The concept of Netflix and chill has never been so literal than over the past months. So, why not mix things up with romantic winter dates around Vancouver? Chances are high your significant other is part of your core bubble, and if that’s the case, you’re in the clear! Sorry, no using this list as an excuse to see what Tinder has to offer.
Here are 10 romantic winter dates to go on in Vancouver.
Grab some Hot Chocolate
We have to start things off with probably the easiest thing on the list. From now until Valentine’s Day, dozens of spots around Vancouver are offering special hot chocolate options. Click the link above to check out some of our favourites!
When: Now until February 14th
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Stroll around an amazing garden
While it’s usually overlooked, a trip to VanDusen Garden in the offseason can be just as rewarding as a summer stroll. Plus, we find it kind of cute, getting to see some winter flowers bloom. It’s a breath of fresh air, especially on a nicer day.
When: Open throughout the winter
Where: 5151 Oak Street
Cost: $8.40
Escape to a tropical paradise
Of course, the other side of that coin is a trip to the Bloedel Conservatory. Filled with tropical plants and birds, this urban oasis is sure to cure any winter blues you or your special someone have. Plus, who doesn’t love watching parrots fly around?
When: Open year-round
Where: 4600 Cambie Street
Cost: $7.05
Go Mountaintop Ice Skating
If you want to explore a winter wonderland, then Grouse Mountain has what you need. The Mountain Admission ticket includes access to a mountaintop skating pond, a light walk, snowshoe trails and even a sledding area. It’s a whole week of winter rolled into one day!
When: Open throughout the winter
Where: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, Vancouver
Cost: $47 and up
Try Cross-Country Skiing
On the other hand, Cypress Mountain offers the only groomed cross country skiing options in the area. Head there during the day, or crank the romantic meter up a notch and try out the lighted, evening option. Either way, this is a great option for a romantic, yet active, date.
When: Open throughout the winter
Where: 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver
Cost: $19 and up
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Or just shred some slopes
If both you and your significant other are sporty by nature, then downhill skiing is always fun. Show up earlier on a weekend, or try and sneak in for some night skiing after work one day. Is exhilaration romantic? There’s only one way to find out.
When: Open throughout the winter
Where: Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain, Mt. Seymour Resort
Cost: Varies
Enjoy an Art Exhibition
Weirdly, we think that the abstract optical art exhibition at the Vancouver Art Gallery is a nice romantic date idea. Probably because it’s a purely aesthetic thing, which makes for much easier conversations, especially when contemporary art is usually rife with social commentary. It’s not a bad thing, but it can kind of kill the mood.
When: On throughout the winter
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Cost: $24, by donation on Tuesday nights
Or go on a self-guided tour
Another great option is to take advantage of the explosion of public art around Vancouver these past few years. And, the major driver behind it- Vancouver Mural Fest, has got a map of each and every one of them on their website. Pick a neighbourhood, grab a hot chocolate, and get exploring!
When: Year-round
Where: All around Vancouver
Cost: Free!
Explore Vancouver’s parks and trails
Speaking of free options, we’re going to toot our own horns a little bit. Vancouver has no shortage of stunning parks and trails to explore. From oceanside views to dense forests, we’re one of the few cities in Canada with nature at our fingertips year-round.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
And finally, stream a movie
A cozy night in is always nice in the winter, we admit it. But, instead of watching reruns on Netflix, support local instead. Until the end of the month, The Cinematheque is offering a selection of the Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Kar-Wai’s films. His best known and most critically acclaimed work? A romantic drama titled In the Mood for Love. Classic.
When: On until January 27th
Where: Streaming online
Cost: $9USD per stream
And that’s our roundup of some winter dates in Vancouver to go on this year! If you can only see two people outside your bubble regularly, you might as well make the most of it!
