by Lise Boullard
Planning a proposal in Vancouver? Or perhaps you’re just praying for one? A memorable engagement requires a lot of planning, and location is key when it comes to getting down on one knee. We spoke to three of the city’s top proposal planners to get their recommendations on the most romantic spots to pop the question in Vancouver. [Image courtesy of Luxe Proposals; Photo credit: Kaoverii Silva]
Being surrounded by nature when you ask your significant other to marry you sounds super romantic, but finding a locale where you’ll be protected from Vancouver’s inclement weather is not an easy feat. Thankfully, Mother Nature won’t rain on your parade if you plan a proposal undercover at the Blodel Conservatory. Situated at the top of the hill in Queen Elizabeth Park, this indoor tropical garden provides a lush respite from wet weather. And with exotic plants, colourful flowers and balmy temperatures, it could even be a sneak peek of what’s to come on your honeymoon.
Only an hour outside of Vancouver, the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish reveals sweeping vistas of Howe Sound, Garibaldi Provincial Park and the Pacific Ocean. The incredible views from the summit will definitely take your breath away. And if you’re going for the element of surprise, a trip to this popular hiking locale will have your partner thinking you’re just in the mood for an outdoorsy weekend jaunt (and not planning lifetime of marital bliss). Once up at the top, there’s an impressive 100-metre suspension bridge, and a number of picturesque viewing platforms and secluded trails where you can execute your big engagement.
Stanley Park may be a haven for runners, cyclists and camera-wielding tourists, but Stephanie Reitsma, owner and principal planner at Sweetheart Events, thinks this sprawling urban park is also the perfect place for romance. “With so many incredible backdrops to choose from, Stanley Park leaves you with endless possibilities,” she says. “Whether you want the Lions Gate Bridge at Prospect Point as your backdrop, a cathedral of trees in the forest, or mountains and water – you’ve got it all!” The park is especially pretty during cherry blossom season, when canopies of pink petals are on display everywhere you look.
Want privacy for your proposal? Stephanie suggests going up – way up – and hiring a helicopter pilot from Sky Helicopters to take you and your sweetheart on an epic aerial tour above the mountains. You’ll definitely be flying high after saying those four little words in mid-air!
The well-manicured grounds at the University Golf Club in Pacific Spirit Regional Park feature a private gazebo tucked away on an unsuspecting golf course. Surrounded by lush trees and lovely flowers, the charming outdoor structure is an intimate place to propose to your fiancé-to-be. Ask your love to be your golf partner for the day and they won’t suspect that you’ll soon be asking them to be partners for life.
Countdown Events founder and principal planner Soha Lavin is a big fan of this mountaintop resort for its picturesque proposal potential. No matter what the season, Grouse Mountain feels like an otherworldly destination located high above the clouds. At the peak, The Observatory restaurant offers excellent West Coast cuisine, champagne and breathtaking panoramic views of the city below — all of the ingredients you need for an extraordinary engagement story.
As one of Vancouver’s top event planners, Soha suggests couples take advantage of the city’s scenic beauty when planning a super special date. The best way to get a new perspective on the landscape is to get on the water. Those who don’t own their own vessel can charter a boat with Blue Pacific Yacht Charters. Set sail from Granville Island and ensure it’s just the two of you (and your inconspicuous captain) when you get down on one knee surrounded by Vancouver’s idyllic waterways.
Karen Lee, co-founder of Vancouver-based proposal and event planning firm Luxe Proposals, suggests popping the question at Nita Lake Lodge, a luxurious boutique hotel overlooking tranquil Nita Lake in Whistler. The award-winning chalet-style venue is home to a full-service spa and Aura Restaurant, an upscale dining room that specializes in fine West Coast cuisine. Not only is the lodge the perfect place to cocoon away for the weekend with your sweetie, it also offers two Instagram-worthy proposal locales. “If it's not raining, go for the stunning dock on the water with a forest of trees and mountains as your backdrop,” Karen recommends. “In wet weather, hide away under the bridge.”
Want to plan a personalized proposal in a place that’s true to your individual style? Karen loves the curated collection of spaces available for rent on This Open Space. The website lists hundreds of empty storefronts, studios, lofts and offices in Vancouver, all of which can be booked for one-day rentals; think of it like Airbnb but for event spaces. Available in varying sizes and aesthetics, each unique space provides the “perfect blank canvas that you can dress up any way you want,” says Karen. Creative couples can adorn their chosen interior with candles, flowers, balloons, photos and all sorts of personalized decor and furnishings. Whether you want to fill the room with friends and family or create an entirely intimate setting for just the two of you, these customizable spaces are just waiting for your inspired ideas.
For city-dwellers, Vancouver’s stylish Shangri-La Hotel is a great choice for a romantic staycation – so why not start the honeymoon early? Located in the downtown core, the opulent five-star hotel has a spectacular outdoor terrace with a pool and views overlooking the Vancouver Art Gallery. If you want to ramp up the romance, enjoy an indulgent couples massage at CHI, The Spa or share a meal for two at the hotel restaurant, MARKET by Jean-Georges. And if you book a last-minute room at this urban oasis, you might even score an amazing deal.
Once you’ve chosen the perfect place to ask your love to marry you, there’s only one thing left to do. “Always, always do a site visit beforehand,” advises Karen. “It may look stunning online, but often times, locations can really surprise you.”
Happy planning!
