While shorter, rainier days often discourage people from venturing out during the wintertime, they make for the perfect excuse to cozy up at a bar or cafe – or splurge on a nice meal out. And there’s no denying that a little cold goes a long way when it comes to pulling your date closer on your next winter stroll.

From wine bars and jazz nights to embracing the local art scene, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to romantic date ideas – so here are 14 to get you started.

Indulge in a five-course Valentine’s Day feast

If the way to one’s heart is through their stomach – an elaborate five-course meal paired with specialty cocktails is certainly the way to go. ‘The Love Voyage’ is pretty much the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for the foodie and travel enthusiast, as guests are wined, dined, and whisked away to five “cities of love” across the globe via an immersive experience.

Early bird tickets are available for $129 for dinner on February 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th at 6 pm.

When: February 11th to 14th
Where: 120 West Hastings
Cost: $129 ($119 for non-alcoholic pairings)

Check out a jazz night

 

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No matter your beverage of choice, Vancouver has some stellar jazz nights to take advantage of on a weekly basis. From Aperture Coffee Bar to Osita on Commercial, here are 10 great picks for live jazz by local and touring artists.

Where: See our picks above

Nights at the Aquarium

Back for two nights in February only, Nights at the Aquarium come with full access to the aquarium and all its exhibits. The event also includes an extravagant three-course meal, giving guests the opportunity to dine among 65,000+ amazing marine animals. And if you want to add a bit of bubbly to your meal, you can add sparkling wine pairings for an extra $55. Definitely a unique dining experience to add to your bucket list!

When: Saturday, February 11th and Tuesday, February 14th
Where: 845 Avison Way, Vancouver Aquarium
Cost: $120-150 per person

Pop-up Latin dance classes 

This month, Vancouver Civic Theatres is hosting a $10 pop-up Latin dance class at their Annex downtown. So if dancing salsa or bachata (or learning how to) sounds like a good time, this is a great opportunity to lace up your dancing shoes and get out of your comfort zone.

When: February 17th
Where: Annex 823 Seymour Street
Cost: $10

Hang out at a wine bar

The power of good wine and good company cannot be overstated, and since Vancouver has a ton of great wine bars – this list is a great starting point if you’re trying to find a new spot this month. Add in some charcuterie boards and low lighting, and you’ve got the perfect date night combo!

Where: See our picks above

Walk around Granville Island

No matter how you slice it, Granville Island is a great option for a romantic date. Pick up some groceries from the market (and a couple of sweet treats while you’re at it). Go on a gallery tour and see if there are any live shows playing that night. Or, just stroll around the area and grab a bite to eat afterwards!

Where: 1689 Johnston Street and the surrounding area

See some local art

Thankfully for art lovers, there are plenty of museums and art galleries in Vancouver offering free admission to their exhibits year-round. And while the list is by no means complete, we think this is a solid place to start if you’re looking to get into the local art scene.

Where: See our picks above

Snowshoeing at Cypress

Ok, emphasis on the ‘around’ Vancouver part here. But, if you’re ready to take a day trip, know that Cypress Mountain has got a serious amount of snowshoe trails for you to explore.

Where: 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver
Cost: $20 without rentals, $38 with rentals

Grab some cocoa

If you’re planning a winter stroll hand-in-hand with your date, grabbing cocoa really completes the vibe. And luckily for chocolate lovers, there’s still time to enjoy this year’s Hot Chocolate Festival. From Viva Cafe in Kits to Trafiq bakery on Main, here are all the participating cups of cocoa you can sip this month.

Oh, and don’t forget to add some dessert-focused cafes to the itinerary!

When: January 14th to February 14th
Where: Participating locations across Vancouver

Robson Square Skating Rink

Want to keep things a little more local? Head to the Robson Square Ice Skating Rink for a quintessential wintertime experience. This free-to-access space is a great spot to lace ’em up with that special someone and works perfectly with our next recommendation…

When: Opens for the season on December 2nd
Where: 800 Robson Street
Cost: Varies per rental

Check out a new Italian restaurant

They say the way to most peoples’ hearts is through their stomachs, and on that, we can definitely agree. And since Vancouver is home to a wealth of authentic Italian food, we thought we’d go ahead and share some of our favourite spots. From Farmhouse on 10th to Mangia Cucina & Bar, here are some tasty options to check out.

Where: See our picks above

Snow Tubing at Mt. Seymour

If a double or triple date is more your speed, then consider a day on Mt. Seymour by way of tubing. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a family-friendly day trip, or as a way to unwind after a day on the actual slopes.

Where: 1700 Mt Seymour Road, North Vancouver
Cost: $10+

Catch a movie

While we love all of Vancouver’s independent theatres, we have to admit that if we’re going off romance alone, The Cinematheque reigns supreme. This theatre’s focus on international and art house films means that you’re often in for a visual (and mental) treat, that will keep the conversation flowing more than any Marvel movie ever could. Sorry folks, we’re highbrow like that.

When: Showtimes throughout the winter
Where: 1131 Howe Street
Cost: Varies

Enjoy a little live entertainment

If we had to pick one venue in Vancouver that just screams romance, it would have to be the Orpheum. Luckily, this iconic theatre hosts a variety of events, ranging from live movie concerts courtesy of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra to big-name concerts. Whatever you pick, you can’t go wrong in a space like this!
When: Showtimes throughout the winter
Where: 601 Smithe Street
Cost: Varies

Ok lovebirds, we hope this list has given you some great romantic date ideas in Vancouver this season. Winter might be a chilly time of year, but your heart doesn’t have to match!

Curiocity Staff

With a curated slate of what matters in your city, Curiocity presents you with the most relevant local food, experiences, news, deals, and adventures. We help you get the most out of your city and focus on the easy-to-miss details so that you’re always in the know.
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