Whether you’re in a bind, you’re low maintenance, or you’re afraid to spend money on someone you hardly know (honestly, fair) Calgary has a ton of fun, unique and cheap things to do and see. Enjoy an afternoon talking, support your community, or take advantage of the city’s beauty, and only spend a dime to do it. Here are 10 romantic Calgary date ideas that will cost you $10 or less- all of which can be done while complying with the COVID social distancing guidelines. Bonus!
DOG WATCH AT THE ROXBORO OFF-LEASH PARK
They say a way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, but give someone the choice between fries and a pug snuggle, and you’ll find pretty quickly that this is simply untrue. Grab a coffee, and take a sunset stroll with your significant other and a furry friend along the pathways in Roxoboro Off-Leash Dog Park. Or, if you’re creature-less, just go and watch.
Where: 3010 Roxboro Glen Rd SW, Calgary
Cost: Free
WATCH THE SUNSET ON THE EAST VILLAGE RIVERWALK
Share a new perspective! Calgary looks completely different from the East Village Riverwalk, especially in the evening. Pack up a picnic and spend an afternoon on the grass at St.Patrick’s Island or lace up some comfortable walking shoes and stroll the East Village Riverwalk then take in the sunset over the skyline. Also, it’s only minutes from Village Ice Cream, so…
Where: 1300 Zoo Road, Calgary
Cost: Free
VISIT THE INGLEWOOD BIRD SANCTUARY
Widen those peepers and look to the trees. Let this interpretive centre take the relationship and your understanding of wildlife to new heights. Ah, sorry, we couldn’t resist. Seriously though, folks, this place is incredibly cool, informative and it’s unique!
Where: 2425 Ninth Ave SE
Cost: Free
GET COMPETITIVE AT THE HEXAGON BOARDGAME CAFE
In a relationship, it’s healthy to go head to head from time to time. You really never know how much you care for someone until that special person hands you your ass in a game of Monopoly. At the Hexagon Boardgame cafe, couples can have a beer and then basically put their entire relationship to test for under $5. Sounds like fun, right?
Where: 1140 Kensington Rd NW #200
Cost: $3
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TRACK DOWN THE YYCFOODTRUCKS
Bond over your mutual love of greasy food and freshly squeezed lemonade by hunting down the YYCFoodTrucks and ordering a meal fit for royalty. Everyone loves a good street taco! Check out the link above for a link to their website where they constantly update their food truck map!
Where: See locations here
Cost: Prices vary (usually under $10)
CATCH A FLICK FOR CHEAP
Think a movie date needs to be $1,000? Think again! Calgary’s Canyon Meadows theatre only charges a cool fiver per ticket! Obviously, drinks and popcorn will cost you extra, but not by much! Split a double butter and cuddle up in the back row!.
Where: 13226 Macleod Trail #110
Cost: $5
STROLL THROUGH READER’S ROCK GARDEN
Flowers, fresh air, and your honey bunny (or whatever.) Sounds like the ingredients for the perfect date! Readers Rock Garden is a designated provincial historic site in the heart of the city. Take a break in this serene garden with rock pathways, bridges, benches, and beautiful gardens!
Where: 325 25 Ave SE
Cost: Free
FLOAT THE BOW
Okay, okay, so this one is only free if you already have a floaty, but man is it the perfect summer date! Grab a few drinks, a snack or two, and hit a launch point. Get a tan, talk about your hopes and dreams (or whatever it is that couples talk about) and enjoy a lazy day on the Bow!
Where: See launch points here!
Cost: Free
VISIT THE ESKER FOUNDATION GALLERY
If you’ve never been to the Esker Foundation Modern Art Gallery, you are in for a treat! Check out locally sourced pieces, resident exhibits and connect through a mutual appreciation of the finer things! If art just isn’t usually your thing but you’d still like to check it out (because it’s free) grab a glass of wine beforehand and try to make sense of the more contemporary pieces.
Where: 444, 1011 – 9th Avenue SE, Calgary
Cost: Free
BROWSE THE CALGARY FARMERS’ MARKET
Gab your loved one, a basket and an appetite, then sample your way through the Calgary Farmers’ Market! Maybe grab a thing or two then go home and cook something new together… you know, if you’re not full after eating a bite-sized feast during your visit.
Where: 510 77th Avenue SE, Calgary
Cost: Free
There you have it, lovers! 10 romantic Calgary date ideas that will cost you $10 or less. We wish you all good luck out there! Some of you will need it…
