The sun is shining and the weather is heating up, which means it’s the perfect time to get outside and make the most of it with someone special. So while we love a good speakeasy date or meal out, the season is calling us outside – and we’re ready to answer. So with that in mind, here are 10 amazing outdoor date ideas to try out in and around Vancouver.
Bard on the Beach
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If you dig light opera, fine wine, and fireworks – we’ve got the perfect date night event for you. Returning to Sen̓áḵw/Vanier Park this year is Vancouver’s beloved Bard on the Beach event, and they’ve recently kicked off their 2023 program, which features Bard’s 2018 blockbuster As You Like It and Shakespeare’s thrilling political drama, Julius Caesar.
On the Howard Family Stage, there are two productions you can check out: Henry V, set in a mythical realm, and the interactive ‘Goblin’ comedy, Macbeth, created by an acclaimed team of Canadian theatre-makers.
When: Until the end of September
Where: 1695 Whyte Avenue
Cost: Varies by production
Go on a hot air balloon ride
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This one requires a bit of a day-trip mentality, but it’s definitely worth your while. Okanagan Ballooning is family-owned and operated, and has been flying out of the Okanagan Valley for almost 20 years. They currently operate a 6-passenger balloon named Aurora, which can be in the sky anywhere between 45 minutes to 3 hours per ride, depending on the weather.
Standard flights cost $425-450 per person, or you can book a romantic 3-hour flight for two for $1,750.
Rocket & Roll Drag Night
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While this one’s not quite outdoors, it’s technically under the stars, so we’re counting it. From 7 to 9:30 pm on Thursday, July 13th, the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre will host an all-ages drag night with music and astronomy under the dome in the Planetarium Star Theatre. So if you love drag and want to learn more about some of the most puzzling astronomical queries – this date idea is a perfect fit.
Guests will journey through the early eras of space travel and explore the technology, triumphs, and challenges astronauts of the time faced – accompanied by the biggest rock hits of the 60s, 70s, and 80s.
When: Thursday, July 13th
Where: 1100 Chestnut Street
Cost: $23.23
Visit a Japanese garden
The Nitobe Memorial Japanese Garden has reopened for the spring! Located at UBC, this incredible garden prompted the former Japanese Emperor to say “I am in Japan” during a visit. If that’s not a mark of authenticity, then we don’t know what is. Plus, admission is just $5 per person.
When: Open throughout the summer
Where: 1895 Lower Mall, UBC
Cost: $5 per person
Hit up a night market
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Whether you want to load up on tasty street fare at the Richmond Night Market or hit up this year’s Vegan Night Market for some plant-based treats, there are plenty of choices for foodies to check out this spring.
Where: See our picks above
Dahlia Show at VanDusen
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If your date is a flower fiend, consider stopping by VanDusen this August for the Vancouver Dahlia Society’s annual Dahlia Show! Beautiful vibrant colours and varieties await from 1 to 5 pm on Saturday, August 26th and from noon until 3:30 pm on Sunday, August 27th
When: Saturday, August 26th and Sunday, August 27th
Where: 5251 Oak Street
Cost: By donation
Walk around Granville Island
No matter how you slice it, Granville Island is a great option for a romantic date. Pick up some groceries from the market (and a couple of sweet treats while you’re at it). Go on a gallery tour and see if any live shows are playing that night. Or, just stroll around the area and grab a bite to eat afterwards!
Where: 1689 Johnston Street and the surrounding area
Go on a waterfall hike
It goes without saying that BC is home to some of the most scenic hikes in the country – but there happen to be some particularly striking waterfalls you can check out on many of them! Stay cool and impress your date with a spectacular view.
Where: Click the link above for more info
Go on an adrenaline-inducing adventure
And if you want to get your blood pumping even more, consider checking out some exciting ziplining, cliff diving, and other adrenaline-inducing adventures. Of course, caution is paramount with extreme sports & activities – but a little risk-taking never hurt anyone!
Where: See our picks above
Enjoy the Capilano Suspension Bridge
Ok, time for some of the iconic choices around the city. North Vancouver’s amazing tourist attraction has reopened for the spring. Dress properly, and you can experience the beauty of the bridge in the rain, which is an underrated sight for Vancouverites.
When: Open daily
Where: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Cost: $62.95 for a day pass
So there you have it, Vancouver. If you need some outdoor date ideas to jumpstart the warmer months, consider this a great place to start.
