Things to Do in Canada 263

Valentine’s ≠ Roses — Let Your Date Choose Itself

February 11, 2026

Good morning!

Did you know? Valentine’s cards date back to the 1700s — making them one of the oldest surviving holiday traditions still widely used today.

Speaking of Valentine’s Day, it’s just around the corner. If it’s a day you celebrate or look forward to, you might be wondering what you can do differently this time.

Well, we have you covered.

While there’s certainly nothing wrong with a bouquet or a romantic dinner, we thought we’d change things up and help you unveil an adventure.

Kinda like our adventure scratch-off cards, we want to remove the decision-making process for you, which is why we came up with an easy game for you to follow in the next section. It’s quick, easy, and fun.

Let’s go!

Read

Roses are nice. Chocolate is reliable. Dinner reservations are predictable.

This year, let’s do something more fun.

Instead of picking a Valentine’s date idea… we’re going to assign you one.

No overthinking. No endless scrolling. Just a choose-your-own adventure — winter edition. Ready?

👇 Follow the steps.

💘 Step 1 — Pick Your Date Vibe

Don’t debate it. Go with your gut.

A — Cozy
B — Playful
C — Adventurous
D — Relaxing

Got your letter? Good. Don’t change it now — this is legally binding (not).

🎲 Step 2 — Pick a Number

Pick one:

1 · 2 · 3 · 4

No strategy. No math. Just pick.

Now scroll to your match below.

Skating in the town of Banff, Alberta.

❤️ Your Valentine’s Date Assignment

A1 — Cozy + 1

Snowy Small-Town Café Crawl + Winter Walk
Drive to a nearby small town. Walk the main street. Visit a café or two and a bakery. No chains allowed. Points deducted for drive-thrus.

A2 — Cozy + 2

Fireside Cabin Night (Even If It’s Close to Home)
Book a cabin, cottage, or inn within 90 minutes. Fireplace required. Phones discouraged. Cards, books, and snacks are encouraged.

A3 — Cozy + 3

Winter Movie + Takeout From Somewhere New
Order from a restaurant you’ve never tried. Watch a travel or adventure film. Maybe even a chick flick. Decide where you’re going next — for real.

A4 — Cozy + 4

Stargazing Night
Drive away from the city lights. Bring blankets and a thermos. Look up. Talk less. Exist more. Dark-Sky Preserves are a great option!

Nothing says romance like a cabin with a fireplace.

B1 — Playful + 1

Snow Tubing or Toboggan Date
Race each other. Yes, adults are allowed. No, dignity is not guaranteed.

B2 — Playful + 2

Winter Mini-Adventure Challenge
Each of you picks one outdoor activity under 60 minutes. You must do both. Some examples could include: Forest or river skating trail, snowshoe loop, toboggan or tubing hill runs, winter geocaching hunt, frozen waterfall viewpoint hike, scenic winter lookout walk, lighthouse or shoreline stroll, winter wildlife spotting stop, outdoor hot spring soak, short fat-bike trail ride, or snowy photo mission (5 photo prompts each).

B3 — Playful + 3

$25 Each — Surprise Date Build
You each get $25 and 30 minutes to plan one part of the date. Reveal on arrival only.

B4 — Playful + 4

Winter Photo Challenge Walk
Take a short winter walk and complete 5 photo prompts — dramatic pose, funniest snow shot, best couple selfie, “we climbed a mountain” pose (even if it’s a hill), and one totally ridiculous one.

C1 — Adventurous + 1

Frozen Waterfall or Canyon Hike
Find a winter trail with a payoff view. Bring spikes. Bring snacks. Earn your hot chocolate.

C2 — Adventurous + 2

Winter Scenic Drive Roulette
Open the map. Drive in a direction you rarely go. Stop at whatever looks interesting. No vetoes. Check out our article about some of the best road trips in Canada.

C3 — Adventurous + 3

Try a Winter Activity Neither of You Has Done
Examples: snowshoeing, kick-sledding, fat biking, winter kayaking, ice fishing, etc. First-timers only.

Want some ideas? Check out our guide to the best things to do in the winter.

C4 — Adventurous + 4

Sunrise Mission
Pick a viewpoint. Get up early. Watch the sunrise together. Complain once, then admit it was worth it. If sunrise doesn’t work, do a sunset.

Nothing says relaxation like a day at a Nordic Spa.

D1 — Relaxing + 1

Nordic Spa or Hot Pool Day
Hot → cold → rest → repeat. You’ll leave relaxed and slightly pruney. Here are some of the best across the country!

D2 — Relaxing + 2

Winery / Brewery / Distillery Tasting Loop
Three stops max. Slow pace. No rushing. Buy one bottle to take home.

D3 — Relaxing + 3

Sunset Takeout Picnic With a View
Grab takeout, drive to a scenic lookout, lake, or hilltop, and eat with a view. Extra points if you bring real plates and pretend you’re fancy.

D4 — Relaxing + 4

No-Plan Day Trip
Pick a town. Go. Walk. Eat. Browse. Zero itinerary allowed.

Scratch Off Your Next Adventure Date!

🎁 Want This Idea — But Physical?

If you liked this format, you’ll love our scratch-off Adventure Cards.

Same idea. Real Canadian experiences. Zero decision fatigue.
Scratch → reveal → go.

Plus, use code “roses” to get 20% off!

Watch

Who doesn’t love a good ol’ fashioned “Did you know?”…

International Departures

💘 🇯🇵 Japan — Valentine’s Is a Two-Stage Holiday

Karla and I enjoyed the cherry blossom season back in 2015.

Valentine’s Day in Japan works differently:

  • Women traditionally give chocolates to men on Feb 14

  • Men return gifts on White Day (March 14)

  • Department stores build massive chocolate pop-ups

  • Specialty and luxury chocolates dominate

  • It’s a full retail + cultural event

We always find cultural twists interesting, and Japan has so many. It’s also a great place for a romantic tour, especially if you travel during Cherry Blossom Season or also in the Fall, when leaves change colour.

Beaver Bites

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