For a romantic escape, Vancouver is the ideal destination. With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse culture, and unmatched culinary offerings, there’s something to satisfy everyone. From couples seeking thrilling adventures or those looking for a more low-key experience, there are many great date ideas in Vancouver.
From strolling through beautiful Stanley Park to enjoying a dinner cruise, here are 27 date ideas in Vancouver, British Columbia.
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Take a Vancouver Dinner Cruise
Surprise your partner with a lavish evening on one of Vancouver’s beautiful dinner cruises. Enjoy exquisite cuisine and incredible views while you drift along the city skyline, as well as live music or dancing to make your night even more special.
When it comes to date ideas in Vancouver, a dinner cruise is a great option, but if you want to take it up a notch by reserving a sunset cruise or fireworks display as it will certainly be an experience that neither of you will ever forget.
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Go Whale Watching
What could be more exciting and memorable when it comes to date ideas in Vancouver than a whale-watching cruise? Join a professional naturalist guide on this half-day whale-watching experience as you search for orcas, seals, porpoises, and eagles. The waters for your cruise are renowned for attracting whales, offering an up to 90% success rate with sightings. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy spectacular scenery set amidst the Gulf and the San Juan Islands. Your whale-watching trip from Vancouver includes round-trip transport from your hotel, plus bottled water and snacks.
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Take a Romantic Gondola Ride
Create unforgettable memories with your significant other on a romantic getaway to Grouse Mountain. Take in the breathtaking panorama of Vancouver’s skyline and its majestic mountains while riding the scenic gondola to the top of the mountain, where you can then go for a hike, enjoy some outdoor activities, or simply sit back with a glass of wine.
Reaching the mountain peak is merely the beginning of an exciting adventure. The outdoor activities you can indulge in are endless, from thrilling ziplining and hiking to observing wildlife and dining at one of several delicious restaurants.
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Take a Food Tour in Historic Gastown
For food-obsessed couples, Vancouver is the ultimate destination for an unforgettable culinary journey. While there are a variety of food tours in Vancouver, one of the best is this 2.5-hour Vancouver Gastown Food Tour, which offers everything from Canadian classics like poutine to Japanese Kar-age style chicken to local craft beer. As you walk, your improv comedy actor guide will regale you with stories of the neighbourhood’s wild past, and tell you how it emerged into a hub for art and culture.
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Explore the Capilano Suspension Bridge
For a romantic and thrilling outing, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is a great spot for couples! Standing 70 metres above the breathtakingly beautiful Capilano River, this bridge offers magnificent views of lush evergreen forests and a thrill for those nervous about heights. You can choose to have an expert-led tour or explore it on your own with plenty of time to savour its beauty.
The surrounding area also boasts a treetop adventure park where you can enjoy ziplining and other activities that will test your agility. If you prefer something more tranquil, there’s always the cliff walk, which will show you spectacular canyon vistas and give an excellent view of the river beneath.
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Take a Seaplane Tour Over Vancouver
One of Vancouver’s most iconic images is the many seaplanes taking off near Canada Place. So when it comes to unique and cool date ideas in Vancouver, why not treat your partner to a 20-minute picturesque seaplane tour for amazing views of the city, harbour and nearby mountain peaks? This is definitely a bucket-list adventure that you’ll never forget.
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Take a Stroll in Stanley Park
Stanley Park offers couples a tranquil escape to reconnect with nature while they take romantic strolls. Spanning 405 hectares, this urban oasis is home to lush forests, picturesque beaches, and breathtaking views of the city skyline. To maximize your excursion together, rent bicycles or tandem bikes for an enjoyable journey along its many trails and paths, which are perfect for amorous exploration.
For a romantic or special occasion, the park offers couples breathtaking sunsets along its seawall and horse-drawn carriage tours as well. If you prefer an outdoor feast, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby that offer delicious food perfect for picnicking.
Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tour
Speaking of Stanley Park, if you’re looking for unique date ideas, check out this 1-hour horse-drawn carriage tour of Stanley Park, allowing you to discover the natural beauty of the park without tiring your feet. An informative guide shares engaging commentary on the sights, including the Rose Garden, Girl in a Wetsuit Statue and the famous First Nations totem poles.
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Visit Granville Island
From the public market featuring local farmers, artisans, and merchants to the many restaurants and waterfront views, Granville Island is a great place for date ideas in Vancouver. Take the harbour ferry to the island, book yourself in for a tasty meal, shop for some handmade goods, and then watch the sunset over the city. You could even rent a kayak or some Seadoos for some outdoor adventure.
Enjoy a Sunset at Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach can be a romantic destination for couples to bask in the beauty of a sunset. Conveniently located downtown, this picturesque beach satisfies both locals and tourists alike with its pristine shoreline.
Couples can take a leisurely stroll along the sand or indulge in an intimate picnic while relishing their gorgeous surroundings. This beach also offers adventurous water activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, or swimming.
Visit the Vancouver Aquarium
If you and your loved one are into sea life, the Vancouver Aquarium is the perfect place for couples to explore and discover a variety of remarkable marine life, including sea lions, sea otters, sharks, and more.
Couples can take advantage of interactive exhibits that offer hands-on experiences as well as fun live shows. Venture behind the scenes with exclusive guided tours where you’ll uncover how the aquarium operates while learning even more about these fascinating creatures.
Take a scenic drive to Whistler
Couples looking for a romantic escape should visit Whistler, which is only two hours away from Vancouver. During the drive to get there, you’ll be surrounded by majestic mountain peaks and awe-inspiring views.
Once in this charming village, you can partake in various outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, or many other outdoor adventures. You could even just lay back and enjoy the many spas. There are also many great restaurants, bars, and shops, perfect for couples seeking an unforgettable time together!
If you don’t have a vehicle, no sweat! Try the Whistler and Sea-to-Sky Gondola Tour, which has almost all 5-star reviews and includes your transportation from Vancouver.
Visit the Museum of Anthropology
The Museum of Anthropology is an incredible place to explore art, culture, and history from around the globe. If you’re looking for date ideas in Vancouver that involve a touch of education, this museum offers something special for everyone.
Take your time wandering through its impressive exhibits as well as its stunning gardens while enjoying beautiful views of the sea and mountains.
Take a Dip in Hot Springs
Couples seeking to retreat from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives can find solace at Harrison Hot Springs, a magnificent destination located an hour and a half east of Vancouver. These hot springs feature naturally heated mineral water, the perfect setting for total relaxation & rejuvenation. In addition, couples can explore its lush hiking trails or kayaking paths while immersing themselves in nature’s beauty. If you’re looking for a longer road trip, check out our guide to the best hot springs in BC.
Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery
If you’re a couple looking for an enriching cultural experience, the Vancouver Art Gallery is your go-to destination. This gallery boasts works of art from all around the world, modern and traditional alike, for you to explore. You can even join guided tours, workshops, lectures, and movie screenings or listen to live music performances that are held in this amazing space throughout the year.
Take a Day Trip to Bowen Island
A picturesque ferry ride awaits couples who set sail to Bowen Island, located just a stone’s throw away from Horseshoe Bay. Experience the quaint and idyllic village while exploring diverse outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, or fishing. You can also indulge in mouth-watering delicacies at one of its restaurants or cafes afterward.
Visit the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
If you are looking for a romantic retreat, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is an ideal spot to recharge and reconnect with your loved one.
Everything from its pavilions to rock formations mirrors classic Chinese design principles that will create a truly warm atmosphere as you explore it together, whether on a guided tour or in privacy. The garden’s calming environment is perfect for couples wanting some peace and serenity while they spend quality time together, all within downtown Vancouver.
Take a Brewery Tour
For couples looking to explore Vancouver’s craft beer scene, a brewery tour is the perfect way to sample some of the city’s best brews. The guided tours take you and your partner through several breweries, allowing you to taste unique beers and understand more about their production process. Moreover, it allows couples to meet local brewers and passionate beer lovers while learning even more about this remarkable city.
