Sweet Ideas for Valentine’s Day
Hey lovebirds,
Valentine’s Day in 2024 is Wednesday, February 14 and as the romantic day approaches, love is certainly in the air in St. Catharines. And what better place to celebrate this amorous time of year than in the heart of Niagara? From romantic excursions, meals, live music, classes and more, the possibilities are endless in St. Catharines to make this Valentine’s Day even more memorable.
Here’s some inspiration for things to do on Valentine’s Day on and around Wednesday, February 14.
A Romantic Dinner
Thinking about embarking on this classic Valentine’s Day date? A good choice, for sure, because St. Catharines is full of great places where you’ll enjoy good food with good company while savouring all the romantic vibes. It’s always a good time to celebrate love at St. Catharines restaurants, but many places, such as The Keg in Merritton and Rise Above Restaurant in Downtown St. Catharines offer special menus and other treats. You can never go wrong with a dinner date at The Valley Restaurant, one of OpenTable.com’s 100 most romantic restaurants in the country.
Reach out to your favourite date night destination to see what’s on the menu and if reservations are required. Or, check out the list on our restaurant and dining webpage for inspiration.
Sip, sip hooray
For beer lovers, a craft beer tasting at is a fantastic way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Sample a variety of St. Catharines-made brews and strike up a conversation while the romance unfolds over shared flights. Local craft breweries, such as Cold Break and Decew Falls, two great tap rooms (with food) within walking distance of each other, featuring laid-back atmospheres and diverse beer selections.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiasts or looking to try something new, St. Catharines is a great place to plan a romantic wine-tasting adventure. Savour the moment and exploring a variety of wines with a tasting flight is a true sensory experience sure to lead toward discovering more about your preferences as we as your date. Pairing and sharing delicious charcuterie bites at Rockway Vineyards or fondue dippers at 13th Street Winery in between sips can enhance the overall experience.
Find the are perfect spot to celebrate your love with our partner wineries, craft breweries and beverage makers.
A Night at the Tavern
On Saturday, February 10, The Brown Homestead in St. Catharines is hosting an intimate, elevated experience for whisky and history enthusiasts alike.
Guests will enjoy a guided whisky tasting and be led through a brief history of whisky production in Niagara in the original ballroom of the John Brown House, constructed between 1802-1804. A perfect Valentine’s date.
Showtime
Add a touch of glamour and excitement to your Valentine’s Day celebration with a live performance in Downtown St. Catharines. From laughing together at a comedy show, enjoying live music or cheering on the home team at a sport event, the shared experience will surely create lasting memories. Together, check out what’s on stage at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, who’s playing the Warehouse Concert Hall and what’s happening at the Meridian Centre: there’s a number of live performances and events taking place on and around February 14. Re-read the part above about romantic dinners if you’re thinking of grabbing a bite before or after the show.
Find things to do in St. Catharines with our online event calendar.
For the Love of Jazz
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the FirstOntario Performing Arts with an evening of jazz featuring Kandace Springs, the talented Nashville singer-pianist who uses modern production to bend sound into new genre forms. The evening will open with local emerging jazz sensation and JUNO Award winner Sammy Jackson.
Unique Boutiques and more
A shopping trip can be a fun and unique Valentine’s date, especially if you make it an interactive experience by exploring St. Catharines’ unique boutiques, including these amazing vintage shops: Studio Shop, Pink Bubblegum Vintage, Out of the Past, Glitzy Jools and Antiques and Victorian Porch. Take turns styling each other by picking outfits to try on and have fun experimenting with different styles (it could lead to some good LOLs). Plan some breaks during the shopping spree at charming coffee shops such as Wandering Spirits, Thitstle Café (also a book store) or Italian Café to recharge for the next round.
Keep things light by setting a budget and make things even more memorable and ramp up the sentimental value by choosing something hand-made in St. Catharines. Find the perfect gifts for each other from small-batch makers and vendors at the Gallery’s Valentines Market at St. Catharines Market Square, Mom Market’s two-day Valentine’s Market at the Pen Centre and the Maker’s Market: Valentines Edition at the Warehouse.
Outdoor Adventure
Enjoy a romantic stroll along the Welland Canal and take in the picturesque views. The receded water offers a rare chance to see the exposed lock system while the canal is closed for the season. Don’t forget to bring along a little hot cocoa to share as you walk hand-in-hand. Stop in at the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre to warm up and check out the interactive displays. Playfully challenge each other with St. Catharines trivia to see how knows the city best.
St. Catharines also has some of the nicest parks and trails around. beautiful nature trails or parks. Embrace the serenity of a winter hike outdoors at these locations (sure, the article is about fall colours, but these trails take on a whole different vibe in winter).
