Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day History

Valentine's Day, is dedicated to expressing one's love and affection towards others. It is a significant occasion when people express their feelings by giving gifts, flowers, chocolates, and writing love notes commonly known as “valentines”. Romantic love is often the focus of the day, but it is also celebrated among family members and friends. Hallmark aspects include an exchange of Valentine's Day cards, gift giving, and special date plans.

Valentine's Day is said to originate from a Roman festival known as Lupercalia, with its modern name deriving from a Christian martyr named St. Valentine. For Canadians, Valentine's Day took on a more commercial image in the 19th Century, becoming an occasion to demonstrate love through elaborate card designs, sweet confectioneries, and generous gift giving. Canadians across the country celebrate Valentine's Day and it is recognized as an important occasion in the culture, typically taking precedence over regular daily activities.

Generally, Canadians observe Valentine's Day by following the common traditions: exchanging gifts and spending time with loved ones. Retail outlets are inundated with heart-shaped chocolates, stuffed toys saying 'I Love You', and countless varieties of greeting cards. Restaurants offer special menu items and romantic dinner packages. There is no specific date for Valentine's Day in Canada, it is observed on February 14th, aligning with the international calendar.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Valentine's Day in Canada

• Since Valentine’s Day 2026 falls on a Saturday, a significant shift in planning is expected as many Canadians look to extend celebrations into full weekend getaways at mountain resorts like Banff National Park or Mont-Tremblant.
• Consumer habits across the provinces show distinct regional preferences, with residents of British Columbia spending the most on candy and sweets, while those in Ontario prioritize jewelry and Albertans and Quebeckers lead the country in floral purchases.
• A major gift-giving trend for the year is defined by Practical Romance and Minimalist Utility, as shoppers move away from fleeting tokens in favor of high-quality items that offer long-term value for home wellness and daily life.
• Moviegoers in Canada are anticipating the theatrical release of the Emerald Fennell adaptation of Wuthering Heights, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, which is scheduled to premiere just in time for the holiday weekend.
• In Toronto, the annual Lumière: The Art of Light exhibition at Ontario Place will feature the 2026 theme Rhythms of Light: Motion, Sound, and Time, showcasing 14 unique illuminated installations from local artists.
• Interactive and immersive entertainment is a growing alternative to traditional dining, with the high-stakes courtroom drama The Jury Experience: Death by AI hosting special performances at the Kailash Mital Theatre in Ottawa and the Concert Hall in Toronto.
• Vancouver’s Capilano Suspension Bridge Park will host its popular Love Lights event, where the rainforest and canyon are transformed by elaborate light displays and Valentine-themed activities.
• Canada’s status as one of the world’s largest chocolate producers is highlighted by the fact that domestic confectionery sales typically spike by 30 to 40 percent throughout the month of February.
• The rise of "self-gifting" among Gen Z continues to influence the retail landscape, with a significant percentage of younger Canadians planning to purchase "affordable luxuries" for themselves rather than for a romantic partner.
• Cultural spotlights at the TIFF Next Wave festival include the screening of A Tribe Called Love, which is notable as the first Somali-Canadian narrative feature and offers a modern reimagining of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Valentine's Day

Top things to do in Canada for Valentine's Day

• Send someone you care for a Valentine's Day card. Take the time to write a small note or love poem inside. Sign it, from your Valentine.
• Remember other important people in your life, such as your parents, grandparents and old friends. Send them a small card or gift to remind them of how much you care.
• Relax in the Hot Springs of Banff, Alberta: Enjoy the soothing hot springs with your loved one in the middle of a stunning natural landscape.
• Stay at a Romantic Cabin or Lodge: Canada’s famed wilderness lodges provide a secluded and romantic experience.