Don’t Miss it! Check out this behind-the-scenes Vancouver brewery tour that offers transportation, VIP brewery tours, priority seating, tastings, and a souvenir beer glass!
Visit the Olympic Village
The Olympic Village is an ideal romantic destination for couples looking to explore the charm and beauty of Vancouver. With breathtaking views along the False Creek seawall, delicious restaurants, quaint cafes, boutique shops, and even kayak or paddleboard rentals, this waterfront neighbourhood will delight any visitor.
Built for the 2010 Winter Olympics as a testament to its splendour, it’s no wonder why so many come back time and again to experience this enchanting place.
Take Yoga Classes Together
Vancouver is a paradise for couples looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its vibrant, healthy culture, it’s no surprise that there are numerous yoga studios offering classes for all levels; from vinyasa to hatha or restorative styles – whatever floats your boat.
Taking part in these activities together will not only help you both relax but also provide an opportunity to reconnect with each other and grow.
Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip from Vancouver
For couples looking for an unforgettable experience, take a day trip to explore Victoria, one of the most beautiful cities in Canada. As the capital of British Columbia, historical architecture awaits around every corner.
This full-day tour from Vancouver brings you by coach and ferry to spend the day exploring Butchart Gardens, a 55-acre (22-hectare) haven for nature enthusiasts, as well as lots of time in the city. Take your own time to walk around the city and take in the marvellous views of the harbour.
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Take a Cooking Class
Vancouver is home to some of the world’s most renowned chefs, allowing couples to not only explore their mutual love for food but also learn something new together. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, there are cooking classes available at local culinary schools that will take your skillset up a notch.
Whether you’re looking to cook Italian delicacies or sample Asian recipes, there are also sorts of cooking classes when it comes to date ideas in Vancouver. A romantic and intimate setting like this comes with its own special recipe – quality time spent strengthening relationships as you bond over delicious dishes.
Take a Pottery Class
Vancouver is the perfect destination for couples looking to explore something new together. With a wide selection of pottery studios offering classes specifically tailored toward beginners, it’s easy to find an activity that appeals to everyone.
Couples get the chance to make their custom keepsakes while bonding and having fun, there’s no better way than starting off with some clay-moulding creativity on your next date night.
Go on a Hike
Vancouver is renowned for its gorgeous natural wonders, making hiking one of the top ways to appreciate it. Couples can venture through the city’s numerous trails and bask in awe-inspiring sights of snowcapped mountains, dense forests, and tranquil waterways.
Popular routes include Grouse Mountain, Quarry Rock, and Lynn Canyon, all offering exceptional scenery that will make for some great photos together.
Visit the Bloedel Conservatory in Queen Elizabeth Park
For couples in search of a romantic getaway, the Bloedel Conservatory offers an idyllic outdoor experience without ever having to leave the city. Stroll together through lush gardens and admire a variety of plants, birds, and butterflies. This is also one of the cheapest date ideas in Vancouver and you can top it all off by exploring Queen Elizabeth Park.
Go on a Sunset Sail
If you’re searching for a romantic escape in Vancouver, then take your beloved out on a serene sunset sail. Whether celebrating an anniversary or just a special night out, sailing offers the ultimate romantic experience. Experience golden hues as you drift into the sunset with your glass of champagne in hand and let the soothing sound of the water set a tranquil atmosphere for what will be an unforgettable evening.
Go on a Scenic Drive Up to Cypress Mountain
For couples seeking an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Cypress Mountain should be at the top of your list. Just outside Vancouver lies this incredible ski resort with a road that meanders through picturesque mountains providing breathtaking views along its route.
Upon arriving, you can explore all kinds of activities such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or hiking, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience amongst nature’s beauty.
Looking for More Things to Do?
While there are so many date ideas in Vancouver for couples, there’s so much more to this beautiful seaside city. From city parks to mountain adventures, Vancouver has it all. Plus, there are so many road trips that can take you to further destinations. For more ideas on what to do, check out these travel guides below.
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