💗 North Shore Valentine Guide: 40+ Ideas to Eat, Shop and Celebrate Locally

Where to Eat, Treat & Celebrate Valentine’s Day on the North Shore

Today we’re trying something a little bit different: a Valentine’s edition of the newsletter, with our best ideas for local North Shore gifts, where to eat, and things to do for Valentine’s Day…all on the North Shore.

From cozy dinner spots and unique local gifts to Valentine-themed activities for kids, loves, and friends, here's everything you need to make Valentine's Day fun and special on the North Shore.

Here’s what you’ll find inside this newsletter:

• Valentine’s Day Gifts from North Shore Businesses

  • Gifts for Grown Ups

  • Gifts of Experience

  • Edible Gifts

  • Gifts for your Dog

  • Locally-Owned Florists

• North Shore Restaurant Guide for Valentine’s Day

  • Set menus

  • Regular menus with Valentine’s Day extras

• Valentine-Themed Events on the North Shore

  • Events for Kids and Families

  • Events for Adults

  • Live Music and Dancing

  • Events for Seniors

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Starting off with our North Shore gift guide, all these picks are from North and West Van businesses – perfect for spreading the love to both your Valentine and our local community - or are inspired by the North Shore.

Most of the below can be purchased online, but if you’re more of an in-person kind of shopper, Capilano Mall is hosting a Valentine’s Pop-Up Market on February 7, 8, and 9 to showcase local makers [More Info].

Gifts for Grown Ups

*Some of the links in this newsletter are affiliate links, which means we’ll earn a commission if you purchase using the link. There’s no extra cost to you - you pay the same amount.

Locally-Designed Adventure Gear That's Perfect for North Shore Life (+ a Discount Code)

From sherpa-lined changing robes for post-surf/swim sessions to rugged waterproof totes that can handle life from Deep Cove to Dundarave, North Van-based Salt Outdoors knows exactly what coastal adventurers need. Signature pieces include a waterproof changing robe for anyone who’s in the ocean a lot ($240), ultra-durable 40L waterproof totes ($120), and merino toques ($48.00). A great gift for anyone who refuses to let wet coast weather get in the way of being outside.

Salt Outdoors is offering a limited time 10% off discount for North Shore Now readers. Just use the code Valentines10 at checkout.

[Check them out here]

Favourite North Shore Adventures, But Make it Art

North Van-based Elevated Trail Maps transforms the North Shore’s trails into cool and minimalist wall art that outdoor enthusiasts will love. Whether it's the mountain bike trails you ride every weekend or the paths where you first fell in love with the North Shore, these detailed maps transform your mountain memories into conversation-worthy home decor.

Elevated Trail Maps have maps of Mt. Fromme, Mt. Seymour, and Cypress, as well as maps of some of the North Shore’s most well-known mountain bike trails, including Expresso, Floppy Bunny, Dale’s Trail, Bobsled, Ned’s Atomic Dustbin, Severed D, Cambodia and more.

[Check them out here]

If Warm Feet Are Their Love Language

From mountain peaks to bike spokes, North Van sock company King Stone captures coast life one mismatched pair at a time. Each design tells a story – whether it's ski slopes, camper vans, bikes and gears, or cold beers.

[Check them out here]

Timeless and Classic Jewelry Designed in West Van

West Van jewelry designer Sarah Taylor offers a beautiful and affordable collection of mostly necklaces and bracelets, with a strong toggle game and designs that incorporate angular metals mixed with softer pendants and natural materials. It’s giving elevated West Coast. Rush orders available.

[Check out Sarah’s designs here]

Upgrade Day-to-Day Errands with the North Shore Market Bag (+ a Discount Code)

If you’re anything like us, you’re drowning in an avalanche of ugly orange Compliments grocery bags and Optimum bags that just will not fold up. Make your day-to-day more stylish with this large and versatile North Shore Market Bag.

