15+ Unforgettable Date Ideas in Vancouver for Every Couple
Calling all lovebirds and adventure seekers in the beautiful city of Vancouver! Whether you’re planning a first date to impress or looking to spice up your long-term relationship, date ideas Vancouver has to offer are second to none.
There are so many things to do in Vancouver that the choice can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll be going over the most romantic first date ideas Vancouver offers, alongside refreshing, playful dates and some date ideas for creative couples as well.
So buckle up as we list the unique date ideas in Vancouver.
Romantic Dates Ideas Vancouver
If it’s your first date or your partner enjoys the classic things in life, you should probably opt for a romantic date. Here is a list of the top three romantic date ideas Vancouver citizens are doing today:
1. Drive-in Movie Night
What’s more romantic than dinner and a movie? That would be dinner and a movie simultaneously, under the stars. The Twilight Drive-in theater has a showing each Friday, and it’s the perfect twist on a classic date.
Find the perfect parking spot, tune into their radio, enjoy the provided snacks, and make a memorable night with your significant other. Just remember that you can’t bring in any outside food or drinks, and no radios are available for rent inside the theatre.
2. Picnic at the Heart-shaped Lake
This one might be a bit tricky, but it’s a guaranteed 10/10 if you can do it. This heart-shaped lake located in Garibaldi Park is the perfect hike and picnic spot for a romantic day out.
The location offers a serene atmosphere, and the scenery is breathtaking. Just make sure that you and your partner are ready to take on this beautiful yet a bit challenging attraction.
3. Visit Little Italy
Who doesn’t like Italy? Italy is known as a romantic destination in Europe. If you and your partner love this country, you have a chance to taste it in the heart of Vancouver.
Little Italy is a historic and vibrant neighborhood in Vancouver that celebrates its Italian heritage while embracing multiculturalism. Located at Vancouver’s Commercial Drive, Little Italy is filled with magnificent bakeries and restaurants.
Food isn’t the only thing that makes Little Italy one of the fun date ideas in Vancouver. ‘Italian Day’ is the name of the yearly event on ‘The Drive’ that includes live music and entertainment, decorations to resemble the vibrant streets of Italy, and, of course, finger-licking good Italian food.
Fun Date Ideas Vancouver
You may already be over the romantic dates and looking for more spicy date night ideas Vancouver offers. While spending time with your loved one is already an amazing experience, it doesn’t hurt to have more entertainment around.
Here is a list of date night ideas Vancouver that could add a little extra flavor to your date nights:
4. Science World After Dark
You know that feeling when you watch kids enjoy an attraction made for them and seethe with jealousy that it didn’t exist when you were younger? Vancouver Science World has taken it upon itself to ignite that fire inside you again with its ‘After Dark’ program.
Invite your date on a night of drinking in an attraction made for kids. The activities and exhibitions at this monthly event are available for people over 19. Here are the key details:
- The event often sells out, so advance ticket purchase is recommended.
- Held every third Thursday of the month from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
- Adults can explore Science World’s exhibits and galleries without children present.
- Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, including beer, wine, and ciders.
- Features music, live science shows, and interactive activities.
- Visitors can experience the permanent galleries and current feature exhibitions.
- Special activities may be offered, such as using Cricut machines to make customized greeting cards.
- Food options include snacks and treats from the Snack Lab and meals from Triple O’s restaurant.
- Tickets are typically $35-$40, with early bird pricing sometimes available (Always check out the website as the price might change over time.)
5. Ghostly Vancouver Tours
This is one of the fun date night ideas Vancouver. Horror movie dates are fun, and you can make this date night more unique with a haunted walking tour of Vancouver. This attraction offers four different tours of Gastown, West End, Downtown, and New West and takes you through the spookiest spots of each area.
Three expert guides accompany you on your ghostly walk. Enjoy a hand-in-hand, or maybe cross-in-hand, walk through Vancouver with your partner as you take in all the nightmare-inducing facts from the city.
6. Vancouver Aquarium After-Hour Events
Vancouver’s local aquarium holds monthly after-hour events for adults, and they’re a blast. A popular one among these events is called ‘Fish & Sips’ and offers food and drinks along with live music for people over 19.
If sea life is something your partner enjoys, or if you’re just tired of stereotypical dates, this might just be one of the best date ideas Vancouver has for you. Check out the aquarium’s website to learn about each month’s after-hours event.
Creative Date Ideas Vancouver
If adventure isn’t really your thing and you don’t vibe with fishes but you’re tired of the typical romantic dinner as well, you’re left with creativity and art. Fret not, as there are plenty of creative date ideas Vancouver citizens can enjoy.
7. Paint and Sip
There are many painting workshops in Vancouver, but the original Paintnite events still hold our hearts. Paintnite is an event-organizing group in Vancouver that specializes in Paint and Sip events.
These events are held at local bars and restaurants, and occasionally vineyards, and allow you to spend a lovely evening painting and drinking with your significant other. Unleash your artistic side as you wind down with your partner on a quiet weekend.
8. Kasama Chocolate Workshop
What’s more romantic than feeding chocolate to your lover? If anything, it’s feeding handmade chocolate to your lover. In Kasama Chocolate, you can learn a lot about cacao, have delicious sweet food and drinks, and show your artistic capabilities.
