Now that spring has sprung, it’s time for our heartstrings to do the same. From cozying up at a jazz night or Italian restaurant to checking out a flower festival, romance is certainly alive this season. So with that in mind, here are 14 romantic date ideas to get the creative juices flowing.

Nights at the Aquarium

Celebrate the planet and your date this Earth Day with a special version of Nights at the Aquarium, complete 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.

When: 7 to 10 pm on Saturday, April 22nd
Where: 845 Avison Way, Vancouver Aquarium
Cost: $187.50 per person

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

Disco Inferno

Get ready to boogie on down to the sounds of the 1970s with “Disco Inferno,” the latest production by the non-profit society, Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret. This half discotheque half musical comedy is set in 1979, and involves dancers coming down from the stage to mingle with guests, who are encouraged to dance themselves. If you’re looking for a good ice-breaker date, this is a great option!

When: April 7th, 8th, 9th, 14th, and 15th
Where: 144 East 6th Avenue
Cost: $11.62

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

Vancouver International Wine Festival 

Speaking of wine, in just a few short weeks, the Vancouver International Wine Fest is back! Running for an entire week this April and often attracting tens of thousands of visitors, the festival is easily one of the largest of its kind in Canada. It’s not without good reason, as it attracts producers from all over the world, both big and small.

When: April 22nd to April 30th
Where: 1055 Canada Place
Cost: $109+ (varies per event)

Check out a flower festival 

From the return of the beloved Chilliwack Tulip Fest to a Magnolia-focused walk through UBC’s botanical garden, here are some stunning flower festivals near Vancouver to look forward to this season.

Where: See our picks above

Pop-up Latin dance class

This month, Vancouver Civic Theatres is hosting a $10 pop-up Latin dance class at their Annex downtown. If you’ve been looking to connect with other dance enthusiasts or learn some new steps, this is a great opportunity to do both.

When: Friday, April 21st
Where: Annex 823 Seymour Street
Cost: $10

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 any live shows are playing that night. Or, just stroll around the area and grab a bite to eat afterwards!

Where: 1689 Johnston Street and the surrounding area

Hit the roller rink

From Saturday Skate Nights to themed skate nights with hosted DJs, there’s always something fun and exciting going on at the Rolla Skate Club. And you don’t have to be a pro to hit the rink, arm-in-arm with your beaux!

Where: 2901 East Hastings

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

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

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 some spring views 

In addition to the cherry blossom map, you’re pretty much guaranteed a stunning view at these classic city lookout spots. And thankfully, taking in the views doesn’t cost a thing!

Where: See our picks above

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

And that’s a wrap on some romantic date ideas to try out in Vancouver this spring. Cheers!