What to do this Valentine’s 2026

Valentine’s Day has a way of creating quiet pressure. Pressure to plan something perfect; pressure to show love in a very specific way; pressure to live up to expectations that do not always feel realistic. Over time, I have learned that the most meaningful celebrations are rarely the most elaborate ones. They are the moments that feel intentional, comfortable, and rooted in real connection. Living in Calgary, I find that it helps to romanticize the months to make cold depressing weeks feel a little easier. In November/December, you can get away with Christmas spirit, but come January, you want to be ready to find something else to look forward to. For me, February has always meant the start of spring cleaning, breaking out the fresh flowers, and introducing some colour into my space. It’s also symbolized my love and friendship, and I’ve loved hosting and participating in Galentine’s year over year. I haven’t had the chance to in awhile, but whether you are celebrating with a partner, your closest friends, or simply honouring yourself, here are a few thoughtful ways to approach Valentine’s Day (or Galentine’s Day) this year:

1. Escape to the Mountains for a Romantic Weekend

Cost: $$$
There is something about the mountains that naturally slows everything down. A short getaway to a cabin or small lodge creates space to unplug and truly be present with one another. Mornings feel quieter; conversations feel deeper; time feels softer. Even a brief weekend away can feel incredibly romantic when the focus is simply being together. Coffee with a view, long walks in the cold air, and evenings by the fire often become the moments you remember most. My husband and I went away to the mountains last year and it was wonderful. We spent the weekend eating good food, cuddling under our feather duvet and doing a few outdoor activities, weather permitting. We turned it into a weekend of connection, tried not to bring any wedding planning, family dynamics or anything stressful into coversation and instead focused on what mattered: the love we have together. I didn’t end up wearing makeup, we spent time in the hot tub and pool and just made it a hotel retreat.

Where to Stay

Looking to take off to the mountains? Here are a few places with some last minute bookings for both Valentine’s weekend and the one after with approximate pricing at the time of writing. Booking.com has great rates and if you book with them often you are automatically enrolled in their Genius loyalty program and get better pricing, better flexibility and free cancellation options (and sometimes free breakfast, free upgrade, late checkout etc). I haven’t paid full price for a hotel in probably a decade and I partner with them whenever possible because I truly only use them for my trip planning. Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them—at no extra cost to you. I only share places I genuinely love, have booked, or would book myself:

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa $650/weekend

Featuring an on-site spa, this mountain lodge is nestled in the heart of Banff city center, only 3.5 mi from Banff Gondola. Free passes for Banff's transit system are provided. Free WiFi is provided. A flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, and in-room safe are provided in each room and suite at Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa. Select suites offer a hot tub and a fireplace. The Keg Steakhouse and Bar is located on site and serves dinner and drinks. Banff Caribou Lodge features Red Earth Spa, a full service spa with 6 treatment rooms including rooms dedicated to hydrotherapy and aesthetics. Spa goers will also enjoy complete access to the hotel's hot pool, steam room and exercise facilities.

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort $650/weekend

Featuring an a la carte breakfast, this resort is located along the Banff Rocky Mountain National Park and features spacious all-suite accommodations. Only moments from the Banff Rocky Mountain Resort are top-rated ski trails, scenic hiking paths, golfing and much more. Guests can enjoy a health and fitness club, including full gym, squash courts, outdoor tennis courts, 49 foot indoor swimming pool, plus indoor and outdoor hot tub.

The Rundlestone Lodge $650/weekend

With scenic views of the Canadian Rockies, this contemporary mountain lodge is located directly on Banff Avenue and offers an indoor pool. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property. A refrigerator and tea & coffee making facilities are offered. A work desk and comfortable seating available. Select rooms include a balcony. The Rundlestone Lodge features a lobby with a large, open fireplace. Guest can work out in the fitness center. Guests can experience world-class skiing or discover scenic hiking trails just minutes from the hotel.

Fox Hotel and Suites $850/weekend

Located in historic Banff, Alberta, this contemporary hotel offers free shuttle to downtown and the Banff Ski Gondola. It features a cave-inspired hotpool and a Chili’s Restaurant and Grill on site.

The Kenrick Hotel $1000/weekend

A beautiful and newer hotel, it offers family rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and mountain views. Each room includes a balcony, bathrobes, and free WiFi. Guests can enjoy a saltwater swimming pool, sauna, indoor pool, and hot tub. Additional amenities include a steam room, fitness center, and free on-site private parking. The family-friendly restaurant serves Italian cuisine with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Dining options include lunch, dinner, and cocktails in a modern and romantic ambiance.

2. Cook a Special Meal Together at Home

Cost: $
Instead of rushing to secure a reservation, stay in and make the meal together. Choose a menu you both love or try something new; put on music that feels familiar; open a bottle of wine and take your time. Cooking side by side turns dinner into an experience rather than a task. The kitchen becomes a place for conversation, laughter, and connection; and the meal always tastes better because you made it together. If you can find a recipe that speaks to the both of you, or reminds you of a place that bring you a lot of love, it’s a great chnace to relive those memories. We went and found an Aranchini recipe in the Amalfi Coast when we were there and we’re going to try and recreate that recipe together this February as Italy means the world to the both of us.

3. Create a Memory Night

Cost: 0-$
Set aside an evening to look back together. Pull out old photos, scroll through past trips, revisit playlists from different seasons of your life. Talk about where you were then and where you are now. This kind of reflection is a quiet reminder of how far you have come together; and it creates space to reconnect without needing to plan anything elaborate.

IF you want to turn it into something more, companies like Shutterfly have great options to turn your digital memories into physical books and we are going to try and go through our 2025 and Wedding photos this February to put together some printed books to have and to hold for years to come. They always have sales on, I think right now is 20-50% off, and its a great chance to get some of those iphone photos into something that you can hold and flip through. Im a nostalgia queen though, so it might just be me.

4. Celebrate Galentine’s with Intention

Cost: $-$$
Romantic love is not the only love worth celebrating. Friendships carry us through seasons of growth, change, and uncertainty; they deserve to be honoured just as intentionally. Plan a Galentine’s night that feels natural and fun. A cozy night in, a creative class, or a spontaneous outing that ends in laughter. My last Galentine’s Day we focused on a fun brunch and then taking photos with my gold balloon wall. I love planning a brunch because its accessible for everyone, doesn’t cost a lot, and gives everyone an excuse to dress up and wear hearts, pink and red. Here’s the post I put together on creating your own Galentine’s Day celebration:

5. Plan a Valentine’s Paint or Bake Night

Cost: $
A Valentine’s themed paint or bake night is an easy, low pressure way to spend time together. Creating something side by side naturally takes the focus off making the night feel perfect and shifts it toward simply enjoying each other’s company. Whether you are painting, decorating desserts, or baking from scratch, there is room for laughter, conversation, and a bit of playful chaos.

These nights work just as well for couples as they do for Galentine’s celebrations with friends. You may leave with something handmade, but more importantly, you leave with a shared memory that feels relaxed, personal, and genuinely fun.

Valentine’s and Galentine’s Events in Calgary

For those celebrating locally, here are a few Calgary ideas if you want to step out and do something different.

• An adults only evening at TELUS Spark that blends interactive exhibits with a playful Valentine’s theme; a fun option for couples or friends.

• Valentine’s themed paint or bake nights hosted around the city that offer a cozy, creative atmosphere without the pressure of a traditional date night.

• A Galentine’s night at a Calgary Roughnecks game; a high energy way to celebrate friendship and make memories together.

I hope you find something to do with your friends or loved one this February!

Love, M