15 Places To Go On A Date In Vancouver That Aren't Awkward
So uh... do you like stuff?
There is nothing more cringe-worthy than an awkward first date.
We rarely find ourselves blaming the third element (the date activity), but it's possible that your date last week was weird AF just because you were doing simply the wrong thing.
So rather than constantly asking yourself why your dates are always so rotten or why you only seem to be able to find the most expired fruit in the bunch, try one of these dates!
Who knows! That rotten looking banana might just turn out to be Mr. Ripe!
1. Renting bikes and biking the Seawall
Cost: $12
The most slept on date in Vancouver. We live in one of the nicest places in the world, so why would you not want to see as much of that magic as possible on a date? The Seawall is a great choice as you get to exercise, you aren't particularly obligated for conversation if you can't think of anything to say, and you can stop at any restaurant/bar/cafe patio along the way for lunch or dinner!
2. Salsa Sundays at Robson Square
Cost: Free
Who doesn't want to learn to dance? There's no easier way to spark romance in a more natural way than through the art of dance. Even if you're a bad dancer, you are learning together in a situation where most of the other people are also inexperienced. And you don't have to talk too much either! Just dance!
3. Get stuffed at the Richmond Night Market
Cost: General admission $3.75
Don't know what to talk about? There're endless things to talk about here. The Richmond Night Market is mad stimulating so you will never run out of something to talk about or comment on. There's so much to see, buy, eat, and if you have enough energy after all that, they've done some great add-ons to their games section, which leaves no room for awkward gaps in things to do.
4. Sunday Funday at The Metropole Pub
Cost: Drink specials for $3.25, probably won't spend more than $25.
If you plan on going out for drinks, this should definitely be high up in your list of suggestions. Most people think going out for drinks means getting dressed up and hitting up Brix & Mortar, but it doesn't have to be such a formal thing. Sundays at The Met means Mario Kart, cheap drinks, and ping pong. "Casual drinks" don't get anymore casual than that!
5. Go on a mini hike up Quarry Rock.
Cost: Free
Why a short hike? Because the lack of conversation from a long hike can make for an awkward time. We suggest hiking Quarry Rock in Deep Cove! It's short, the view is breathtaking but the hike isn't, so your confidence will be boosted from this sense of accomplishment. There are also tons of cute cafes and dessert places in Deep Cove to go afterwards to reward yourselves after some physical activity.
6. Go to Off The Grid Waffles and eat bomb desserts.
Cost: $15
This is a great afternoon date spot not only because they have great milkshakes and desserts, each table has a game of Jenga on it so there's never not something to do while you eat.
Pro tip: Don't let the Jenga pieces fall into your food or drinks! Guard them!
7. Head over to Comedy Mix and laugh the night away.
Cost: $8-$20
If you struggle with trying to be funny but only have the capacity to make dad jokes (if this you, I understand your pain) then try a comedy show! Whether the show is funny or not is irrelevant, because you can laugh at how awkward the show is or you can laugh at the show itself!
8. Have dinner by the beach at English Bays Cactus Club.
Cost: $15-$30
There are fewer things out there more romantic than the sunset at English Bay, and Cactus Club is a great spot to catch it. This spot is specifically great because as the sun goes down you can people watch, which always makes for an easy topic of conversation.
9. Go on a tour of all the different breweries in False Creek.
Cost: Hard to say..
We're big advocates for getting out there and exploring your city. With that said, what better way to explore your city than by going on a tour of the different breweries we have in False Creek! Best part is that if the vibe isn't right where you're at, you can always hop to the next spot!
10. Head to Guilt & Co. on a Thursday for #GroundUp.
Cost: By donation, suggested $5
On Thursdays, Guilt & Co. hosts #GroundUp which is their R&B and soul night! This guarantees a smooth #mood for the evening, complete with live music and a candle lit dinner.
11. Go to the Vancouver Aquarium during After Hours.
Cost: $31 Entry
Grab some wine and tour the aquarium during their After Hours event! This is an epic way to learn and explore the different galleries that they have to offer without being surrounded by a sea of children. This is a great first date because there's always some mind blowing thing to look at and talk about.
12. Kick back and have fun at Back and Forth.
Cost: $10 - $25
Back And Forth is known for their abundance of board games, ping pong tables, and their super fun environment. Looking for a nice casual place where you can relax, play games, drink, and get to know each other? This is the spot!
13. Get competitive at Commodore Lanes.
Cost: $6.50 per game
A great way to get cute and competitive is to go bowling and/or play billiards, and you can do both here! Being located on Granville allows for a lot of flexibility as far as where the night could go after.
14. Grab a coffee and get to know eachother.
Cost: $5-$10
This seems like a no-brainer but too many people overlook how great just grabbing a coffee with someone can be. Sometimes a date doesn't have to be such a grandiose occasion but just a simple getting to know each other. And if the date doesn't go great, you can always say you have dinner plans.
15. Go to the PNE and ride every ride.
Cost: $36
A great way to get to know one another is to go ride the scariest rides together. You really get to know what someone is made of at the top of the Hellavator, and if rides really aren't your thing, then you can play all the different games there all day!