The sun is shining (off and on, of course), but generally things are heating up! Why not add a romantic date to the mix?
Don’t worry if you’re not sure where to start, 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 summer. So, let’s get started.
Here are 15 romantic date ideas for this summer in Vancouver.
Have a gourmet meal at VanDusen Garden
View this post on Instagram
It doesn’t get more romantic than a fine dining experience surrounded by gorgeous gardens, does it? Right in the heart of the Garden Pavillion is The Shaughnessy Restaurant, a casually elegant destination for fresh west coast eats & drinks. Come for afternoon tea, and stay for brunch on their summer patio.
When: Various
Where: 5251 Oak Street, VanDusen Botanical Garden
Cost: $98 per person
Catch a concert at the PNE
View this post on Instagram
If it’s been a while since you’ve heard some live music, you’ll definitely want to check out who’s playing at the PNE this summer. From The Beach Boys to Shaggy, to Patti LaBelle, there are a ton of iconic headliners this year who are sure to put on a great show!
When: Concerts throughout the summer
Where: Click the link above for the full roundup
Go on a mural walk
View this post on Instagram
An easy (and cheap) summer date idea in Vancouver can be just as magical as an expensive one. This year’s Vancouver Mural Fest showcases some amazing public art pieces around the city, which just so happen to be near some of our city’s best public spaces.
If you’re keen on touring local art but don’t want to wait until August, there’s always the City Centre Block Party happening from Saturday, June 25th to Sunday, June 26th! Expect a ton of art, live music, and food truck vendors to peruse.
When: VMF on Thursday, August 4th to Sunday, August 14th
Where: All around Vancouver
Cost: $5 per person
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)
Go on a thrill-seeking adventure
View this post on Instagram
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
Get back on the Sea to Sky Gondola
View this post on Instagram
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
Hike at Grouse Mountain
Do you and your partner associate a workout with sexiness? We are in Vancouver, the health capital of Canada after all. Either way, the Grouse Grind is one of Vancouver’s must-try activities, and with good reason. Our recommendation here though is to try and go during the week, to minimize the number of people you’ll see on the trail. Wink wink.
Again, if you want to get your adrenaline rush on, consider ziplining through the peaks of the Grouse and Dam Mountains at a speedy 80 km/hour! That will surely be a bonding experience.
When: Open throughout June
Where: Grouse Mountain
Cost: $20 (for the download ticket)
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
Related Posts
Adrenaline Rush: Here are 9 extreme sports and thrill-seeking adventures to try out in BC
Here’s what BC’s weather will be like this summer
Step into a tropical paradise
View this post on Instagram
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
View this post on Instagram
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
View this post on Instagram
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
Go for a delicious vegan meal
View this post on Instagram
Vancouver is without a doubt one of the best cities for plant-based diets in North America, if not around the world. And, you should make the most of it by inviting your partner to try one of the many delicious options we have. Plus, a healthier meal means more energy for other stuff later in the day, if you catch our drift.
Treat yourself (and your date) to a dinner at The Acorn, or load up on chickpea fries at Chickpea’s food truck and walk down to the beach. We promise you won’t regret it.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Alright, folks, it’s time to get out there and try out some new date ideas! Take a (literal or figurative) leap of faith. Go cliff jumping. Cozy up at the Shipyards. Summer is just around the corner – let’s make the most of it.
Read more in Things To Do
Curiocity In Your Inbox!
Want more? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive deals, stories, info & more!
Subscribe Now