Located in Ganville Island, Kasama is the perfect place for an entertaining, educational, romantic, and sweet date with your partner. You can find Kasama’s workshop schedule on their website.
9. Clay Dates
This might sound a lot like playdates, but don’t worry, sound is where the similarities end. Claymates Ceramic Studio is one of the places that holds clay dates in Vancouver.
Create a unique date and a unique object with clay night. No artistic expertise or pottery experience is necessary to participate in these events. Remember that Claymates studio is +18, so no kids are allowed.
10. Stanley Park
While not a perfect fit for any of our categories, it would be a shame to write about date ideas in Vancouver and not mention Stanley Park.
There are just so many activities to do in Stanley Park, which are great for a fun and romantic date out in Vancouver. Take a walk or ride a bike along the sea wall, which is a peaceful and beautiful setting for couples to connect and enjoy the scenery. Don’t forget to stop and soak in the views along the way!
You can also visit the rose garden, have a picnic, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, and tens of other activities you can enjoy with your partner.
Stanley Park is one of the best places to visit in Vancouver for free, and can be the perfect date spot for you. Just make sure not to plan your park date on a rainy day!
Outdoor Date Ideas Vancouver
From seaside adventures to scenic mountain trails, here are some of the best outdoor date ideas Vancouver has to offer!
11. Kayak Around Jericho Beach
For couples who love a mix of adventure and relaxation, kayaking at Jericho Beach is one of the perfect Vancouver date ideas. Rent a kayak and paddle through calm waters as you take in the stunning views of the ocean and city. It’s a great way to connect while enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenery.
12. Snowshoeing Adventures
Don’t let the winter chill keep you indoors! Head to Grouse Mountain, Mount Seymour, or Cypress for a snowshoeing adventure. These snowy trails offer breathtaking views and an excellent chance to share an active, cozy day in Vancouver’s magical winter wonderland.
Indoor Date Ideas Vancouver
Rainy or cold days don’t have to ruin your plans! There are plenty of great indoor date ideas Vancouver to keep things fun and cozy.
13. Relax with a Spa Day
Spend the day getting pampered with your partner at a spa. Book a couple’s massage, or facials, or even enjoy a hot spring soak to let go of stress. It’s a relaxing way to bond and feel refreshed together.
14. Try Dining in the Dark at Dark Table
Switch up your usual dinner plans with a visit to Dark Table, where you’ll eat in total darkness. Located in the Kitsilano neighborhood, this unique dining experience is known as “blind dining.” Upon arrival, guests order their meals from an outdoor menu before entering the dark dining area.
Then, they will sit and enjoy the delicious food while talking and getting to know each other. This innovative idea can be a great and memorable first date idea in Vancouver.
15. Go Climbing at a Bouldering Gym
For couples who like to stay active, a bouldering gym is a great indoor option. Challenge each other to climb walls and have some laughs along the way. It’s an exciting way to stay fit and have fun when it’s too cold to be outside.
Cheap Date Ideas Vancouver
Vancouver offers plenty of budget-friendly date options that don’t skimp on fun. Whether you’re exploring beautiful outdoor spots, you can plan the following cheap date ideas Vancouver without breaking the bank.
16. Explore the Hedge Maze at VanDusen
Get lost together in the hedge maze at VanDusen Botanical Garden! It’s one of the memorable cheap Vancouver date ideas, perfect for sparking fun conversations. Whether you’re just getting to know each other or spending time as a couple, it’s a delightful way to connect while finding your way out.
17. Watch a Comedy Show
Brighten your night with a comedy show in Vancouver! From hilarious open mic sessions to standout performances by seasoned comedians, there’s always a show to enjoy. Yuk Yuk’s, a favorite comedy club in the city, guarantees plenty of laughs any day of the week.
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Conclusion
There are plenty of exciting date ideas in Vancouver, from indoor and cheap activities to outdoor and fun things to do when the weather is fine. First dates always have the possibility of awkward silences, and the comfort of a long-term relationship can make dates feel boring. That means planning your date around an activity that will be interesting regardless of how the day goes is always a good idea.
Whether you’re looking to impress your crush or just show that you’re still willing to put in the effort to your spouse, a well-thought-out, exciting date can be the perfect solution. So don’t be shy, pick your favorite option and plan the perfect date night right now.
FAQs
1. Are There Any Cheap Date Options in Vancouver?
Yes. There are many cost-effective date options in Vancouver. For example, visiting Granville Island, picnicking at Queen Elizabeth or Stanley Park, or visiting one of Vancouver’s free entry museums are all very cost-friendly dates.
2. What Are Some Pet-Friendly Date Ideas in Vancouver?
Picnics and strolls in the per-friendly parks are great options if you want to take your pets on your dates. You can also go to a pet-friendly cafe or restaurant, though make sure your little buddy is okay with social environments.
3. What Are Some Date Ideas for Rainy Days in Vancouver?
Any indoor date works for rainy days. This includes cooking and painting classes, cafes and restaurants, museums and art galleries, spas and movie theatres, and so much more.
