Still looking for something to do with that special person this year? Not to worry - we've tapped into our inner love-guru and complied our top picks for what we think you should do this Valentine's in our favourite Canadian cities. Pick your favourite spot, grab your favourite person and get Valentine's-ing!

The 6ix has enough options to confuse even the most seasoned Torontonian. We've narrowed it down to just a few choices:

Tasting Night in St. Clair - $$ 

The evening starts at Mezzetta Restaurant for tapas. The Middle Eastern spread here has something for everyone, and sharing plates are a pretty fool-proof date night idea. A 10 plate meal for two is around $45, making it a total steal. After dinner, head around the corner for dessert at Craque de Creme - Toronto's first and only creme-brulee tasting bar. The flavours vary from the classic vanilla, to rose and boozy choices like lychee vodka. Once you're done, the St. Clair West station is a quick walk away.

Get your classic French fix - $$$

If you're not already aware, Winterlicious is in full swing in Toronto. This means that regular mortals like us can rub shoulders with the elite at top restaurants for much cheaper. Enter Auberge de Pommier. It's extensive wine list, A-1 French classics and elegant atmosphere is the perfect place for the (slightly) upscale date you're looking for. You can expect a dinner here for two, and a bottle of wine to go for around $200. The local honey and cheese taster is probably the best thing ever, btw.

Toronto Light Festival - $

 

The Distillery District during the Light Festival is totally transformed, and includes some pretty awesome interactive displays. (A piano lightshow, and a flock of fluorescent seagulls, among other cool displays) Entrance is free, and there is no shortage of bars and restaurants in the area to warm up after you're finished.

Shuffleboard at Track & Field - $$

If you haven't visited the subterranean Track & Field Bar yet, you definitely should. They don't serve food, but take-out is welcome. Our favourite combo is bocce ball, pizza from North of Brooklyn and some ace cocktails from the friendly team behind the bar. The casual atmosphere is the perfect place for a first date, or even a night with best friends.

Ready to brave the cold? Our picks for Calgary are probably of your beaten path.

Walk the river - $

Your night starts at Al Forno Cafe and Bakery in Eau Claire for pizza and other small eats. Once you're done, bundle up and head over to the Bow River nearby. Across the Peace Bridge is the excellent Vendome Cafe for drinks. Your other option is to walk along the river - a colder, but definitely beautiful option. If you get cold, myriad bars and restaurants are a quick walk back into downtown.

This is your brain on love - $

Learn about the science of love, and why you brain always seem to fail you when you see someone attractive. This adults-only event at the TELUS Spark building will reveal your love of neuroscience and is a different way to connect with that special person.

Pizza and wine - $$

What could be better? Una Pizza and Wine Bar is a great spot for conversation. The pizza caters to both adventurous and conservative palettes, and the wine list is long. After you're finished, head either way down 17th Ave for bars, clubs and people watching.

Calgary Haute Cuisine - $$$

If you're looking for something a little more refined, look no further than this upscale restaurant in Eau Claire. The four course tasting menu, with sommelier pairings is around $160/person. The menu changes seasonally and makes the most of produce is season at the time. 

People often call Vancouver the no-fun city. Prove them wrong this February with our top picks:

Cosmic Romance - $

Head up to H.R Macmillan Space Centre for some live music, cocktails and catered appetizers, all while expanding your brain in this starry soiree. Also, there's a specialty cocktail from Longtable Distillery.

Hot Chocolate and Skating - $

How classic is hot chocolate and skating? Luckily for us, the two intersect this Valentine's Day with the Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival, and the Robson Square Skating Rink. Grab some warm ho' cho' from any of the featured spots, then head down and lace up for some outdoor skating in Robson Square.

Dinner at Farmer's Apprentice - $$

Our pick for dinner downtown is all about conscious dining and sustainability. The seasonal 7 course 'Omnivore' menu is just $110 with the drink pairings included. The staff and owners are passionate about sustainability and respect for both organic farmers and their produce - which definitely shines through with their excellent creations

Dinner and Alpine Events on Grouse - $$$

Take the included gondola ride up the mountain and dine in style at the peak of Vancouver in this intimate alpine spot. The 5 course meal highlights some of the best of local product, and comes in at around $120/person. Once you've finished eating, take a stroll around the Alpine Experience Loop to (your ticket is included with dinner.

 

Stay tuned over the next few days for more Valentine's Day posts. 

Thanks for reading,

Tyler