#1 Dinner at Prospect Point
For over 100 years, lovers have visited Prospect Point to gaze on the Northshore mountains and Lions Gate Bridge glittering over the Burrard Inlet. Today, it remains one of the city’s most romantic scenic lookouts.
Book a table at Prospect Point Bar & Grill, and if they’re not too busy getting lost in your eyes, they’ll be swept away by the stunning views.
#2 Capilano Suspension Bridge
North Vancouver’s Capilano Suspension Bridge has been and continues to be a popular date idea for couples, and for good reason. There’s something about strolling hand-in-hand through mossy ancient rainforests while fairy lights twinkle in the treetops that feels straight out of a fairytale. Enjoy the romantic solace of the forest, and then finish off with a hot drink from the Sugar Shack.
#3 Cocktails at Prohibition
With its rich velvet stools and sensual lighting, Prohibition Bar is reminiscent of a Roaring Twenties speakeasy. Live music and sleek interiors create an intimate environment, perfect for long-time or soon-to-be lovers. The menu boasts an impressive list of exciting and classic cocktails which have been carefully crafted by expert mixers.
#4 Sunset at Quarry Rock
If you’re and your partner are true Vancouverites, chances are you love to stay active – even on date night. Quarry Rock is a relatively easy hike (approximately 1.5 hours) located in Deep Cove. Add a dash of romance to your workout by surprising your date with a picnic or a bottle of wine at the top, and watch the sunset over Deep Cove.
#5 Food Tour at Granville Island
Besides good company, the best part of a great date is…the food. Make food the focus of your date at Vancouver’s famous Granville Island Public Market. The indoor market features an abundance of colourful food stands, selling everything from creamy gelato to artisanal pickles.
Stroll through the aisles with your partner, and support local vendors by trying as many different treats as possible. Your hearts and stomachs will be very full.
#6 VanDusen Botanical Garden
If a bouquet of flowers is romantic, an entire garden of stunning blooms must be magical. The VanDusen Botanical Gardens are a spectacular date idea year round. During the holidays the garden is decked in beautiful Christmas lights, and in the springtime the whole garden bursts into cherry blossoms in stunning hues of pink.
#7 Skating at Robson Square
Choosing a date idea can be extra stressful during the winter months when most of Vancouver’s outdoor activities are no longer an option. However, just because it’s cold outside does not mean you need to huddle indoors praying for spring. Instead, take a romantic ice skate on the skating rink in Robson Square. Renting skates is only $5 a pair, and don’t worry if you’re not a pro – just another reason to hold your lover’s hand.
#8 Peruse the Vancouver Art Gallery
The Vancouver Art Gallery features unique and groundbreaking exhibitions all year round. If you’re not an art expert, have no fear: date night is an excellent way to check out things you might not try on your own. And it doesn’t have to be pretentious – put on your pretend “art critic” hat, and just have fun with it!
#9 Dessert at the Vancouver Lookout Tower
Again, who doesn’t love food with a view? The Vancouver Lookout Tower is a quintessential element of the Vancouver skyline, and offers 360degree views of the city. Within the Lookout Tower is the Top of Vancouver revolving restaurant, with upscale, continental cuisine.
If you don’t want to pay for an entire dinner, end your evening off by having dessert and a drink instead while you float above the city.
#10 Classic Movie at Rio Theatre
You may have heard that dinner and a movie is an unimaginative and cliche date idea. However, the Rio Theatre in East Vancouver shows cult classics and independent films you aren’t likely to see at the Cineplex. Your date is sure to be impressed by your unique taste.
#11 Comedy Show at Vancouver Theatre Sports
It’s scientifically proven that the more you laugh on a date, the better you will recall the experience later on. If that’s true, a comedy show is the perfect way to leave your date smiling fondly on the memory of you.
Vancouver TheatreSports is an improv and comedy club located on Granville Island. The club hosts a variety of hilarious shows throughout the week that will sure to leave you and your date laughing long after the curtains close.
Tourism Vancouver / Vancouver TheatreSports League
Written by Katrina Martin. Photos courtesy of ©Lisanne Smeele, Destination BC/Hubert Kang, Tourism Vancouver & Rishad Daroowala, Destination Vancouver/Sombilon Studios
