If you’re planning a date and want to make the most of the summer we’ve got left, we’re here to help. Whether you’re feeling, outdoorsy, adventurous, or just plain hungry – Vancouver has everything you need to spice it up this season. So, let’s get started: Here are 14 romantic date ideas for this summer in Vancouver.
Catch a concert at the PNE
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When summer rolls around in Vancouver, music lovers of all genres come together for the highly-anticipated Summer Night Concert series at the PNE. Hastings Park comes alive with live entertainment by renowned artists from around the globe. This year? Patrons can expect to see everyone from Billy Idol to TLC and Boyz II Men, to Jason Derulo.
When:Â August 19th to September 4th
Where:Â 2601 East Hastings Street
Cost:Â Tickets on sale on Friday, May 26th
Science World After Dark
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For something interactive, educational, and just plain fun – there’s always Science World After Dark, AKA – the monthly nights at Science World where adults get free reigns over the exhibits. Factor in a couple of drinks, and this activity can make for all kinds of silly fun.
When:Â Thursday, August 24th
Where:Â 1455 Quebec Street
Cost: $32
Explore the Capilano Suspension Bridge
Our next step up the ‘outdoorsy’ ladder is this iconic North Vancouver attraction. It’s pricey, sure, but there’s no denying that the suspension bridge is a fantastic way to spend the afternoon. Especially if you take the time to visit all the attractions, which mix cliff walks, treetop adventures, and of course the bridge itself.
If you really want to raise the stakes on this date, you can opt for a romantic cliff dive at Granny’s Cove!
When: Open daily
Where: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Cost: $54.95 (same price as an annual pass)
Bard on the Beach
What could be more romantic than Shakespeare on the beach?? Throw in a couple of snacks and drinks, and you’ve got a perfect date night. This year, Bard’s 2018 blockbuster As You Like It is back onstage with plenty of Beatles hits to go around, accompanied by the thrilling political drama, Julius Caesar.
When:Â Until the end of September
Where:Â 1695 Whyte Avenue
Go on a thrill-seeking adventure
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Whether you’re an avid cliff diver or want to try your hand at tandem skydiving, it never hurts to get the adrenaline (and endorphins) going with something out of the box! Take a plunge into some gorgeous BC water, zipline through the mountains, or do a combination of all the extreme sports you can find.
When: Various
Where: Check out our picks above
Share a romantic dinnerÂ
If you ask us, what makes a restaurant romantic is not necessarily what’s on the menu, but how the menu complements the space. The music, the art on the walls, the candles and intimate lights that adorn the room, and maybe even a flower or two on the table to greet you.
That said, if the way to your heart is through your stomach, you’ll definitely want to add these romantic restaurants to your running list of date night spots!
Where: See our picks above
Get back on the Sea to Sky Gondola
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Another iconic BC attraction is of course the Sea to Sky Gondola. This one takes a little longer to get to, but the views are oh-so-worth-it. Plus, once you’re up there, you can explore some mountaintop trails, check out multiple viewpoints, and indulge in a beverage before heading back down.
When: Now open
Where: 36800 BC-99, Squamish
Tickets: $55.95 for GA, $14.29 for Ride-Down Only
Take in a summer sunset
Of course, you don’t even have to be outdoorsy to take in some of Vancouver’s most stunning views. If you need proof, just check out our guide to the best viewpoints around the city. Hot weather, a gorgeous pastel sunset, and maybe a little picnic to complete the trio? That sounds like a lovely (and inexpensive) summer date option to us.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Step into a tropical paradise
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It’s always nice to keep a couple of rainy-day picks in your back pocket, no? Our first option is the Bloedel Conservatory, which is an indoor paradise filled with tropical plants and birds. Heck, even if it’s nice out, the location in Queen Elizabeth Park makes it easy to go enjoy a picnic or something afterwards.
When: Open throughout the weekend
Where: 4600 Cambie Street
Cost: $7.05
Watch a movie (indoors & outdoors)
No, not on Netflix. In case you forgot, you can still watch movies at an actual movie theatre. We think supporting local business is pretty hot, so we recommend that you check out the showtimes at The Cinematheque, the Rio Theatre, and VanCity Theatre. The added bonus? These often show older movies, which are perfect if you’re not in the mood for a summer blockbuster.
If it’s a sunny day, you can even opt for an outdoor movie downtown or at The Shipyards! There are a ton of different movies playing, accompanied by waterfront views and local brews. Doesn’t get much better than that!
When: Showtimes throughout the summer
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Cost: Varies
Have some fun at Playland
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Maybe a little thrill outside the bedroom leads to a thrill inside it. If you’re ready to test the theory, know that Playland has reopened for the summer! We’ll admit, we often feel closest to someone when we’re hurtling along on a wooden rollercoaster, so it could be a fantastic option for a summer date in Vancouver.
When: Now open
Where: 2901 East Hastings Street
Tickets: $39.50 for GA
Take a trip to the art gallery
We’re never disappointed with a trip to Vancouver’s local art galleries, but we do have a favourite. The Polygon Gallery in North Vancouver combines great architecture, interesting exhibits, and stunning views of Vancouver into one amazing experience. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that there’s a Nemesis Coffee in the building, which makes lunch/dinner plans afterwards a breeze.
When: Open through the summer
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court
Cost: Admission by donation
Find your favourite kind of ice cream
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Ok, we’re capping off this list with some food and drink-specific options. First up is a classic trip for a scoop of ice cream. But, we think this is a relatively good way to turn one date into a series of them. After all, who would say no to a weekly scoop of ice cream from some of the best spots in the city? Certainly not us.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Spend a day at the UBC Botanical Garden
There’s something magical about a trip to the garden on a summer’s day, don’t you think? And, there’s no doubt that the UBC Botanical Garden is among the very best of them. Our advice here is to gamify the visit a little bit and try to find the most beautiful flowers and plants that are currently in bloom.
When: Open throughout the summer
Where: 6804 SW Marine Drive
Cost: $10
And that’s a wrap on some summertime date ideas, Vancouver! The season is winding down soon, so it’s time to make the most of it while you can!
