Sweet Ideas for Valentine’s Day
Hey lovebirds,
Valentine’s Day in 2026 is Satuday, 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 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 places such as Fat Rabbit and Bar Les Incompetents in Downtown St. Catharines offer MICHELIN-recognized chef’s and experiences that elevate your Valentine’s Day with expertly crafted dishes, intimate atmospheres, and exceptional service. Perfect for a cozy dinner for two or a festive outing with friends.
Does your love prefer Italian? 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. Another beautifully intimate, Euro-inspired spot is KaiserHaus Wine Bar & Bistro. Soak in the lake views while enjoying a delicious meal in one of the most romantic spots in the city.
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 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 enthusiast or simply looking for a unique date experience, St. Catharines is the perfect place for a romantic wine-tasting adventure. Explore the distinct flavours of Ontario wines with tasting flights at two of the region’s top wineries: Henry of Pelham and 13th Street Winery. Pairing your flight with delicious charcuterie and small bites makes for a sensory experience that’s perfect for discovering new favourites together.
For a truly special Valentine’s celebration, 13th Street Winery is hosting a Seafood Valentine’s Dinner on February 13 and 14. Join Sommelier Corinne and indulge in a 5-course seafood-inspired menu crafted by Chef Josh, perfectly paired with 13th Street wines to elevate the evening. It’s an unforgettable way to toast love and enjoy the best of Niagara’s culinary and wine scene.
Find the are perfect spot to celebrate your love with our partner wineries, craft breweries and beverage makers.
Paint Workshop
For a creative twist on Valentine’s (or a fun Galentine’s outing) head to Bright Pours Café (211 Martindale Rd) on Tuesday, February 10 at 5:00 PM for a hands-on painting workshop with Leanne from You Can Paint Studio. Guests will paint textured hearts on canvas and try a playful bonus project…painting with coffee! The workshop is beginner-friendly, all supplies and instruction are included, and the café offers beverages and treats to enjoy while you create.
Soulful Sounds for Your Valentine’s Downtown
For a truly memorable Valentine’s experience, catch Juno Award-nominated singer, songwriter, and motivational speaker Kellylee Evans at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in downtown St. Catharines on Saturday, February 14 at 7:30 PM. Known for her chameleon-like style spanning jazz, soul, pop, and hip-hop, Evans has captivated audiences worldwide and opened for legends like John Legend, Tony Bennett, Willie Nelson, and Erykah Badu.
Her show is the kind of sultry, soulful performance that makes hearts race, toes tap, and maybe even sparks fly!
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 or Italian Café to recharge for the next round.
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.
A Sweet, Low-Key Valentines
Not every Valentine’s date needs to be grand. Sometimes the best moments are simple and sweet. Start with a visit to Thistle Bookshop and Café in Port Dalhousie, where you can sip a warm coffee, nibble on a decadent treat, and browse shelves full of local and Canadian reads. Then, take your drinks and desserts for a romantic lakeside stroll, letting the beauty of Lake Ontario set the scene for a relaxed, intimate afternoon or evening. It’s the perfect way to enjoy each other’s company without any pressure, just cozy vibes, good conversation, and a little love in the air.
