Ottawa
Winter in the nation’s capital is probably the most romantic time to visit the city! It’s the perfect sized city to feel like you’re not missing out on amazing food and culture, but small enough to feel cozy and romantic. One of my favourite things to do in Ottawa during the winter and during Winterlude is skate! The Westin Ottawa has a skate program skateWestin, so you can skate the famous Rideau Canal hand-in-hand (rent skates from the hotel or bring your own) and then cozy up by a fire with a hot chocolate and then spend the rest of the weekend enjoying Winterlude in the city.
If you’re a foodie or adventure couple, this city was made for sharing tacos, tamales, exploring art and history and hand in hand. It is a very big city, but you can find neighbourhoods where you’re away from the bustle, like Coyoacan, where Frida Kahlo’s house is (you can visit the museum), or be a bit more adventurous and head to the Teotihuacan pyramids.
Newfoundland
With town names like Heart’s Desire, Heart’s Content and Cupids and more how could you not feel in love here? It’s the perfect spot for couples who want to escape and be in quiet, quaint little towns, and just have some alone time in nature. Probably the most well-known hotel in Newfoundland is the Fogo Island Inn… the perfect spot to stargaze, take long strolls along the coastline and just relax!
Newport Rhode Island
Newport is definitely a seaside town, with picture-perfect shops, coastal homes and insane mansions (it’s where the famous Vanderbilt mansion the Breakers is), but one hotel consistently wins Most Romantic Hotel in North America according to Travel + Leisure readers… The Chanler is an old mansion converted into a boutique hotel next to the beach on the ocean cliff. Bonus is that it’s not too far from Ontario… a short flight to Boston and then a drive, or you can fly into Providence.
Quebec City
You can’t get more romantic in North America than in Quebec City, especially during the winter. The snow, the lights make it extra romantic, and perfect for cozying up in tiny restaurants sipping on french wine and eating french food. There’s also the classically romantic things to do in the city…. A carriage ride, skating, and strolling the cobblestone streets. There are also so many options of where to stay in Quebec City from luxury splurges to affordable and air bnb.
Portugal
One of the best things about Portugal is its affordability, making it easy for a longer romantic vacation. Lisbon is a beautiful city that isn’t too far from beautiful beach locations, and you can also head up to Porto with the Douro River and of course all that Port wine. Make it even easier to get around and have the most relaxing vacation by booking a tour that will have you driving throughout the country, stopping for wine, cheese and seafood.
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