(They also make a North Van, West Van, Edgemont, and Deep Cove bag)

BONUS: From Feb 8 to 15, North Shore Now readers get 15% off orders of $35 or more with the code Heart15. What’s not to love?

[Get the bag here]

Hand-Stamped Jewelry Made in North Van

Bouton Rouge Designs makes personalized jewelry, mostly rings and mostly sterling, with tiny, simple fonts stamped to offer personal messages. The interlocking personalized rings let you stamp the names of those you love (such as your kids’ names) on the rings - perfect reminder of your loves for Valentine’s Day. Other Valentine’s specific gifts include the XOXO ring, heart stacking rings, and personalized couple rings.

[Check them out here]

Gift an Experience

Revitalize with Saunas, Cold Plunges & Kombucha

Skip the chocolates and give your love something a little more rejuvenating. Tality Wellness offers hot saunas, ice baths, and unlimited kombucha in the lounge, with robes and towels provided for each visit. There are two North Shore locations (Secret Spa, which is kind of near Canadian Tire, but on the other side of the railroad tracks, and Shipyards). Gift a single session or a buy a pass for someone you love. [Check it out Here]

Couples “Ghost” Pottery Wheel Throwing Class

You and your love can embody Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore in this awesome date night activity. You each get to throw 3x on the wheel, and pick what colour you want your pieces to be (ready for pick up in 2-3 weeks: trimmed, glazed, and fired for you). 2 hours, with wine if you want it! (19+). $198. [Check it out Here]

Edible Gifts

Specialty Food Shops to Check Out

If your Valentine is a foodie, and you want to impress with something hard-to-find or unique, check out the following specialty food shops on the North Shore.

• Don Chendo: for hard-to-find Mexican treats, such as Queso flavored chips and Jaritos. 1440 Rupert St, North Van.

• La Galleria (Edgemont): for unique oils, vinegars, condiments, salts, and snacks. 3055 Highlands Blvd, North Van.

• Sebastian and Co: for meat rubs, BBQ gift boxes, and fine oils and vinegars. 2425 Marine Drive, West Van.

• Saffron Palace: for hard-to-find Middle Eastern treats, such as Turkish coffee and saffron tea. 1471 Bellevue, West Van.

• Puccini’s Deli: for a reasonable selection of Italian foods, including fresh and shelf-stable. 2027 Lonsdale, North Van.

• Lucky’s Bodega: for hard-to-find and sometimes-kind-of-weird treats, drinks, cereals, noodles and more. 94 Lonsdale, North Van.

• Copperpenny Distillery: for locally made and award-winning gin. 103 - 288 Esplanade E, North Van.

🍓 Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Sugar Sugar is offering a flowers and berries box for $60. Chocolate covered berries packaged with roses. You can order via Instagram or email [email protected]

Chocolates

Thomas Haas and Thierry are our picks for chocolates on the North Shore. Thomas Haas has confirmed their Valentine’s offering, but Thierry hasn’t. That said, we doubt any chocolate lover would turn their nose at Thierry’s standard box of selected chocolates!

• Thomas Haas will once again have a Valentine’s Collection, with items available in-store from the middle of this week. They’ll also have their heart-shaped desserts and Lover’s Cakes.

Gifts for Your Doggo

Show Your Dog Some Ruffffffff

If you're tired of basic pet store gear, North Van-based Handsome Mountain Pet Supplies makes unique pet gear, including the much-loved Get Outside Leash Collection and beautiful patchwork dog beds that are made using upcycled materials. If you want to shop local and show your pup some ruff this Valentine’s Day, it’s hard to beat Handsome Mountain’s unique creations. [Outfit Fido here]

Locally-Owned Florists on the North Shore

If you’re looking for a timeless Valentine’s gift (aka: beautiful flowers), skip the big corporate chains and check out these locally-owned florists on the North Shore:

Locally-Owned Florists in North Van

• Posy (Lynn Valley)

• Margittas Flowers (Lonsdale Quay)

• Fresh Cut Flowers (Moodyville)

Locally-Owned Florists in West Van

• Limelight Floral Design (Dunderave)

