Roses are red, and violets are blue, this Valentine’s Day why don’t you try something new? If you are looking to take your romance on an adventure this Valentine’s Day, you will not find it with chocolates, roses, or simply going out to dinner. If you really want to give cupid a run for his money tell your date to take a hike! Canada offers the most whimsical and enchanting landscapes, setting romantic scenes no restaurant could even come close to recreating, and we have narrowed down the best spots to woo your boo this V-Day. 1. Brandywine Falls – Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, BC A little bit of wine makes anything romantic, right? Brandywine Falls, situated just outside of Squamish, BC is the ideal setting for an impeccable Valentines hike. Just a short trek from the parking lot, the falls tower 70 metres (230 ft) overhead and enchanting rock slides frame a picture perfect spot for a date. While the summer is a great time to see Brandywine, this time of year the falls are even more extraordinary. Tucked away behind massive mounds of snow, the cascading waterfall crashes into the valley below. While snowshoes are recommended from December to March, they are not required as it is such a heavily used trail you will most likely find it to be packed down enough to travel on. Dress warmly and be sure to pack along any necessary winter gear, and you will have your date head over heels for you and this adventure. Brandywine Falls – @wwwstuart 2. Emerald Lake – Yoho National Park, BC Nothing says romance like some sparkling gems, especially emeralds! However, if you are on a budget this Valentine’s Day and cannot afford the actual stones, we have an adventure more stunning than any expensive jewel. Nestled in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the hike around Emerald Lake is not strenuous, but it offers breathtaking views of glaciers, wildlife, and of course the vibrant lake. Although the best time to see the sparkling green water is in the summer, the winter presents a whole new view as it glistens with a fresh sheet of ice or even a powdery dump of snow. The trail itself is well groomed and maintained, although travelers should always be prepared for any winter emergency, such as an avalanche. This hike will surely put a smile on your date’s face, without you having to put a ring on it. Emerald Lake – @amanjivraj 3. Johnston Canyon – Banff National Park, Alberta The popular 3 km (1.9 mi) trek to Johnston Canyon, in the Canadian Rockies, will surely amaze your date as you stroll through the breathtaking winter wonderland. Along the way, you will be surrounded by the towering limestone canyon, which is home to a series of waterfalls. Featuring hundreds of feet of catwalks, as well as a tunnel that leads you to the heart of the canyon, Johnston Canyon is the perfect trek to cozy up to with your date on Valentine’s Day. The whimsical surroundings of the frozen waterfalls, combined with the clear glacier blue water below will warm your date’s heart this V-Day. Johnston Canyon – @darla_dardo 4. Grotto Canyon – Canmore, Alberta Take your date to the depths of adventure discovering the beauty of the Grotto Canyon this Valentine’s Day. Found along the Bow Valley Trail (Highway 1A), the 6 km (3.7 mi) trail begins at the Grotto Mountain Picnic area and gains 670 m (2,180 ft) toward the breathtaking Grotto Canyon. Along the way you will see captivating frozen waterfalls and First Nations pictographs all while surrounded by the towering canyon walls. If you and your date want to kick the romance and adventure up a notch, you can even take advantage of the ice-climbing opportunities available, though this is only recommended for climbers with previous experience. Do not forget to bundle up and maybe even pack a romantic picnic for your Valentine’s Day adventure to the Grotto Canyon. Grotto Canyon – @captainkuit 5. Spruce Bog Boardwalk – Algonquin Park, Ontario While Algonquin Park is alive with adventure all year long, there’s a special kind of beauty it holds come wintertime. Along the Highway 60 corridor, you will find plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing and sightseeing, as well as a couple of interpretive trails to take your adventure further. The Spruce Bog Boardwalk is one of the few interpretive trails open in the winter, but the stunning views along the 1.5 km (0.9 mi) trek will be more than enough to see for the day. You and your date will be surrounded by the winter wonderland of Algonquin Park, and you might even get the chance to see some adorable wildlife which will leave you anything but bored on your romantic date on the Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Spruce Bog Boardwalk – @jaxon.vmb 6. Albion Falls – Hamilton, Ontario Known as the falls with the most history and the prettiest view, Albion Falls in Hamilton, Ontario, makes for the perfect backdrop to your love scene. There are multiple locations to view the falls, whether you want to make it a quick trip from the viewing platform or hike in along the Escarpment Rail Trail (8 km/5 mi) or Red Hill Valley Recreational Trail (10.5 km/6.5 mi). The falls plummet an astounding 19 metres (62 ft) and at this time of year are often surrounded by a fresh dusting of winter snow. Chase the Albion Waterfall this Valentine’s Day and you will have your date chasing your heart. Albion Falls – @ontariotinyhouse 7. Pisew Falls – Pisew Falls Provincial Park, Manitoba Elevate your Valentine’s date game in Manitoba this year by taking your partner to the Pisew Falls Provincial Park. You can take your pick between hiking the short boardwalk to the observation platforms overlooking Pisew Falls, or venture the 22 km (13 mi) trail to Kwasitchen Falls. Both geographical masterpieces provide a charming atmosphere for a romantic adventure and date. So, water you waiting for, get planning for your perfect Valentine’s Day! Pisew Falls – @andre.brandt 8. Skyline Trail – Cape Breton Highland National Park, Nova Scotia Home to some of the most breathtaking oceanside hikes anywhere, Nova Scotia offers an endless array of charming views for the perfect date. The Cape Breton Skyline Trail is by far one of the best hikes to head out on for a romantic exploration. The trail leads up boardwalks and stairs to a rugged clifftop viewpoint over the Gulf of St. Lawrence. At this time of year snowshoes are required to complete the 7.5 km (4.7 mi) trek and it is considered a backcountry expedition, so you should have proper equipment, skill set and knowledge before you head out. Here at the top viewing deck you can watch the sun glisten along the horizon and enjoy an enchanting picnic for two. Skyline Trail – @canada2go Please be advised that if you are planning to take a trek on these trails this Valentine’s Day, be prepared for the winter elements. Always have the proper clothing on and emergency items packed to ensure a safe and fun trip along Canada’s winter trails. Do you have a special Valentine’s Day Adventure planned? Leave a comment below to tell us how you are planning to whisk your loved one away on a romantic adventure, and be sure to share your lovely photos with us on Instagram using #BRMBLIFE!
