If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate your love in the open air, Patinage en forêt could be the answer. Meet at Lac-des-Loups, a natural skating rink that spans across three kilometres of icy trails and is less than 45 minutes from Gatineau—Ottawa. Imagine yourselves hand in hand, gliding gracefully along the enchantingly beautiful surface, surrounded by the splendour of snow-capped trees. You can also visit the other skating rinks in the area. Who knows, maybe you’ve already visited a trail that is now meaningful to you both?  

Sharing a romantic meal remains a timeless Valentine’s Day classic. Going out to a restaurant is always a nice way to spend time as a couple. (Bonus: no washing up!).

Nothing beats a romantic dinner for two to celebrate love. Especially when it's as delicious as OmegaBon Restaurant's menu on February 14. In an intimate and warm atmosphere, enjoy a three-course menu that showcases local ingredients in a refined way. For starters, indulge in cod accra with herb mayonnaise or Kenauk trout carpaccio seasoned with sweet clover, citrus, and pomegranate and served with naan. For the main course, savor Quebec veal loin served with farm-fresh root vegetables and a full-bodied veal jus with caribou wine. For dessert, indulge in a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate and maple heart from the Petite-Nation maple grove, topped with salted butter caramel and spruce cream. This exquisite meal is the perfect end with a chocolate treat from the ChocoMotive. For an even more sensory experience, choose the food and wine pairing option!

Fancy sharing a menu? Head to Le Rituel restaurant, which offers a four-course feast that is both refined and comforting. Start with a selection of tapas (fried bocconcini, bison tartare, and smoked salmon) to share. Then, enjoy a velvety lobster bisque. For your main course, choose one of three options: perfectly cooked ribeye steak, chicken breast from Saveurs des Monts, or cod steak with grilled shrimp. Each main course is served with seasonal vegetables and homemade side dishes. For dessert, indulge in a chocolate-raspberry verrine and almond brownies.

For a more intimate evening at home, Maison Oddo offers a sublime meal box for two to enjoy on February 13, 14, or 15. The menu includes foie gras bonbons with gingerbread and Armagnac jelly; scallop crudo with fennel; beetroot risotto with Parmesan mousse; ballotine of poultry from Saveurs des Monts; and a chocolate and raspberry Saint-Honoré cake to share, not to mention the chef's petit fours. It's a feast that will transform your living room into a Michelin-starred dining room.

Finally, celebrate love in style at L'Huile d'Olive with a five-course table d'hôte menu that is both generous and refined. Start with options like shrimp bavarois, escargot ramekin, or burrata with apples and pistachios, then enjoy the Cupid soup. For your main course, choose from braised lamb, filet mignon with cognac sauce, giant shrimp risotto, or pan-seared duck with foie gras. For dessert, indulge in chocolate ice cream or freshly made caramel beignets. Add a lobster tail or a digestif to complete the experience!

Many restaurants offer special menus, including Le Cellier, Resto Bistro Rumeur and many more! Here's also a list of  must-try downtown restaurants.  

For those who want to offer a unique experience, consider a spa getaway! Offer a massage, a gourmet experience, a thermal escape or even a Kōena Spa package. Explore their Himalayan salt room, the hot and cold baths, the dry and steam saunas, and the relaxation areas. Complement this gift with a culinary experience at the Kōena bistro, the Resto Lounge Onō or the KaTO restaurant, whose terrace is accessible even during winter.

When it comes to relaxing and revitalizing, the Outaouais has a multitude of calming options. Explore other havens of peace in the region’s spas, offering the perfect retreat to soothe your mind body. Perfect for Valentine’s Day!

Escape the ordinary and opt for unusual overnight stays that will transform your romantic getaway into a memorable experience. Make the most of the great outdoors with one of the HOM mini chalets, accommodation built in the treetops. Thirsty for adventure? You’ll be blown away by the Hébergements insolites du Parc Oméga that give you the opportunity to sleep in huts surrounded by wolves, not forgetting the nature suite, where you can experience full immersion with deer thanks to the panoramic windows and a huge terrace overlooking these incredible creatures’ habitat.

For couples looking for originality and winter delights, Borefüge enables you to switch off in a cozy environment around a campfire and practise various activities like hiking, dog sledding, snowshoeing and much more. Looking for absolute comfort? Surprise your loved one by booking a retreat at the Wakefield Mill Hotel and Spa. Each room has a unique charm to it; brick or stone walls and original flooring adds a wonderfully historical touch. There are so many possibilities!  

No need to be in a couple to celebrate love! Treat yourself to a cuddle with the alpacas from Eco des champs Farm and leave with a favourite from the farm’s store. Relax in a bubble bath with bath bombs from Apothecary La Fée des Bois and light a candle from Lavandine et cie. It is also a great way to spend the evening with friends. Head to La Petite Soif for a wine tasting or grab a comforting meal at Roberto Pizza Romana. The suggestions are endess!

Whatever you decide to do for Valentine’s Day, remember that it’s the thought that counts! Whether you choose to celebrate it as a couple or in solo, the most important thing is to enjoy the moment and surround yourself with happiness. After all, loving yourself is just as important as sharing a beautiful moment with others. Love yourself!

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For other ideas to prolong your romantic getaway into the heart of winter, check out our blog What’s on in the Outaouais in February.