• Flowers by Nan (Ambleside)

• West Van Flower Studio (Online orders only)

North Shore Restaurants Offering Set Menus for Valentine’s Day

Fishworks

Fishworks Lonsdale will be doing their usual - and popular - 3-course meal set menu. For $80 per person, choose from 3 choices each for the appetizer and main. The last course is their famous chocolate buffet. See their Valentine’s Day menu here and make a reservation here. 91 Lonsdale Ave, North Van

Salmon House on the Hill

The Salmon House is offering a 3-course set-menu meal, with one glass of sparkling wine included, for $125 per person plus an 18% gratuity. Choose from 4 starters, 3 mains, and 2 desserts. See their Valentine’s Day menu here. Each sitting is 2 hours. Call to book: 604-926-3212 or reserve online. 2229 Folkstone Way, West Van

Restaurants Offering Something Extra for Valentine’s Day

Burgoo

Burgoo is offering a decadent Dark Chocolate Fondue for Valentine’s Day, in addition to their regular menu. $12.00 per person, and served with donut bites, marshmallow and sliced banana for dipping. Limited reservations are available. Call 604.904.0933 to book. 3 Lonsdale Ave, North Van.

Olive & Anchor

Olive & Anchor will once again offer their regular menu, in addition to a special a la carte menu. You can see their regular menu here, and their Valentine’s Day a la carte offering here (links to Google Drive). Reserve online here. 6418 Bay Street, West Van

TBD

In addition to the above, the following restaurants have confirmed they will be offering their regular menus, plus features (which are yet to be determined):

• Arms Reach Bistro. 107C - 4390 Gallant Ave, North Van

• Carmelos. 1448 Marine Drive, West Van

• Bufala Edgemont. 3280 Edgemont Blvd, North Van

Valentine’s Day activities start early on the North Shore, with many of the events (for kids, especially) starting the weekend before, on Saturday, February 8 and Sunday, February 9.

Family-Friendly Valentine’s Day Activities

🍪 Cookie Decorating Kits (Use Code NSN3 for $3 Off)

There’s still time to order the Sugar Sugar Valentine’s Day cookie decorating kits.

Each kit is $35, and has 13 Valentines-day-themed sugar cookies, 3 icing colours, and 2 sprinkle mixes (plus instructions). You can pick them up, or local delivery is available for an extra cost. Gluten-free, vegan, and dye-free options are available by request.

Order via Instagram (send a DM) and mention the code NSNOW3 for $3 off 🎉

💗 Love Lights at the Suspension Bridge: January 31 to February 23

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park will transform into a glowing wonderland of love and romance, ready for you to explore. Included in the price of an annual pass, if you have one. [More Info]

Friday, February 7

• Beginner’s Glass Fusing: Love Heart | Bella Ceramica | 6:30pm - 8:30pm: Create a beautiful fused glass heart sun catcher/pendant using murrini (milliefiore) slices. Beginner’s class - anyone can do it! Children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. $40.00 per person. [Register Here]

Saturday, February 8

• Art Mania: Valentine’s Day Card Workshop (Ages 6 - 12) | Silk Purse Art Studio | 3pm - 4:30pm: A 90-minute Valentine Card Making Workshop. Register via West Van Rec; Activity #183060 [Register Here].

• Cookie Decorating Class: Treats for Someone Sweet (Ages 8+) | 936 Bowron Court | 3pm: A Valentine’s Day cookie decorating class for ages 8+. $45.00 per person. [Register Here]

• Kids Valentine’s Party (6+) | Bella Ceramica | 6pm to 9pm: Parents: leave your kids with us for a fun-filled Valentine’s PJ Party while you have a romantic dinner with your other half! Three hours of creative fun and games include pizza and juice. $50.00 per child. [Tickets Here]

Saturday, February 15

• Kids Life Family Day Event | Pipe Shop, Shipyards | 10am - 11:30am: Get ready for a day filled with fun, learning, and connection at The Pipe Shop Venue in North Vancouver! 🌟 Families of all ages are invited to enjoy engaging workshops, interactive shows, and exciting entertainment that will create lasting memories. [Tickets Here]

Valentine-Themed Activities for Adults

Saturday, February 1

• 🍷 ValenWines: Floral Dome Arrangement (19+) | Everything Wine North Van | 3pm - 4:30pm: Design your own stunning floral dome using a mix of preserved soap, and dried flowers. Enjoy a selection of curated wines as you craft your masterpiece. Call (604) 929-7277 or stop by in-store to register. [More Info].

