Valentine's Day is February 14, 2013, and Vancouver has lots of options for celebrating the big day with events around town. There's something for everyone, from traditional romantic escapes to family fun to "anti-Valentine's Day" parties that offer a unique alternative to the typical dinner-and-roses.
Use this list of Things to Do in Vancouver on Valentine's Day 2013 to plan the perfect day.
See also: Vancouver Valentine's Day Gift Guide & Valentine's Day in Vancouver 2013.
1. Free Ice Skating at Robson Square
When it comes to things to do on Valentine's Day in Vancouver that are cheap and fun for all ages, you can't beat the free ice skating at downtown Vancouver's Robson Square. Take the whole family, or make it romantic by role-playing the ice skating romance from The Cutting Edge. Skate rentals are just $4; helmets and ice cleats are $2.
When: Daily through February 28, 2013, including 9am- 9pm on February 14, 2013
2. Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival
Chocolate on Valentine's Day is pretty much a given, but that doesn't mean it has to be the same-old, same-old. Treat your partner to new and extremely unusual hot chocolate flavours (yes, there is bacon!) at the 23 participating Vancouver chocolate makers and artisans during the annual Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival.
When: January 19 - February 14, 2013
3. Sex Talk in the City at MOV
MOV (Museum of Vancouver) opens its newest exhibit on Valentine's Day: Sex Talk in the City explores Vancouver's sexual history with exhibits that probe how sex is learned, sexual politics and the diverse perspectives nonetheless shared across age, gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientations.
When: February 14 - September 2, 2013
4. Hugs & Fishes Sleepover at the Vancouver Aquarium - 19+
The Vancouver Aquarium offers adults a unique Valentine's Day event: a party and sleepover at the Aquarium that includes wine (and a cash bar), cooking workshops, romantic games, 4-D cinema, a dessert buffet, and a chance to sleep with the Belugas. Tickets $125 for non-members.
When: February 16, 2013
5. Burlesque Duos at Rio Theatre - 19+
Easy to get to---since its just across the street from the Commercial/Broadway SkyTrain Station---East Van's Rio Theatre is an ideal Valentine's Day destination for adults 19+ who want something a teeny bit naughty this Valentine's Day: Burlesque Duos features duets between eight of Vancouver’s top burlesque performers, including Cherry Ontop and Melody Mangler, Burgundy Brixx and Nicky Ninedoors, and Lola Frost and Bloody Betty. Tickets are $15 in advance/$20 at the door.
When: February 14, 2013
6. Valentine's Day Dinner & Cruise on Pride of Vancouver
Looking for things to do on Valentine's Day in Vancouver that are old-school romantic? How about a harbour cruise aboard the luxurious Pride of Vancouver that includes a lavish dinner, your own candle-lit table, dancing, and, of course, stunning waterfront views? Tickets $83.66 per person.
When: February 14, 2013
7. Valentine's Day Partner Yoga for Couples
Chris Brandt and Teresa Campbell teach three special partner yoga classes for for Valentine's Day in Vancouver this year, and you don't need any experience to try it! Get in touch with your partner at YYoga in Yaletown or South Granville for $40 per couple, or at Kitsilano's Semperviva for $49 per couple.
When: February 14 & 16, 2013, at YYoga
February 15, 2013, at Kits Semperviva
8. The People's Prom - 19+
The annual People's Prom is one of the most unique things to do on Valentine's Day in Vancouver. Not only is the People's Prom "the prom you never had in high school: it’s a radical, community-oriented, anti-capitalist, queer, cross-dressing, gender bending, bike loving, slow dancing, big dress wearing, good time," it's also a fundraiser for "creative resistance and direct action in BC."
This year, the People's Prom is at The Ukrainian Hall (154 E. 10th Ave).
When: February 14, 2013
9. Celebration of Nature at the Bloedel Conservatory
The wonderful (and wonderfully warm) Bloedel Conservatory hosts a new sculpture exhibit called Celebration of Nature – Flora and Fauna, just in time for Valentine's Day in Vancouver. The exhibit features more than 45 works by the Sculptors’ Society of British Columbia (SSBC), displayed throughout the tropical gardens inside the Bloedel dome.
When: February 9 - March 17, 2013
10. Romantic Dining on Valentine's Day in Vancouver
It's may be a cliché, but when it comes to things to do on Valentine's Day in Vancouver, a romantic dinner out is always a great idea. Check out these picks for dining out in Vancouver on Valentine's Day:
