Whether you've been together for a moment or forever, planning a date night you know they'll love is exciting. From spending a romantic weekend away or planning a spur-of-the-moment surprise, there is much to do in Vancouver that makes for a great date.
Free and no reservations required, the Seawall is ideal for a first date. Stroll or bike around the city and then stop for a coffee or a drink along the way.
If your idea of a good time is getting into the kitchen and preparing a meal together, sign up for a class with The Dirty Apron Cooking School. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you'll leave with a full belly and some new skills to whip out next time you're in the kitchen at home. For a more DIY version, head to Granville Island to gather your own ingredients to cook at home.
For the ultimate experience, jump in the car and head to Whistler's Scandinave Spa. It's about an hour and 45 minutes from the city and it's well worth the drive. Book a couple's massage and enjoy the hot and cold pools for some hydrotherapy. It's ridiculously relaxing and beautiful there.
If you feel like making the trip to Whistler a mini vacation, you could book from various Hotels in British Columbia at britishcolumbiahotels.net. The drive is close enough that you can make a day trip, otherwise spend the night and fit in some skiing at Whistler Blackcomb while you're there.
Perhaps a chic city hotel is more your style. In that case, be sure to check out options on tophotels.com. This platform can list some luxury stays within Vancouver itself, adding an extra splash of class to your romantic venture.
Whatever you choose, you'll be in their good books with any of these romantic things to do in Vancouver.
The Seawall is an iconic thing to do in the city, any time of year. Stretching 5.5-miles (8.8km) around Stanley Park, this jaunt is perfect on a sunny day to bike, walk or run around. Going around the Seawall is best enjoyed with a few stops here and there and fortunately for you, there are benches, beaches, cafes and restaurants with scenic views all along this paved path.
If the sun is shining and the temperature's rising, pack your towel and swimsuit and take advantage of the sandy beaches and cool ocean waters. No matter what your skill level is, the Seawall is enjoyable for all ages and athletic abilities.
During cooler months, bundle up and take in that fresh ocean air before retreating into a warm restaurant to catch a winter sunset.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: You don't have to go far for some of the best views of Vancouver. The Seawall's perfect for a walk, bike ride and/or picnic.
Natasha's expert tip: There are set paths for specific directions and different lanes for those walking or biking, so make sure to be in the correct lane and avoid getting in the way of oncoming traffic.
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For couples who like to challenge their workouts, Grouse Mountain is your spot. During warmer months, you'll want to hike the Grouse Grind. This 2.9-kilometer steep trek up the mountain is a tough one, but locals love it. Make sure to wear proper shoes and bring water.
Should you rather appreciate the view without the sweating, take the gondola up. It's open year-round. At the top, enjoy the scenery with a cold pint and have a wander around. During the winter, the hills are covered with snow and make for great local skiing. They also have snowshoeing and other winter activities in the colder months.
If there's one thing that remains the same at Grouse, it's has to be the view. It's a stunner throughout the year.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Whether you want to hike, ski, snowshoe or skate, romance can be found throughout the year on this hill-side retreat.
Natasha's expert tip: Enjoy a romantic dinner at the top!
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A cozy night in of eating good food and drinking wine is hard to beat, and Granville Island is a charming spot to get inspired.
Once Vancouver's industrial manufacturing area, Granville Island is now home to many local artists, restaurants, theatres, and more.
Once you have made your away around the shops, head over to the Public Market. There you can treat your taste buds to some local smoked salmon, artisan cheeses from Benton Brothers, local produce from one of the few green grocers, the charcuterie in the city from Oyama, fresh crab and lobster from the Lobster Man, and fresh pastas from Duso's . That's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the incredible vendors the market has so make sure to take some time to explore. Liberty Wine Merchants is where to get a nice bottle of vino.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: If your idea of romance is dreaming up menu ideas for dinner, Granville Island is the best place to get inspired.
Natasha's expert tip: Go during off peak hours during the weekday to avoid weekend and holiday crowds.
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The Sea to Sky Gondola takes you on a 10-minute ride up the mountain to the Summit Lodge. Once at the top, this magnificent piece of nature is yours to explore.
There are hiking trails, a suspension bridge, viewing platforms, mountain biking trails, walking paths, rock climbing, a lodge and more. For the experienced hiker, there are an abundant number of trails that will challenge and inspire.
For those who are less experienced, there are two walking trails that have been carved out and are great for all ages. The Panorama trail and Spirit trail are pretty flat, making them very easy to navigate.
They offer guided tours every day at 11am and 2pm. If you're unfamiliar with the area, or worried about getting lost, these guided tours are awesome and take out the guess work for you.
There's a restaurant and bar at the top with equally epic views.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Enjoy some spectacular views from the Sea to Sky Gondola. Looking for a spot to pop the question? This is it!
Natasha's expert tip: If you and your partner are outdoor enthusiasts and want to come here regularly, you can purchase a season's pass to save money.
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This is for you if your idea of romance is a day on the slopes, folllowed by apres in a chalet. Whistler-Blackcomb is known as one of the best ski resorts in the world. With an average annual snowfall of 30 feet and glacier skiing that often lasts into August, it's not hard to see why.
