Joshua ReyThese days, planning the perfect date is no walk in the park. And seeing all the creative ideas on social media don’t help much, either.
With endless options, it’s easy to fall into decision paralysis — but fear not! We’ve been through enough dates (good and bad) to help you avoid the “where-should-we-go” panic.
So buckle up, because we’re about to dive into a list of fun, romantic, and downright unforgettable date ideas that’ll have you looking like a pro in the romance department.
Go on a Cooking Class
Pricing: $40 to $100 per person
Going on a cooking class date is a fun way to connect with your partner while picking up some new cooking skills. From comfort foods to gourmet dishes and international flavors, cooking together is a recipe for unforgettable memories.
Companies like Dirty Apron offer hands-on cooking classes with menus that cater to a variety of cuisines. Gourmet Warehouse also has hands-on and demo classes for all skill levels.
If you’re craving Italian, Pasta Boy Peter is your go-to. They teach everything from classic spaghetti and meatballs to more unique dishes like ravioli and Roman pizza.
And if a cozy weekend at home sounds more your speed, try an online cooking class. Nourish Cooking School offers virtual lessons that are just as interactive as in-person classes, only from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Vancouver has some of the best cooking classes available for those looking to expand their culinary skills and knowledge. Whether you prefer in-person or virtual classes, there are options to suit every taste and schedule.
Pro tip:
Most companies that offer cooking classes provide information on what you’re cooking in class. It’s wise to do some reading beforehand to impress your date!
Embark on a Winery Tour
Pricing: $62.63 to $147 per person
Here’s a fun date idea to channel your inner sommelier: a winery tour. You’ll get to enjoy local wines with unique flavor profiles alongside world-renowned varieties. Lucky for us, Vancouver and its surrounding areas are abundant with vineyards.
Vancouver Wine Tours offers a fun twist by taking you to three Fraser Valley wineries with the chance to belt out some karaoke on the road. For a more in-depth experience with behind-the-scenes access to the winemaking process, Canadian Craft Tours is a great pick.
Vine and Hops gives you plenty of options, hosting wine tours in Vancouver, Langley, and the Fraser Valley. If you’re up for a mix of flavors, their 4-hour mashup tour lets you choose from a combination of wineries, distilleries, cider houses, and breweries.
Pro tip:
Put on sunscreen as these wine tours (especially if you’re visiting more than one) can last several hours and you don’t want to risk getting sunburned.
Dine in the Dark at Dark Table
Website: http://www.darktable.ca/about.html
Pricing: $41 to $49
Address: 2611 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6K 1P8, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-739-3275
Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 5:30pm to 10:45pm
Dining in total darkness at Dark Table is a one-of-a-kind date experience. It’s all about heightening your other senses, making you more attuned to the flavors and creating a deeper connection with your date.
Your date will be amazed by how completely dark the space is, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. While the pitch-black setting can feel intimidating at first, you’ll quickly adjust and find your other senses coming alive.
Main courses here range from $3 to $6, and we highly recommend trying the ragu pasta—it’s incredibly tasty. The surprise starters, munchies, and desserts are also delicious, adding an extra layer of excitement to your meal.
Pro tip:
Make sure to remember your server’s name, you need to call them to take you to the bathroom!
Get Creative by Taking an Art Class Together
Pricing: $200 – $500
Taking an art class is a fantastic date idea because it lets you both tap into your creativity while bonding over a shared experience. Plus, you’ll leave with a unique piece of art to remember the day from Vancouver’s best art classes.
If you’re not ready to commit to multiple classes, Green Apple Art Center offers one-day sessions, and the best part? No experience is necessary! Even if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush, you’re welcome here.
For those who are more serious about their art, Canvas Method has 5-class courses in both drawing and painting. They offer weekday and weekend options, so you can choose what works best for your schedule.
Alternatively, Intuitive Art Beat takes a non-traditional approach, focusing on self-discovery and intuition rather than technique. You let colors and textures flow naturally, creating art from within—an unforgettable and meaningful date experience.
Pro tip:
Arrive early to these art classes so you have time to take the space in and set your intentions for the session.
Explore the Beauty of the Stanley Park Seawall by Bike
Media credit: lucaleeis
Website: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/stanley-park.aspx
Address: Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4, Canada
Biking in Stanley Park is not only a romantic date idea but also a scenic adventure. The stunning 28 km Seaside Greenway bike route begins at the Vancouver Convention Centre and loops around Stanley Park to Spanish Banks.
Stanley Park offers a perfect mix of ocean and mountain views along with a lush rainforest. Covering 400 hectares, the park boasts trees, picturesque trails, beaches, landmarks, and abundant wildlife, making it a great choice for an unforgettable ride.
There are plenty of bike rental options in the park. Yes Cycle has a variety of rentals, including women’s bikes, city bikes, and e-bikes. Jo-E Cycles and English Bay Bike Rentals also offer e-bikes alongside their usual bike rental selection.
