine’s menu. The offerings include a coconut cauliflower soup with hibiscus and pomegranate syrup, grilled mahi mahi and shrimp with sweet potato roasted rice, chimichurri cream and pickled vegetables, and an almond chocolate truffle browne with salted chile caramel and raspberry.
El Cortez Cantina, 10322 83 Ave., 780-760-0200, elcortezcantina.com
Dance the night away
On February 13, Sugar Swing Dance Club is putting on an event that will allow everyone to dance the night away — no matter their skill level! There will be a quick lesson at the beginning for any beginners who want some guidance, and after that, find a partner and perfect your Lindy Hop into the wee hours of the morning.
Sugar Swing Dance Club, 8116 105 St., sugarswing.com
Find the perfect chocolate and wine pairing
In honour of Valentine’s Day, JACEK Chocolate Couture and The Chvrch of John are teaming up to bring you some innovative pairings. The event will be led by Jacqueline Jacek and ISG Certified Sommelier Sasha McCauley. The six-course pairing will have the two experts combining wine and spirits with JACEK chocolates to create a truly memorable experience.
The Chvrch of John, 10260 103 St., eventbrite.com
Create your own whisky pairings
Many Valentine’s Day menus have the option of a wine pairing — but what if your spirit of choice happens to be whisky? The Bothy has a special menu for Valentine’s Day which includes options such as a charcuterie board, roasted rack of lamb, and a vanilla crème brulee. Challenge yourself to create your own whisky pairings from the bar’s extensive selection — after all, you can’t really go wrong.
The Bothy Wine and Whisky Bar, 5482 Calgary Trail, 780-761-1761, thebothy.ca
Design your perfect Valentine’s card at SNAP’s Print Your Heart Out
SNAP’s popular annual valentine’s event, Print Your Heart Out, is back for another year. Indulge your creative side in a day of card crafting, where you’ll be able to create a linoblock and print four handmade cards on the letterpresses at SNAP. Who needs Hallmark when you can craft your own witty cards?
SNAP Print Shop, 12056 Jasper Ave., 780-423-1492, snapartists.com
Do the classic dinner and a movie — with a French twist
In 1960, director Jean-Luc Godard stunned audiences with Breathless, an homage to the American genres that inspired the director when he was a writer for Cahiers du cinema. The film, starring Jean-Paul Belmondo and Jean Seberg, helped launch French New Wave cinema and has had an enormous cultural impact. Enjoy it on the big screen on February 14, and finish off the evening by stopping by any of Edmonton’s great French restaurants — last year, our pick for Best French in the Best Restaurants issue was The Marc.
Garneau Theatre, 8712 109 St., 780-425-9212, metrocinema.org