The two mountains have a combined acreage of over 8100 acres, with 200 marked trails and 38 lifts able to move 61,407 skiers per hour. The longest runs are seven miles, and there are several snowboarding parks and pipes. Each mountain has a number of restaurants to grab a bite and a drink.
After the end of your run, enjoy Whistler Village's bountiful apres ski selection. There are plenty of ski-in and ski-out hotels and lodging options around the mountain if you want to make a night of it.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Whistler Blackcomb offers some of the best skiing in North America. Whether you're new or a seasoned pro, it'll be a fun date.
Natasha's expert tip: No car? No problem. There are plenty of chartered buses that make their way to and from Whistler daily from Vancouver.
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Going out for a meal is a tried and true date, but this meal out is a little different and unexpected, which totally adds to the charm. For something unique, dress up and enjoy afternoon tea at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver's Notch8.
Tucked away in the back of Notch8 is their private dining room and this is where they host afternoon tea. Throughout the year, they switch up the tea's theme, but it's always something fun with plenty of wow. Choose your tea from the extensive tea list and brace yourself for a feast of sweet and savoury treats.
Want to keep things going after tea? Grab a seat at Notch8's bar for cocktails.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: A cozy room with a hot cuppa and delicious bites makes afternoon tea at The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver's Notch 8 a great date.
Natasha's expert tip: Afternoon tea at Notch8 is quite popular so be sure to make a reservation.
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It's no surprise that way up in the sky is where you'll find some of the best views of British Columbia. Take your date to new heights with one of Harbour Air's seaplane tours. There are over a dozen different tours to choose from, with some being 20 minutes and others lasting the day.
The Vancouver Classic Panorama tour is their most popular with 20 minutes of flight time. This option takes you around the city to show off Vancouver's beautiful beaches, cityscape, and mountains. The Alpine Lakes & Glaciers tour is a neat one as it takes you over Mount Mamquam and a stunning lake. During the summer, they land on a lake and you have the option to add on a lakeside picnic.
It doesn't matter which tour you choose, any of them offer a unique way to spend a date.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: A date with Harbour Air Seaplanes takes things to a new level, literally. It's the best way to see the city.
Natasha's expert tip: Be sure to book your flight in advance.
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Sure you could go to a restaurant for a beautiful meal, but there's something romantic about accomplishing something great together. If your idea of romance is getting into the kitchen and cooking up a storm, this is for you. The cooking school is much sought after and classes fill up quickly so it's best to sign up early. If a class is full, you can request to be put on the waitlist. The kitchen's gorgeous and you won't have to worry about too many cooks in the kitchen as class sizes are limited and there's plenty of room to move around.
The classes themselves vary so you can choose a cuisine that speaks to you. Classes last for about two and a half to four hours. After you've made your dishes, you're invited to sit at a long communal table to tuck in, have a glass of wine and enjoy.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: The Dirty Apron Cooking School offers some cooking classes that are specifically geared towards couples. Though, all of their classes would be a treat too.
Natasha's expert tip: Classes fill up quickly so keep an eye on the schedule and book your class early.
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The Willow Stream Spa is a luxury spa located on the 5th floor of the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel and it's the perfect place for a couple's massage.
Overlooking the water and the North Shore mountains, the spa has a stunning view like no other in Vancouver. As you'd expect, the Willow Stream Spa's amenities are fab. Before your treatment, enjoy the indoor and outdoor lounges. There's hot tea, infused water and healthy snacks for you to have while you're there. Afterwards, relax in a jacuzzi and finish your time off in the hydrotherapy experience shower. There's also a steam room and infrared sauna.
They recommend that their spa guests arrive 45 minutes prior to your appointment to get into relaxation mode and familiarize with the facilities.
After your massage, head downstairs to Botanist or the Lobby Lounge for a bite to eat, cocktails and music.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Pacific Rim offers a blissful experience that will leave you both feeling incredibly rested and connected.
Natasha's expert tip: They offer robe and sandal attire between spa treatments and lockers to put your belongings.
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Mountain vistas, steam rising from hot pools and the soul-filling allure of fresh air. Does it get any better? Scandinave Spa in Whistler is an oasis that's worth making the trek to from Vancouver to. Open throughout the year, Scandinave is always a magical place to go. Step inside the serene building, check-in, and head to the luxurious change rooms to lock up your belongings. For your comfort, they provide a towel and a robe to use throughout the day.
Head outside and take a moment to enjoy the serene sight before you and enjoy the hot and cold plunge pools, reading huts, saunas, and relaxation areas.
You can spend the day using the sauna, plunge pools and relaxations areas, or combine that pass with a massage or another treatment. Whatever you choose, Scandinave is a place you need to experience at least once in your lifetime.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Scandinave Spa - Whistler is one of the most romantic and beautiful spas in British Columbia. It's impossible to beat the view here.
Natasha's expert tip: There's a no talking policy to ensure everyone has a rejuvenating experience.
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