Feeling romantic? Calling all lovers, we’ve rounded up a list of super cute date ideas for you and your favourite person on Valentine’s Day in Alberta. These special days tend to sneak up on you, so we don’t want you to end up high and dry without a plan. This list has everything from relaxing getaways to thrilling adventures. No matter what you like to do as a couple, if you’ve been together for weeks, years, or months, we’ve got something on this list for you.
Valentine’s Day at the Calgary Zoo
The Calgary Zoo is throwing an extra special event for all of you lovers out there. Wild After Hours: In the Heat of the Night is an adults-only, after-hours opportunity to check out the zoo with your boo. This is the 30th annual Heat of the Night event, and it’s the ideal way to enjoy V-Day with your partner. You’ll get a romantic four-course dinner and a “cheeky “adults-only” presentation (with pictures) about how animals show their love in the wild.” This event is super popular and always sells out, so be sure to snag your spots fast. It’s taking place from February 10th to 14th, so even if you can’t get a spot on the actual day, you can impress your date on a different night.
Valentine's Day at the Ranch at Heritage Ranch in Red Deer
Are you ready to celebrate your love at the Heritage Ranch and WestLake Grill in Red Deer? There are tons of options that you can choose from to suit you and your partner perfectly. You can enjoy a delicious five-course dinner including AAA Alberta Beef Tartare Bites, Sockeye Salmon Papillote, Pistachio Herb-Crusted Sungold Farms Lamb Sirloin, and more. On top of the dinner, you can add on an enchanting sleigh ride. The various packages range from a private sleigh ride and five-course dinner for two or a shared sleigh ride and dinner to just a sleigh ride or just dinner. No matter how you plan it, you really can’t go wrong. This place is endlessly romantic, super cozy, and the ideal setting for a romantic date.
A Weekend in Lake Louise
There’s nothing more romantic than a weekend in the Rocky Mountains, unless, of course, that weekend is in Lake Louise. It’s a quaint little town that manages to draw visitors from around the world to see its beauty for themselves. From the iconic lake itself to the stunning Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, there are too many reasons to visit, it’s hard to keep track. If you want to take your love to Lake Louise, you can consider going skating on the lake, going cross-country skiing amidst the mountains, staying at an amazing hotel like Storm Mountain Lodge, Emerald Lake Lodge, or Storm Mountain Lodge, enjoying a romantic sleigh ride, having afternoon tea at the Chateau, or trying far biking together. There’s nothing better than a little getaway, and this is the best of the best when it comes to destinations.
Romance Package at the Heartwood Inn in Drumheller
If you’re planning a little trip to Drumheller for Valentine’s Day, you’ve made a great choice. There are tons of wonderful things to do in the area during the winter, from antiquing to visiting the famous Royal Tyrrell Museum, you won’t be bored for a minute. But, where should you stay? The Heartwood Inn, of course. Get the Romance Package at this adorable little inn, and you’ll feel like you just stepped into an episode of “Gilmore Girls.” The special package is as cute as can be. While you’re out at dinner, the staff of the inn will stage your room with soft music, a bubble bath with essential oils and salts, candles, roses, and a bottle of your favourite beverage. How sweet is that?
Explore the Dark Sky Preserves
What’s more romantic than stargazing with the one you love? Luckily for us, Alberta is home to a few captivating dark sky preserves. In these enchanting places, you can see more stars than you ever thought possible, twinkling in the darkest sky you’ve ever seen. Some amazing options are the Lakeland Dark Sky Preserve, just east of Lac La Biche, the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve, east of Edmonton, and the Jasper Dark Sky Preserve, which just happens to be nestled within one of the most gorgeous regions in our province. These locations offer tours, stargazing, opportunities to see the dancing northern lights, and so much more.
The Charmed Resorts in Crowsnest Pass
You can rent one of the cutest little cottages imaginable at Charmed Resorts in Crowsnest Pass. Truly, these places are right out of a fairytale. This is the perfect place for whimsical couples who love a little getaway. There’s the Midsummer Cottage inspired by Shakespeare's, "A Midsummer Night's Dream," Rapunzel’s Cottage, Rumpelstiltskin Tower, the Gingerbread Cottage, and so much more. These adorable little abodes are tucked away in such a gorgeous place, that it will make you feel like you’ve stepped out of reality and into an adult version of Disney Land. It’s cute as can be, and we know you’ll love it.
Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the 2023/24 Cool Winter Guide advertising feature. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
