13 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways & Hotels In Vancouver BC For Couples
Are you looking for the best romantic getaways in Vancouver BC?
While there are many luxurious and romantic hotels in Vancouver proper, there are even more romantic places to embark on outside the city!
Here are the best romantic getaways in and around Vancouver BC to travel to with your partner, according to our fellow travel blogger and good friend from Canada, Kelena at The Travelling City Girl.
Romantic Getaways In Vancouver, British Columbia
While you go down the list of romantic getaways in Vancouver BC, the further the place will be. However, you would be surprised that most people I know love to travel further for a weekend. So let’s start the list!
1. Vancouver Staycation
People from out of town, for example, Vancouver Island or the interior, love to come to Vancouver for the weekend.
Sometimes figuring out where to stay in Vancouver for the first time can be tricky if this is your first weekend getaway to Vancouver. However, Downtown Vancouver is smaller than it seems, so you can pack many things to do for a fun-filled weekend.
Where to stay in Vancouver
📍 Fairmont Waterfront
The Fairmont Waterfront is practically right on the waterfront in Coal Harbour. Stay in luxurious rooms with a beautiful view of Stanley Park, the harbor and mountains or city views. The location is also excellent for local transit.
Enjoy your romantic weekend by starting at the outdoor rooftop pool and hot tub and then dining at the ARC restaurant downstairs for dinner. Or skip all of that and order room service!
2. Harrison Hot Springs
Out in the Fraser Valley, about an hour and a half away from Vancouver, is the small community of Harrison Hot Springs. Many locals travel to Harrison on the weekend, especially during the Spring months.
Technically you can hike to a few hot springs; unfortunately, you cannot take a dip in them due to environmental factors and health risks. However, there is a place to stay where you can take a dip in artificial hot spring pools.
Where to stay in Harrison Hot Springs
📍 Harrison Hot Springs Resort
A heritage or cottage-style resort, the Harrison Hot Springs Resort is the go-to place when you visit Harrison. The reason is they have five different pools!
Artificial mineral pools that emulate natural hot springs. You and your significant other can relax in the two indoor pools known as the dedicated “quiet zones” or the adult-only outdoor pool.
A lap pool is also available if you want to get your workout in. The last one is an outdoor family pool, which does not matter because these are supposed to be romantic getaways in Vancouver BC, which means no kids!
3. Squamish
Squamish is on First Nations, Squamish Nation or Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw territory. It is a beautiful location that always attracts outdoor enthusiasts. In addition, it is only an hour and 15-minute drive North of Vancouver, making Squamish a fantastic weekend getaway.
Even if you are not an outdoor type of couple, there are plenty of coffee shops, scenic viewpoints and stops along the way or around Squamish.
Fun Fact: The Stawamus Chief, or as we locals call it, “Chief,” is one of the world’s largest granite monoliths. To rock climb or hike, the Chief is one of the reasons why many tourists and locals travel to Squamish for the weekend.
Where to stay in Squamish
📍 Executive Suites Hotel & Resort, Squamish
The Executive Suites Hotel and Resort upscale hotel overlooks the Squamish River. It has amenities like an outdoor heated pool, hot tub, an 18-hole disc golf course, and a restaurant onsite with windows looking out onto the beautiful mountain ranges.
The location for this hotel is in Upper Squamish. It is about a five-minute drive towards Lower Squamish, where most coffee shops and local small businesses are.
4. Whistler
Another location where you can enjoy a romantic getaway weekend is Whistler, which is further North of Squamish.
The drive from Vancouver to Whistler is known as one of the best highways to drive in Canada. For its scenic views and stops along the way, Whistler is the most visited place on weekends, whether you are from or visiting Vancouver.
Where to stay in Whistler
📍 Four Seasons Resort Whistler
The Four Seasons Resort in Whistler is the most romantic place to book a weekend getaway from Vancouver. Many couples choose the stay at the Four Seasons for their anniversary or honeymoon.
Of course, the Four Seasons is a five-star hotel. So you can expect top-notch quality and luxury when it comes to rooms, and facilities, for example, their outdoor pool, hot tub, and spa.
Pro Tip: Walking to the village from the Four Seasons is a 15-minute walk. But, it is a relatively easy walk as it is straight down Blackcomb Way.