Saturday, February 8

• 🍷 ValenWines Sip & Paint (19+) | Everything Wine North Van | 3pm - 5pm: Let your imagination flow while you enjoy delightful pours as Caroline leads you through a guided painting session for all skill levels, capturing the essence of the season. Call (604) 929-7277 or stop by in-store to register. [More Info].

Sunday, February 9

• 🎂 Valentine’s Cake Decorating Workshop | 850 Harbourside Drive, North Van | 1pm - 4pm: A pre-Valentine’s intermediate cake-decorating workshop with the chef from Louis Gervais Bistro along with Get Caked by Krystal. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. $140 for singles, or $260 for couples. Call or text 604-812-4874 to book a spot.

Friday, February 14

• 🍷 Sip & Paint: When Harry Met Sally | Bella Ceramica | 6:30pm - 8:30pm: An evening painting and sipping your favourite wine. Spend a fun evening with your date, or come with your galentine friends. $50 per person or $85 per couple. 19+ and BYOB [Register Here]

Saturday, February 15

• The Shania Experience | Centennial Theatre | 7:30pm - 9:30pm: Not Valentine’s themed, but a strong date-night or Galentine’s option for Shania Twain fans. Reserved seating. [Tickets Here]

Live Music & Dancing on Valentine’s Weekend

Keep your eye out for our regular Thursday email on February 13th for more live music options!

Friday, February 14

• 🎸 Eagles Club Lounge | Live Music by Bad Influence | 170 3rd St W, North Van | 8pm [More Info]

• 🎧 Finch and Barley | Live DJ Prince Sho | 250 East 1st St, North Van [Contact]

Saturday, February 15

• 🎸 Cypress Mountain (Hollyburn Lodge) | Live Music on the Mountain with Savoir Faire I Tickets are $10 | 6pm - 9pm

• 💃 Lynn Valley Legion | An Evening with Patsy Cline | 1630 Lynn Valley Road, North Van | 7pm [More Info]

• 🎧 Finch and Barley | Live DJ (TBD) | 250 East 1st St, North Van [Contact]

• 🎸 Eagles Club Lounge | Live Music by Billy Dixon and the Soultrain Band | 170 3rd St W, North Van | 3pm - 6pm [More Info]

• 🎸 West Van Legion | Checo Tohomaso’s Motown, Soul & R&B | 580 18th St, West Van | 7pm [More Info]

Other Date Ideas

• Hot Chocolate Fest is still on through Valentine’s Day (last day is Feb 14). There are 10 participating cafés on the North Shore.

• See a Play - CapU Theatre is performing One Man, Two Guv’nors, with multiple performances over Valentine’s Day weekend. [More Info]

Valentine’s Day Activities for Seniors

Wednesday, February 12

• Legends Show | Centennial Theatre | 7pm: "Legends Show" brings you some of North America's most exciting performers live on stage. Accompanied by the “Rockin’ Royals Band”, this show will feature the most incredible Tributes to Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley. [Tickets Here]

Thursday, February 13

• Valentine’s Themed Dinner | West Van Seniors Centre | 5pm - 7pm: Stop by the Garden Side Cafe on February 13 for a dinner of Coq au vin, mashed potatoes, and vegetables. Wine, beer, and Prosecco will be served at an additional charge. [Details Here]

👉 That’s all for this special Valentine’s Day issue of North Shore Now! We hope you found it helpful!

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