Romance, Canadian style
February in Canada may be synonymous with snow, chilly winds and low temperatures but don't let that fool you. Canadians still find ways to heat things up for Valentine's Day.
From coast to coast, ice and snow offer a backdrop for romantic adventure. Here are five uniquely Canadian experiences sure to spark a little heat:
Take an after hours snowshow and fondue tour above Vancouver
Yes, bundel up, strap on some snowshoes and head out with your honey on a one hour guided tour of Grouse Mountain, more than 1000 metres above Vancouver. The nighttime snowshoe adventure winds through a winter wonderland of snowy forests and frozen lakes, before finishing up at the lodge. Inside, cozy up by the roaring fire for traditional cheese and broth fondues followed by chocolate fondue with fresh cut fruit.
Enjoy a Rocky Mountain couples massage at the historic Jasper Park Lodge
On the shores of the glacier fed Lac Beavert, the luxury Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has been welcoming guests to the Canadian Rockies since 1922. Inside the new $10.7 million spa, couples can indulge in truly Canadian treatments including fir infused stone massages and maple body butter wraps whilst the snowflakes dance outside. After soaking in the couples Jacuzzi , consider a romantic horse drawn wagon ride through the Rocky Mountain winter scenery.
Skate hand in hand along Ottawa's scenic Rideau Canal Skateway
Every February , the historic Rideau Canal freezes over becoming a city wide skating rink. Lace up with our loved one and explore Canada's capital by skate from grand Parliament buildings to outdoor art galleries and cozy huts where you can warm up with hot chocolate and apple cider. The 7.8 km route is certified by the Guinness World Records as the world's largest skating rink
Spend a sultry night in Quebec City's Ice hotel
This 36 room crystal palace. made entirely of snow and ice , is built every year to celebrate winter in Quebec City. Renew your vows in the majestic ice chapel, dance the night away in the N'Ice Club and then slip into Arctic sleeping bags for an unforgettable night. Guests say in stunning vaulted rooms, each one with a unique winter theme, where the walls, floors and even the furniture is crafted from ice. Just don't melt the bed!
Be seduced by icewines in Nova Scotia
Made from harvested frozen grapes, seductively sweet icewine is the start of the Nova Scotia Icewine Festival each February in Wolfville wine country. Indulge your Valentine early this year from February 1 - 10, 2013 with icewine paired dinners and desserts at local wineries, capped off by moonlit, horsedrawn sleigh rides through the country snow.
For more information, visit uk.canada.travel.
