If you have a girlfriend who's tiring of the same-old, then it's time to step up your game. That goes double for the winter when things can get a little dull compared to the exciting and vibrant summer! You have to do a little digging to find those secret places dotted around B.C. that are worth exploring and checking out this Winter.
Luckily for you, I have done all the digging for you. From out-of-the-way places around Vancouver to little-known getaway spots across the province, there's something on this list for even the pickiest girlfriend to enjoy! There's a lot more to do this winter than Netflix and chill, skiing and going to Cactus Club yet again.
READ MORE: This Brand New Ski-Themed Resort In BC Is Perfect For Your Winter Vacation
Massy Books
This bookstore in Chinatown is a gem in more ways than one. Spend some time browsing the shelves together and pick out a couple books. Your girlfriend will be impressed when you show her the secret rare book reading room hidden behind a bookshelf. Even if she's been to this bookstore before, she probably hasn't been to the art gallery upstairs!
Hot Springs Cove
Hot Springs Cove is one of the worst-kept secrets in Tofino, but it's still out of the way enough for it to be special. You can reach this remote place by either a 20-minute seaplane flight or a 1.5-hour boat trip from Tofino. This is one romantic day trip she won't forget!
The Highest Restaurant In Canada At Kicking Horse
Eagle's Eye is the highest mountaintop restaurant in the province! If you are heading out to the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden, then you definitely need to snag a reservation at this spot.
Venus Sophia
This amazing vegetarian teahouse in Victoria is perfect for your girlfriend who's always planning her next Instagram post. Make a reservation for Afternoon Tea to get this three-tiered tray dripping with goodies right to your table. Casual but elegant, she'll be flat laying her heart out.
Bodega Cove In The Gulf Islands
These waterfront cabins at Bodega Cove are simply gorgeous. Rent a romantic one bedroom cabin with your girlfriend for a special getaway. There's an extra deep, free standing soaker tub so make sure you get her a bath bomb so she can enjoy! The cabins also have wood fireplaces and a fully equipped kitchen so you can bring your supplies and cook a romantic cozy meal together!
Great Wall Tea Co. In New Westminster
This spot is a great pick for a rainy day. Inside the New Westminster Quay, you'll find this tea merchant with literally a wall full of tea. Your girlfriend will love getting to pick out a new tea to try at home together!
Point No Point
The restaurant at Point No Point Resort on Vancouver Island is pretty out of the way, making it a really fun and romantic spot. Near Sooke, about 2 hours from Victoria, this place has an incredible view of the sun setting on the ocean.
Elk Falls Provincial Park
Want to bring your adventurous girlfriend somewhere she hasn't seen before? Try Elk Falls Provincial Park close to Campbell River. It's a great place to get out in nature and breath in the fresh air whooshing off of this waterfall.
Pilgrimme On Galiano Island
For the girlfriend who's eaten at every restaurant, try to see if she's been to this secret place. Pilgrimme is a farm-to-table restaurant on Galiano Island. They use locally and seasonally available ingredients to craft exquisite dishes that you share with your table.
Aperture Coffee Bar
If your girlfriend loves places that have secret back rooms and hidden spots, then take her to the massive Aperture coffee bar on Main Street. The vintage vibe of this place complete with original wood floors and fixtures makes it a cosy spot to hang out on a dreary Winter's day. Plus, the coffee, treats and lunch items are very tasty!
QB Gelato In Kelowna
You might think that a Gelato spot is a wrong pick for a Winter date. However, QB Gelato is serving up more than just fancy ice cream. Their baked goods and coffees are all made from scratch using all natural ingredients and their cafe looks incredible! She'll love grabbing a sweet treat here with you.
Beta5
For pastry-lovers, there are few things as exciting as flinging open the door to Beta5! The choux pastry and chocolate-scented air are rumoured to be good for your health. This spot is tucked away in a totally unambiguous industrial part of Vancouver, but if you can find it, you're treated to a spectacular array of chocolates and their signature cream puffs.
Geodesic Dome Tents in Egmont
Your outdoorsy girlfriend will love a trip to this unique waterfront glamping experience on the Sunshine Coast. The tents have amazing views that look out on the water! You'll get a chance to cozy up this winter on a restorative getaway together.
Butella Burning In Prince George
This Prince George spot serves up amazing Neapolitan-style pizza. These guys love playing around and experimenting with different flavours, so there's always something new to try! They also do brunch on Sundays with ricotta and cornmeal pancakes that's an absolute can't-miss!
BNA Brewing Co.
