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 this winter for cheap. Whether you’re looking to save money, try something new, or find unique places to spend time with your Valentine, this list is for you.
Here are 11 amazing date ideas to get you started!
Walk the False Creek Seawall
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 or R&B Brewing for a more casual patio setting. 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
Rent a couple of e-bikes
Folks who want to hop on a Mobi and go on a joyride can do so with an emission-free electric bike that’s not only energy and time-efficient, but money-efficient as well. Whether you bike through Stanley Park or go across the Lions Gate Bridge, Mobi has you covered. The 24 Hour Pass gives you access to e-bikes for 25¢/min for the first 30 minutes and 35¢/min thereafter.
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, check out some pumpkins, and load up on your fave BC-grown produce while you’re at it. And if you want to sprawl out on a patio with a couple of bubbles, we highly suggest the new Tap & Barrel Bridges spot!
Where: 1689 Johnston Street
See some local art
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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
Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery
By the same token, you can visit the Vancouver Art Gallery on Tuesday nights for admission by donation between 5 and 8 pm.
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Cost: By donation
Where: See our picks above
Hit up a happy hour or two
Vancouver isn’t exactly known to be “affordable” in any sense of the word, but we do have some great happy hour deals scattered around the city that are definitely worth noting. Major takeaway: Not all delicious meals or bevies come with a hefty price tag. If the sun’s out (or even if it isn’t), it may be time to try a new local watering hole!
Where: Check out the link above for our picks
Cost: Varies
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
Watch the sunset at Lighthouse Park
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
Do some skiing
We know hitting the slopes can cost a pretty penny, but these are some of the cheapest lift tickets around Vancouver. So if a day shredding powder is on the agenda, no need to shell out the big bucks for these picks. And if you’re looking for more exciting outdoor activities to try out this winter – we’ve got you covered.
Where: See our picks above
Robson Square Skating Rink
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Want to keep things a little more local? Head to the Robson Square Ice Skating Rink for a quintessential wintertime experience. This free-to-access space is a great spot to lace ’em up with that special someone and works perfectly with our next recommendation…
When: Opens for the season on December 2nd
Where: 800 Robson Street
Cost: Varies per rental
And that’s a wrap, Vancouver. We hope you enjoy these cheap & affordable date ideas and take advantage of any add-ons we mentioned that may fit the vibe!