5. Bowen Island
Bowen Island is small but the perfect romantic getaway from Vancouver, BC, if you are a couple that likes to get out in nature. There are hiking trails, beaches, kayaking, artisan shops, coffee spots, and restaurants.
Booking a ferry for Bowen Island is non-bookable over the B.C. Ferries website. In-person bookings at Horseshoe Bay Terminal are only available. I suggest calling ahead to double-check departure dates.
Where to stay on Bowen Island
📍 Artisan Suites
Artisan Suites is a quaint upgraded hotel in the forest. It is in the perfect location, not far from the ferry terminal and the small town of Bowen Island.
6. Gibsons
Gibsons is known as the gateway of the Sunshine Coast. It sparked popularity in the 70s in Canada after a popular Canadian-comedy television series filmed in Gibsons called The Beachcombers.
There are many things to do in Gibsons, from hiking to kayaking to checking out the marina or museums and popular tourist locations such as Molly’s Reach Restaurant or Persephone Brewing Company.
Gibsons is a quiet and relaxing place, perfect for a romantic getaway.
Where to stay in Gibsons
📍 Bonniebrook Lodge
Booniebrook Lodge is a stunning heritage lodge that sits right on the oceanfront. This seven-suite lodge also is home to one of Gibson’s finest restaurants, Chasters. Bonniebrook Lodge is a true gem for every couple.
7. Victoria
Victoria is the capital of British Columbia, located on Vancouver Island. It’s a hotspot for weekend getaways for locals and tourists. There are so many things to do in Victoria, for example, exploring Downtown Victoria’s famous Chinatown, Butchart Gardens or year-round whale watching.
Where to stay in Victoria
📍 Hotel Fairmont Empress
One of the oldest hotels built in Victoria is the Hotel Fairmont Empress. A beautiful chateau-style hotel with luxurious rooms and multiple facilities. The Empress is situated in Downtown Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
The Empress is within walking distance of Downtown Victoria so you will have no issues getting to and from places while exploring. It is also a hotel that has many walk-through tours if you want to take a further leap into The Empress’s history.
8. Salt Spring Island
North of Victoria, part of the Gulf Islands, is Salt Spring Island. Salt Spring is a laid-back community that thrives on the outdoors, which makes it perfect for outdoor couples. It is similar to Bowen island, but Salt Spring is bigger.
Where to stay in Salt Spring
📍 Salt Spring Inn
Salt Spring Inn is best described as an old-world charm that exceeds customer expectations. There is also a restaurant on site for any meal of the day. It is a small inn, so sleeping arrangements are slightly different than you may be used to.
There are seven rooms. Three rooms are deluxe rooms that have private bathrooms. Four of the rooms are shared facilities.
Pro Tip: If you want to book a deluxe room, I would call ahead of time to ensure you can secure the room.
9. Galiano Island
Galiano Island is a neighbor to Salt Spring Island. Again another small Gulf Island catered to the more outdoor type of couples. But still beautiful nevertheless. Galiano is a perfect spot if you are looking for quiet as a romantic getaway.
Where to stay in Galiano
📍 Bodega Ridge
Bodega Ridge is a gorgeous location to stay on Galiano Island. You will stay in luxurious log cabins, like a home away from home. Depending on which one you book, Bodega Ridge is the main property, and Bodega Cove is down by the water.
10. Tofino
Tofino is the surf capital of British Columbia; yes, we do have surfing in Canada! Many locals and tourists love to travel to Tofino for a weekend getaway. The summer months are packed with families and tourists on the beaches.
If you are looking for a less chaotic time to go to Tofino, I went in April, and there were few tourists. However, you might have to sacrifice busy for rainy weather. But, honestly, the rain did not stop us from exploring.
Where to stay in Tofino
📍 Pacific Sands Beach Resort
An excellent romantic getaway hotel located on Cox Bay Beach is the Pacific Sands Beach Resort. The beautiful contemporary hotel is in a prime location in Tofino, surrounded by trees with the ocean as your view.
11. Ucluelet
Ucluelet is only a 37-minute drive from Tofino. Many people flock towards Tofino more; however, Tofino can be slightly more expensive. If you are looking for a budget-friendlier romantic getaway, I suggest staying in Ucluelet.
