Valentine's Day is generally associated with couples and romance, and it can often leave the single crowd feeling a bit put out.
With that being said, there's nothing like an awesome Galentine's Day celebration to make you feel stoked to be single and out with our pals.
Have a look at some of the best ways that you can celebrate the big day with your ladies in Vancouver.
Feb 14th Annual Womens Memorial March
FEBRUARY 14 WOMEN’S MEMORIAL MARCH DTES VANCOUVER / Facebook
The Annual Women's Memorial March takes place every Valentines Day in East Vancouver to honour the lives of missing and murdered women and all women’s lives lost in the Downtown Eastside. The first march was held in 1992 in response to the murder of a woman on Powell Street in Vancouver. Gather with your gals on Thursday, Feb 14th this year at the Carnegie Community Centre Theatre, 401 Main Street (corner Hastings, Vancouver) where family members speak in remembrance. Also, the march requires volunteers to run, so if you would like to sign up visit their online resource.
Valentine's Day Burlesque
Burlesque dancer with red plumage and red short dress / Shutterstock
While everyone is out being cliché and corny, have yourself a sassy evening of sultry delight with your gal pals. The Rio Theatre on Broadway near Commercial Drive is hosting an epic night of duo burlesque performances that are sure to turn up the heat as well as the giggles. Burlesque DuosValentine’s Day takes place at 8 pm on the big night.
High Tea Date
TWG Tea Canada/Facebook
High-tea offers a charming way to spend a lovely day with your closest friends. What's more, Vancouver has a litany of fantastic places to choose from. Some of the classic choices include La Petite Cuillère, Secret Garden, Laduree and Notch 8 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, which all provide an adorable and luxurious experience. From dainty sandwiches to decadent cakes to fine china tea cups, (end sentence)
Hot Chocolate Festival
Hot chocolate flight using the at-home squares (Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome)
Forget heart-shaped boxes filled with candy, Vancouver's epic Hot Chocolate Festival offers an astounding line-up of 94 inspired concoctions to sip on. Whether you are looking to try something fairly simple or you have a more adventurous urge, 29 restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and chocolatiers offer a wide selection to suit every fancy.
Spooky Tour
Photo: Gastown on a foggy night / Shutterstock
Forget romance - this Gastown tour walks guests through the city on a bone-chilling journey through the city's haunted history. Although Ghostly Vancouver Tours can't promise that you'll see a Valentine's spirit, you will learn a great deal about the city's cool history which is ripe with tales of drinking, gambling, and even public hangings.
Vancouver Comedy
comedy show / Shutterstock
If you are looking to bust a gut laughing while everyone is out being gushy, then the best place to do so is at a comedy club. For example, The Park Pub will have three all-stark comedians cracking with wise for the crowd while cupid is elsewhere. Similarly, Lafflines will dole out the funny along with a three-course meal. Enjoy yourself at one of these silly affair and get your fill of yummy food, good drink and your best pals.
Space Centre
Colorful picture represents Mars and its moons. Elements of this image furnished by NASA / Shutterstock
The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre is hosting an 'out of this world' party for Valentine's night that will include drinks, appetizers, activities, and a live musical performance by Jody Glenham. Venus vs Mars: Battle of the Planets! will transform the Planetarium Star Theatre into a starry soirée and guests will have the chance to hear astronomers talk about which planet they think would be better to colonize - Venus or Mars. And, of course, since it is Valentine's Day, they will discuss which of the two planets is better for loving - but you are under no obligation to bring a lover.
Netflix and laughter
girls laughing watching a movie / Shutterstock
Whoever said you had to go out to have a good time was straight up lying. Grab your best gals, a bottle (or two) of bubbly and an assortment of delectable foods. Next, select something from Netflix that will make you laugh - not cry. This is celebration, after all.
Spa Day
Photo: kingfishersparesort / Instagram
There's nothing better than treating yourself to a spa day, except maybe when its with your best buds. So, grab a couple of gals get a mani/pedi, facial, massage, or all three. And, once you are finished with that, make sure that you go eat something delicious.
Appetizers
Photo courtesy Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
Being single on Valentines's Day does not mean you can't go out for a fabulous dinner. In fact, it can feel liberating to be at a giant table of people having a blast together. If you want to make things even more fun, try ordering a bunch of appetizers and sharing them with your whole crew.
