Valentine’s Day 2025 – Sharing the Love Across Canada

Valentine’s Day offers a wonderful opportunity for students to celebrate love and connection. Rampant commercialization of the occasion can limit options though, especially for students. Don’t despair though, there are options that can leave a lasting impression without straining your budget. Wherever you live in Canada, there are numerous affordable and memorable last minute date ideas to enjoy – IF you do your homework. 

Most of western Canada will be unpleasantly frigid this Friday, so if you’re planning any outdoor activities, make sure you bundle up and stay warm. There’s nothing romantic about frostbite… On the positive side, most outdoor venues will be sparsely populated as a result. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a cheat sheet for some of Canada’s most popular cities to get you started. Enjoy!

Calgary

Ice Skating at Olympic Plaza: Embrace the cold by ice skating at Olympic Plaza. Bring your own skates or rent a pair on-site for a small fee. It’s a classic and romantic way to spend time together. 

Visit the Devonian Gardens: Escape the winter chill and take a romantic stroll through this indoor tropical oasis located in The Core Shopping Centre. It’s completely free to visit, offering a serene atmosphere filled with lush greenery, fountains, and quiet seating areas perfect for conversation.

Attend a Free Event: Check out local listings for free events happening around Valentine’s Day. For instance, the “Exposure Photography Festival” takes place in February and showcases various photographic exhibitions across the city.

Saskatoon

Visit the University of Saskatchewan Observatory: The observatory is open the first and third Saturday of the month, which makes it a perfect option for the 15th if you forgot to plan ahead! Take advantage of the opportunity to gaze at the stars together. It’s a unique and free experience.

Stroll Along the Meewasin Valley Trail: Enjoy a picturesque walk along the South Saskatchewan River. The trail offers beautiful views and is perfect for a leisurely, romantic outing.

Explore Local Art Galleries: Many local galleries offer free admission. Spend the day appreciating art and discovering new artists together.

Winnipeg

Explore Assiniboine Park: Even in winter, Assiniboine Park offers beautiful landscapes for a romantic walk or skate. Visit the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden or check out any winter events happening in the park.

Visit The Forks: This historic site offers a variety of free activities. Take a scenic walk along the river, explore the market, or enjoy live entertainment that often takes place in the common areas.

Ice Skating on the Red River Mutual Trail: Experience the world’s longest naturally frozen skating trail. Glide hand-in-hand down the Red River for a memorable and cost-effective date.

Toronto

Stroll Through the Distillery District: The Distillery District is a pedestrian-only historic gem in Toronto. It’s a charming spot to stroll along the cobblestone streets with your partner, admire 19th-century architecture, explore indie shops, and even catch a show.

Ice Skating at Nathan Phillips Square: Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, Nathan Phillips Square offers the perfect setting for a dreamy winter date. Glide hand-in-hand with your partner on the ice, surrounded by the iconic Toronto sign and the dazzling city skyline. Skate rentals are available, making it easy to enjoy this winter experience.

Explore the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): For couples who enjoy enriching their relationship with shared knowledge and culture, the ROM offers stunning architecture and beautifully curated collections. It is a journey through history – perfect for two.

General Tips for All Canadians

DIY Photo Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of meaningful or quirky places around your city and take photos together at each spot. It’s a fun way to explore and create lasting memories.

Cook a Meal Together: Instead of dining out, plan a meal to cook together at home. Choose a recipe you’ve both wanted to try, gather the ingredients, and enjoy the process of cooking and dining together.

Attend Community Events: In honor of Valentine’s weekend, many communities host free or low-cost events. Check local event listings to find something that interests both of you.

Conclusion

Remember, romance doesn’t need to be expensive! The most important component of any successful Valentine’s Day is spending quality time together. With a bit of creativity, you can create meaningful experiences without breaking the bank.

If you don’t have a significant other to share the day with, don’t stress! Not only is February 15th “Singles’ Awareness Day”, but Valentine’s Day is about celebrating ALL forms of love – romantic, platonic, familial, or even just self-love. So regardless of your current relationship status, enjoy the day with your loved ones.

From all of us at ABM College, Happy Valentine’s Day 💗

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