Budget dating: 10 amazing free or cheap date ideas to try in Vancouver

Planning a date can be stressful and pricey these days, so we thought we’d give you some ideas on what’s fun to do around the city for cheap! Whether you’re looking to save money, try something new, or find unique places to get to know someone, this list is for you. Cheap or free dates make for the best memories!

Here are 10 amazing date ideas to get you started.

Walk the False Creek Seawall

Photo via MaxAch / Shutterstock

Hey, this is a classic date destination for a reason. Sweeping views of the water, mountains, and downtown, winding path perfect for hand-holding (or not), and plenty of secluded benches to get comfy on.

If cycling is more your jam, then this is the perfect place to do it. Link up with your date on Granville Island and burn off those Lee’s doughnuts (2.50 each!) with a gorgeous bike ride along the seawall.

If you get a little parched on your journey, you can always stop at CRAFT for their daily happy hour specials or check out 33 acres. There is an abundance of breweries in the False Creek & Olympic Village area with local beers for under $6.

Where: False Creek

Grab a coffee

 

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Sure, it’s simple, but grabbing a cuppa joe (or tea) with someone is a great way to get to know them a little better—and not just their coffee order. Thankfully, Vancouver has an amazing coffee scene and there are a ton of options in the cafe-bakery variety.

Whether you stop by 49th Parallel or find yourself at one of Vancouver’s many ‘hidden’ corner cafes, we can pretty much guarantee that with the right beverage and atmosphere, you won’t even need a wingman.

Where: Check out our picks at the link above
Cost: Under $10

Stroll through Granville Island

 

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We hinted at it earlier, but Granville Island is easily a great destination all on its own. Walk around the public market, enjoy free live music (donation strongly encouraged!) and enjoy some of the best city views in Vancouver.

If the market is a little too crowded for your preference, you can always pick up some delicious ingredients to make dinner with your date or S/O at home.

Where: 1689 Johnston Street
Cost: Varies

Check out some cheap eats & drinks

 

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Vancouver isn’t exactly known to be “affordable” in any sense of the word. However, there are plenty of hidden gems scattered throughout the city that suggest otherwise. Major takeaway: not all delicious meals come with a hefty price tag. From Korean corn dogs to speakeasy bar food, we’ve got you covered.

Where: Check out the link above for our picks
Cost: Varies

Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery

Photo via Lissandra Melo / Shutterstock

In case you didn’t know, every Tuesday night from 5 to 8 pm the Vancouver Art Gallery is by donation. So if you and your date want to see some art while saving some coin, be sure to go on Tuesday evenings. We promise you won’t regret it.

Where: 750 Hornby Street
Cost: By donation

Eat your way through Chinatown

 

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Vancouver’s Chinatown has some of the best eats in town and what’s even better is that most of them are very affordable. And while everything is running on a mostly to-go format, it’s a great way to try multiple places on one date. We recommend stopping by Kam Wai Dim Sum and New Town Bakery to start.

Where: Chinatown
Cost: Varies

Go for a hike

Remember folks, you can always tell your date to take a hike. Or better yet, you can go on one together! Beyond paying for gas, there are tons of free hiking trails and parks in the province. If you need ideas you can check our spring hike guide above or start with something classic and fun like the Grouse Grind. And be sure to stay within limits, and stay safe.

Where: Check out our picks at the link above

Picnic in Vanier Park

Photo via Shawn / Shutterstock

Vanier Park is easily one of Vancouver’s most scenic parks. And it just so happens to be the perfect place to have a picnic, weather permitting! Simply grab your food, portable speaker, and a blanket and head on over—there’s tons of open space to settle in for a cozy chat.

Where: 1000 Chestnut Street

Rent a kayak or paddleboard

Photo via EB Adventure Photography / Shutterstock

While the weather might not be super kayak or paddleboard friendly right now, who says you can’t plan a great late-spring/early-summer date and lock it in early?

B.C. has some pretty spectacular bodies of water, so you might as well take advantage. Go for an afternoon on the water or an evening so you can enjoy what will hopefully be a glorious Vancouver sunset. Who knows, it might just be a new experience for both of you.

Where: Vancouver Water Adventures
Cost: 2-hour double kayak rental for $35

Watch the sunset at Lighthouse Park 

Photo via James Chen / Shutterstock

Yes, this requires going over to the North Shore, but the views are so worth it. You and your date can pack some nice snacks and cocoa and wait for the sun to give you a show. We promise you’ll both love it.

Where: 4902 Beacon Lane

Okay, folks—that’s all for now! We hope you enjoy these suggestions and take advantage of any add-ons we mentioned that may fit the vibe.

So get out there and have some fun!

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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