Ucluelet has beauty, charm, and a different feel than Tofino. Ucluelet is more about exploring different trails over Tofino’s surfing. But this small town has much to offer.
Where to stay in Ucluelet
📍 Black Rock Oceanfront Hotel
The Black Rock Oceanfront Hotel was built on a cliff next to the ocean. The gorgeous granite and glass-built hotel will have everything you need for a romantic weekend getaway.
No matter where you are in the hotel, you will have a breathtaking ocean view and sunset. It is also a 15-minute walk to the main town of Ucluelet and within walking distance of a few local trails.
12. Osoyoos
Osoyoos (pronounced OH-SOY-USE) is approximately a five-hour drive from Vancouver. Yes, it is a long drive; however, you would be surprised how many people make the trek to Osoyoos for the weekend, especially during the summer.
Why do people make the trek five hours away? This is mostly because Osoyoos is part of British Columbia’s wine country, the Okanagan. And the Okanagan puts the cherry on top for romantic getaways in Vancouver BC.
Osoyoos is on the tail end of the Okanagan, but there are still things to do, for example, hanging out on Osoyoos Lake or by the lake. There are also plenty of wine tours that will take you to nearby vineyards. It is also less chaotic than other places in Okanagan.
Where to stay In Osoyoos
📍 Holiday Inn & Suites Osoyoos
Holiday Inn and Suites in Osoyoos is the best hotel option to stay in. The hotel was built right between Osoyoos Lake, so whether you get a room in front or back, you will still have a lake view.
Lake access is available at the back of the hotel, so you do not have to walk anywhere. In addition, a restaurant is also attached to the Holiday Inn for all your meals.
13. Penticton
If you rather have more options for things to do on your romantic weekend getaway, head to Pentiction. Penticton is home to the famous canal where you can relax for a couple of hours in an inner tube while drinking a beverage.
Vineyards are also all over Penticton, so if you are looking for a wine tour, you will have no issues finding one.
Picking fruit in the summer is also something you can do in Penticton. I recommend picking during the morning because it will have cooler temperatures than the afternoon.
Where to stay in Penticton
📍 Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre
One of the most notable places in Penticton is the Penticton Lakeside Resort. Private beach access, a pool, and other facilities, including a restaurant and sports bar attached to the hotel and marina to rent watersports.
It is right in Downtown Penticton on Okanagan Lake. It is within walking distance of tourist attractions and restaurants.
How To Plan The Perfect Romantic Weekend Getaway: Tips
✅ Do all the planning and reservations
Plan and reserve everything, but still have some time slots where your significant other might want to do something they want to do. The last thing you want is for your significant other to think that you did not do any planning or reservations.
✅ Have a few backup plans
Sometimes things do not always go as planned; it happens. A few backup plans will help ease the stress and possible arguments that may occur before or during the trip.
✅ Not a complete surprise
Surprises are fun, yes. However, practicality-wise, sometimes surprises do not work out. For example, work-related things may pop up out of the blue on the weekend you planned, and your significant other must stay.
Instead, let them know, but keep all the trip’s important details a surprise. For example, which weekend, pack for warm or cold, or pack anything specific for certain activities that you will not say.
How Do I Get To British Columbia?
British Columbia is a province in Canada. Believe it or not, there are three different ways to get to British Columbia.
First and foremost, flying is the easiest way to get to B.C. In comparison, there are multiple different airports and airfields located in B.C. But Vancouver International Airport is the main airport used to get to British Columbia.
Driving is the second most common way to get to British Columbia. Driving from the United States, our main border is with the State of Washington. However, we also border with the top of Idaho and parts of Montana further into the southern interior of B.C.
The last way of getting to British Columbia is by cruise ship. Cruise ships constantly sail in and out of Vancouver during the high tourist months or as a pit stop.
The Wrap-Up: Romantic Weekend Getaways In Vancouver
While specifically, there are few romantic weekend getaways in Vancouver, BC. Now you know that Vancouver is a prime location hub for multiple places to stay outside the city with your significant other.
However, whether you are traveling North towards Whistler, Vancouver Island, or the southern interior or a Vancouver staycation, you are bound to have a romantic weekend getaway.
