Your Guide to Celebrating Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day in Halifax

Love is in the salty air! With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we’ve put together a list of our favourite date night locations on the Halifax waterfront for couples who crave an intimate, unforgettable evening of fine food and wine. While Valentine’s Day is often focused on romance, make no mistake—Galentine’s Day is also a momentous occasion! If you’re getting together with your very best gal pals to celebrate friendship, scroll down for a list of ways you can prep for a fun night in you’ll remember for years to come.

Treat Your Loved One to an Intimate Dinner for Two

Foodies–especially Halifax foodies—know there’s nothing better than indulging in high-quality, locally-focused cuisine, fine wine and cocktails, and a relaxing atmosphere. The Halifax waterfront is home to some of the city’s most notable (and popular) restaurants and bars, so if your Valentine’s Day vision involves an outstanding dining experience for you and someone you love, make plans to enjoy a night out at one of the following restaurants and bars:

bowl of food from Little Oak in Halifax

Little Oak

Little Oak’s innovative menu features smaller, seasonally inspired plates that change on a whim. With past dishes including smoked trout, lamb lollipops, and seared scallops with oyster aioli and kimchi, it’s the ideal destination for adventurous eaters with a sophisticated palate. Choose a few stand-out dishes, or opt to order the whole daily menu to try a bit of everything. An added bonus: Valentine’s day falls on a Wednesday this year, which means you can take advantage of Little Oak’s Wine Wednesday special—$20 off any $50+ bottle.

Little Oak doesn’t take reservations, so make sure you arrive early to secure a table and spend the evening enjoying drinks, food, and great conversation. Open from 4pm ‘til late.

The Bicycle Thief

Nothing is more romantic than Italian food and fine wine, but what really makes the Bicycle Thief the perfect Valentine’s date night location is the incredible ambiance. With publications like NarCity naming The Bicycle Thief one of Halifax’s most romantic places to dine, your date will be impressed with your impeccable taste. Don’t wait to book your reservation—The Bicycle Thief tends to fill up early on occasions like Valentine’s Day. Call 902-425-7993 to reserve your table or email bicyclethief1475@gmail.com.

Make This Galentine’s Day One for the Books

Valentine’s day is all about feeling the love, and who’s more deserving than your very best girlfriends? If you’re assembling your crew to celebrate Galentine’s Day on February 13th, stop by Bishop’s Landing to grab some treats and prep for a fabulous night in.

Spa Night Essentials

How often do you pamper yourself with an at-home spa day? Chances are, not often enough! Galentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to de-stress and spoil yourself, and Moon Moon Cosmetics’ wide selection of face masks, foot treatments, and more will help you create a flawless spa night in. Moon Moon is open from 11am to 6pm Tuesday through Thursday, until 7pm on Friday and Saturday, and noon until 5pm on Sunday, giving you lots of time to drop in, pick up the essentials, and invite your best gals over for an at-home spa treatment.

Bottles of wine on a shelf

Cheers to Great Friends with Fabulous Wine Deals

No Galentine’s Day party is complete without your favourite wine, and Bishop’s Cellar makes it easy to pick popular, crowd-pleasing bottles with their weekly Wine Wednesday deals. Sign up now and on Wednesday morning, you’ll receive exclusive wine discounts right to your inbox. How simple is that? What’s more, Bishop’s Cellar helps you save not only money, but time as well, by making it easy to order online.

Treats to Top It All Off

Chocolate cheesecake from Piece of Cake in Halifax

Wine, spa night essentials, and your very best friends—all that’s missing is something sweet to top it all off.

Sugah!’s fantastic selection of specialty, handmade offerings are anything but your average chocolate bar. To mix it up a little, try a combination of beer and pretzel brittle, buttercrunch milk chocolate, and their “For the Love of Dark Chocolate” collection.

Want to treat your best pals to something really special? Contact Piece of Cake Fine Bakery and Cafe to order a beautiful, handmade cake! Their specialties include mousse cake, whipped cream cake, cheesecake and more—visit the store to see what they have to offer and talk to the team about creating your custom cake. 

Celebrate Love and Friendship This Valentine’s Day in Halifax

Whether you’re spending the evening with a significant other or with friends, Valentine’s Day is meant to celebrate love and everything that comes with it. If you take advantage of any of these tips this Valentine’s Day, be sure to snap a photo and tag us on Instagram or Twitter!