Couple kissing and holding red heart balloons

3 Romantic Getaways for Valentine's Day

22/01/2020

February is the month of love and while traditional gifts like flowers and chocolates are nice, they don't last forever. The gift of travel, however, does — and that's exactly why you should celebrate your love this year with a romantic getaway. Stepping away from the hustle and bustle of daily responsibilities to explore a new destination together can strengthen your bond and help you grow as a couple.

Whether this is your first Valentine's Day together or your 20th, give each other the gift of uninterrupted quality time. Here are three ideas for the perfect romantic getaway.

Amore in Anchorage

The largest city in Alaska is situated on the Cook Inlet and just 20 minutes from the Chugach Mountains, home to fishing, hiking, kayaking and biking. Anchorage is distinctly Alaska, with awe-inspiring landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a decidedly active outdoor lifestyle — but also boasts big-city comforts. In a matter of hours, visitors can stand on a glacier, fish for salmon, encounter a moose and then retire for the night to a stylish hotel such as the Coast Inn at Lake Hood.

For a memorable getaway, check out these uniquely-Anchorage experiences.

Aurora Borealis viewing: Head about an hour south to Turnagain Arm for seaside viewing or go north to Arctic Valley for spectacular views of the Northern Lights.

northern lights in anchorage, alaska
Photo Courtesy of Visit Anchorage | Jody O.

Dog sledding: This quintessential Alaska adventure starts with a scenic helicopter ride to a glacier where a dog sledding team awaits.

Flightseeing: See remote glaciers and the Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America standing 20,310-feet, during a private flight to otherwise-inaccessible areas on a helicopter or bush plane.

Denali mountain peak
Photo Courtesy of Visit Anchorage | Ashley Heimbigner

Ice skating: Get cozy on your getaway with ice skating. There are numerous rinks in Anchorage, plus ponds that are maintained in the winter.

Alaska Center for the Performing Arts: Take in a romantic concert, opera, or other performance in an intimate setting downtown.

Romantic dinner near Coast Inn at Lake Hood: Staying in? Order off Pipers' full menu from the comfort of your room. If you want to venture out, there are several nearby dining options ranging from casual to elegant.

Guests at the Inn at Lake Hood experience hospitality the Alaska way — friendly service and comfortable accommodations. Rooms are spacious and equipped with comfortable beds and Pipers has a beautiful patio with sweeping views of the mountains and Lake Hood. Book your romantic getaway at the Coast Hotel Anchorage to enjoy:

king bedroom at Coast International Inn

K-I-S-S-I-N-G in Kelowna

Kelowna, British Columbia, AKA "Napa North," sits on Lake Okanagan and is flanked by the Coast and the Cascade Mountains. Some of the warmest and driest weather in Canada has helped Kelowna become a hotspot for wineries, outdoor activities, and lakefront gems like the Coast Capri Hotel.

Here are some ways to enjoy a dreamy Kelowna vacation.

Go wine tasting: There are more than 40 wineries to choose from, including Sperling Vineyards, CedarCreek Estate, and Summerhill Pyramid Winery, where the wine is aged in a replica Egyptian pyramid. Non-wine drinkers can enjoy local craft beers at Kettle River Brewing.

two couples wine tasting at Summerhill Winery

Snowshoe the Kettle Valley Railway: Rent snowshoes and traverse the now-decommissioned tracks of the longest rail network in B.C., which today is home to nearly 650km of recreational trails.

Hike to a frozen waterfall near Kelowna: There are several waterfall hikes in Kelowna and they are ethereal when frozen. Try Hardy Falls or Bear Creek Provincial Park.

Cross-country ski at Telemark Nordic Club: Take a lesson or rent equipment to try winter sports including snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on the Club's 60km of trails.

Enjoy a sleigh ride at Big White Ski Resort: Guests are transported by Clydesdale horse-drawn sleigh to a beautiful cabin in the woods for a true Canadian brunch that includes freshly prepared pancakes with maple syrup.

winter sleigh ride with horses

Ice skate at Stuart Park: This free, family-friendly rink on Kelowna's waterfront rents skates and has a toasty fireplace and offerings from local food trucks.

Stuart Park ice rink

Located steps from the lake, shopping, and dining, the Coast Capri Hotel Kelowna goes out of its way to make sure guests have an exceptional stay. With a day spa, gym, and restaurant featuring live music, you may never want to leave. Reserve a room today to be pampered with:

  • Complimentary breakfast
  • A heated pool
  • Beyond Wrapture Day Spa onsite

Outdoor pool at hotel

Happily Ever After in Edmonton

The capital of Alberta is situated on the North Saskatchewan River and is a hub of art, culture, and creativity. With a plethora of galleries, museums, green spaces, hip hotels like the Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel by APA, an innovative food scene, and a buzzing sports culture, Edmonton has something for everyone.

Get inspired (and well-fed!) with these unique activities on your trip to Edmonton.

Silver Skate Festival (Feb. 7-17): This free family festival celebrates "Canada's Festival City" with snowshoe races, snow sculpting contests, live entertainment, and more.

Muttart Conservatory: The four pyramids at these botanical gardens, which are some of the city's most iconic landmarks, each houses a unique biome.

muttart conservatory at nighttime
Photo Courtesy of EEDC

Table Top Cafe: Give your significant other a little friendly competition with the tremendous library of board games at this cafe.

The Bothy Wine and Whiskey Bar: Enjoy an intimate date night at this tucked-away spot with the most extensive whiskey selection in the city.

Elk Island National Park: Forty-eight kilometers outside Edmonton, Elk Island is dedicated to protecting the near-threatened American bison. It is also an excellent spot for viewing the Northern Lights.

Block 1912: The vast array of decadent sweets here makes it a perfect outing with your Valentine. Sample a few and take in some live music. Art Gallery of Alberta: Located in the heart of downtown, the Gallery curates a blend of contemporary and historical exhibitions from around the world. Founded in 1924, it is the oldest cultural institution of its kind in Alberta.

edmonton art gallery at night
Photo Courtesy of Plaid Interactive @whoisplaid

Prestons Restaurant + Lounge at Coast: It's true that Edmonton is a foodie's dream city, but you can also enjoy a romantic dinner or late-night happy hour from the Coast Hotel West Edmonton.

The upscale-yet-traditional Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel by APA is in a fantastic location downtown and is exceptionally well-appointed with large flat-screen TVs, a saltwater pool, and available pet-friendly rooms for couples traveling with their four-legged friends. Book your dream getaway today to take advantage of:

  • Electric bidet toilet seats
  • Premium toiletries and bathrobes
  • Complimentary shuttle service

bedroom at Coast Edmonton Plaza by APA

Trust us on this one, travel > chocolates or flowers this Valentine's Day. Where will you choose for your romantic getaway?