If you and your girlfriend can't get enough craft beer, then this Kelowna brewery is one of the best spots in the province to cozy up with a pint. Winter offerings at breweries tend to be hearty beers like porters and stouts, so it's a great time to try a new kind of beer or attune to the richer flavour profiles of Winter beers!
READ ALSO: 30 Winter Bucket List Ideas To Do In BC That You Have To Do This Winter 2018
Ancora
This secret spot is hidden in plain sight right on the seawall in downtown Vancouver. Treat your girlfriend to a spectacular brunch or a very romantic dinner at this luxurious seafood spot. Ask for a seat by the window to get an amazing view of the water, the bridges and Granville Island right across False Creek!
Espot In Richmond
The old T&T market by Aberdeen station has transformed into the new home for Espot. You'll find all kinds of games here at this massive entertainment centre from billiards to arcade games. In Winter, the nights are so dark and long, why not spend them losing yourself in a racing game with your girlfriend!
This Spa Hidden In An Industrial Corner Of Vancouver
This secret spa in Vancouver is by appointment only, but if you can get a coveted spot for you and your girlfriend, then she will be so grateful! With a unique sauna, salt and hydrotherapy offerings, this will be her new favourite place to unwind.
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort In Ucluelet
Clinging onto the craggy coastline, this resort offers ocean lovers an amazing opportunity to breathe the salty ocean air and hear the waves crashing as you drift off to sleep. Gift your girlfriend a trip to Ucluelet this Winter and she will not forget her stay in this wild place!
Rent One Of These Cheap Cottages Together
You can really stretch your vacation funds by renting a cheap cottage out with your girlfriend plus a few friends! This is a great way to get away from it all and spend some time with the people who are the most important in your life. There are a ton of secret cottages on Airbnb that your girlfriend has definitely never seen before, so make sure she has the weekend off and book a stay!
Cha Le Tea Merchant
This totally underrated spot in Yaletown is a tea bar that serves up tea any style you want. From sugary and unusual bubble teas to classic brews with a new-school twist, your girlfriend will definitely find something inspiring on their menu!
Afghan Horsemen Restaurant
This secret spot is like a low-key version of East is East and it's a little out of the way, hidden under the Granville Bridge right before you get to Granville Island. Their menu has lots of vegetarian options and each hearty dish lets you savour the flavours of their homemade Middle Eastern cuisine.
The Audain Art Museum In Whistler
If you're bringing your girlfriend to Whistler this Winter, then make sure you check out the Audain together! This gallery is one of B.C.'s most beautiful and worth visiting for the stunning architecture alone. Explore the exhibits together and be inspired by art from around the province and around the world.
Little White House & Co. In Fort Langley
This tiny place in Fort Langley is a dream for your girlfriend who loves all things twee! Each room of the house is jam-packed with carefully selected boutique clothing, jewellery and housewares. Plus, there's a secret little tea room stowed away in here that she'll absolutely adore if she likes tea and pastries.
Half Fool Cafe
For your super cool girlfriend who knows about all the goings-on in Vancouver, she might not have heard of this place in on an inconspicuous block in Chinatown. Half Fool sells thoughtfully-made local products and is one of the few places you can score Dipped doughnuts!
Hume Hotel And Spa In Nelson
For the girlfriend who loves all things offbeat and kooky, this hotel and spa in Nelson is a must-see! Each room is eclectically designed and decorated with a unique vintage vibe. Their library lounge is like a Harry Potter-style pub and has highly-Instagramable interiors.
Spirit Ridge Resort In Osoyoos
Think Summer is the only time to visit wine country? Think again! When the desert landscape in Osoyoos is dusted with snow, the effect is gorgeous and surreal. This resort is perfect for your girlfriend because of their heated outdoor pool and a great selection of dining options.
The Tiki Bar At The Waldorf Hotel
The newly relaunched Tiki Bar at the Waldorf is back and better than ever! Treat her to a cocktail or two at this romantic bar that's done up in sunset colours and tropical vibes. When it's windy, rainy, cold and miserable outside, escape to this tropical oasis together and sip your mai tai!
Sweet Revenge
This secret dessert spot on Main Street is a totally must-do for a date night! Indulge in cake and tea together in their cozy, vintage-inspired lounge this winter. You'll find old-fashioned and homemade treats on their menu and plenty of options for your chocoholic girlfriend.
Savary Island On The Sunshine Coast
Explore an entire Island together this winter! Savary Island is a little bit difficult to get to, which is part of what makes it a great getaway that your girlfriend probably hasn't seen before. There are plenty of hikes and beaches to enjoy and since it's the Winter you'll probably have the run of the place to yourselves!