If you’re looking for a full-service shop, Freedom Bikes Rentals provides repair, tune-ups, and maintenance services alongside their bike rentals.
Renting two separate bikes typically costs around $7 to $10.48 per hour, while a tandem bike for both of you is a bargain at $16.
Pro tip:
Just remember to wear closed shoes for biking, so if you don’t have any, make sure to stop by a shoe store first.
Watch Flicks Under the Stars at Fresh Air Cinema
Website: https://www.freshaircinema.ca/
Pricing: $10 for a single ticket and $25 for a 3 Ticket Pack
Contact details: 888-358-4285 Ext. 101
Watching a movie under the stars is proven to be a charming date night. It’s a refreshing twist on the classic movie date in a mall cinema. Either do it in a backyard or go to an outdoor venue like Fresh Air Cinema.
With the stars twinkling above, it’s sure to become one of the most romantic dates you’ve ever had. FreshAirCinema is a premier outdoor movie company that creates open-air cinemas with giant inflatable screens, projectors, sound systems, and generators.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to bring your own blankets and snacks as you cozy up with your date as they don’t really provide any seating or concessions.
Visit a Museum
Pricing: $13.50 to $29
Vancouver is brimming with museums and galleries, perfect for a date night filled with creativity. This lets you experience the city’s arts scene and support local artists. It’s a great way to spark interesting conversations with your date.
You can start with the Museum of Vancouver, the city’s oldest and largest civic museum. Next, visit the Vancouver Art Gallery or the Contemporary Art Gallery to view works by both celebrated and up-and-coming artists from Canada and around the world.
For a more intimate outing, check out smaller galleries around town like the Vancouver Maritime Museum, Vancouver Police Museum, or the Roedde House Museum.
Pro tip:
If you’re opting to visit the smaller museums, it’s a good idea to book tickets ahead or check their website for their opening hours as they may have limited availability or irregular schedules.
Enjoy the Thrill at Playland
Website: https://www.pne.ca/
Pricing: $33 – $55
Address: 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5K 5J1, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-253-2311
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 11am to 11pm
What better way to “accidentally” hold hands with your date than by riding roller coasters and sharing the thrill of amusement park rides? The adrenaline rush and shared excitement will make for a memorable bonding experience.
For a heart-pumping first date in Vancouver, head to Playland. It’s conveniently close to Richmond, making it easy to get to. The park offers a range of rides and attractions for everyone from little ones as young as three to adults and even seniors.
While the park isn’t enormous, it’s the perfect size with plenty to do. On a weekday, you’ll find it less crowded, so you won’t spend much time waiting in line. Wrap up the night by winning a prize from one of the fair games for a sweet ending to your date.
Pro tip:
Tickets are quite affordable, and buying them online in advance gets you a nice discount.
Get Competitive at Central City Fun Park
Website: http://www.centralcityfunpark.com/
Pricing: $
Address: 11125 124 St, Surrey, BC V3V 4V2, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-498-4897
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11am to 10pm
- Friday and Saturday: 11am to 12am
- Sunday: 11am to 10pm
This city is not called “Raincouver” for nothing. So, let’s say, just in case it rains on your date, don’t fret and head to the Central City Fun Park, Vancouver’s largest indoor amusement park.
This place has plenty of activities to keep you entertained. You can play mini golf, hit the arcade, go rollerblading, try your hand at bowling, or explore virtual reality games.
You could easily spend the whole night here and still find more to enjoy. The park features an indoor roller skate/blade rink, which costs 20-25 credits to enter. Miniature golf is around 20 credits, and there’s also miniature 10-pin bowling.
The large arcade includes two great pinball machines and a wide range of games for all skill levels. There’s also a loft party area available for booking and a movie theater-style kitchen.
The park operates on a card swipe system, earning you tickets that can be spent at the canteen.
Pro tip:
Ample parking is available, so make sure to take advantage of the free parking right in front of the arcade.
Play Board Games Together
Pricing: depends on cafe’s menu prices
Vancouver has plenty of board game cafes to add a touch of competition to your date night. It’s a fun indoor date idea that doesn’t require too much sweating and more strategizing and socializing. Plus, many of these cafes offer a wide selection of games to choose from!
For a fun indoor date, check out Back & Forth Bar, which offers free board games and is conveniently close to Gastown, where you can enjoy a stroll along its charming cobblestone streets afterward.
Pizzeria Ludica boasts a massive collection of over 1,244 games, including strategy, role-playing, party, and classic games.
If you’re into discovering underground board games, Turquoise Goat is the place to go. They feature unique and lesser-known titles like Harrow Country, City Builder, and Dune.
For a cozy and intimate setting, visit the Raving Gamer Bistro. This place combines dining with a bookstore vibe, surrounded by shelves full of board games, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed and engaging date.
Pro tip:
If you find a board game or two that you really enjoy, many of these board game cafes also sell the games. Just ask a staff member if you’re interested in buying a copy to take home.
