9 romantic dates in and around Vancouver to go on with your boo for under $30 this season
It's tempting to curl up on the sofa this time of year, watching Christmas movie after Christmas movie, but there's actually a lot to do in Vancouver during the colder months.
Think romantic strolls with a hot chocolate in hand under twinkling lights, or a night out that isn't just a fancy dinner reservation. The perfect dates with your partner for this winter don't have to break the bank, because all of these are either free or under $30.
With holiday shopping being top of mind, it never hurts to save a bit of money, while still keeping the romance alive. If you want to do just that then here are nine romantic date ideas around Vancouver that will impress your second half this season.
Merry & Bright at Martini Town
This small town is actually a production set, used as the backdrop for movies and shows, that's usually closed off to the public. It's tucked away in Langley, which is about 45 minutes from Vancouver and opens up to the public during the holiday season when it's decked out in festive decor and sparkling lights.
The streets of the town pose as New York in movies, and you'll feel like you've stepped into the city here when you pass by the Brownstones.
Then there's the cute small town square, which will make you feel like you're in a Hallmark plot. This spot is literally out of a movie and tickets are $22 for adults, and you can buy them on the Martinti Town website.
Skating at Robson Square
Lace up your skates and head to Robson Square, which has a free outdoor skating rink that's open from December until February. If you don't have skates you can rent them here for only $5, and glide around the picturesque rink with your partner.
It's open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., so you can go skate around and then grab a bite to eat after — making for the perfect date night.
District 1881
District 1881 is a little neighbourhood that comes alive during the holidays with pedestrian-only alleys, decorated storefronts, and a massive Christmas tree to top it all off.
It looks like it was plucked from the set of a Hallmark movie too but it's a real village only an hour and a half drive from Vancouver, in Chilliwack. The European-inspired village has lots of spots to get holiday shopping done, restaurants, and festive events throughout the season. It's free to visit, so you can save your money for gifts.
Grab your partner and spend the afternoon wandering around this place, getting into the holiday mood.
Trestle Bridge
This floating boardwalk in West Vancouver lights up at night, and winds through an evergreen forest, leading to a spectacular ocean view.
The illuminated bridge is in Cypress pop-up village, where you can grab a bite to eat after your walk or head there beforehand to get a magical view of the sunset. The bridge is also free of charge, so it makes the perfect evening date.
Go to a VIP movie night
Level up your movie date night by going to the VIP theatre in Vancouver. The Cineplex Cinemas Marine Gateway and VIP theatre is more pricey than your average movie-going experience but makes for a fun night out that feels a little more elevated. It's also 19+ so there are no kids allowed here.
Tickets are $25 but you get extra comfy seats to cozy up in, and you can order meals and cocktails right to your seat.
Vancouver Christmas Market
This annual German-style holiday market is a must-do in the city. There's a bunch of vendors here with local goods, treats, and all the holiday vibes from November 13 to December 24.
You can get a cup of mulled wine to sip on as you walk around, exploring the mini-village or even taking a spin on the carousel. There's also different events that run throughout the season that you can check out.
You can get a season pass starting at $35.99, or go for the single-entry general admission which starts at $19.99. You can buy tickets for the market on the Vancouver Christmas Market website.
VanDusen Festival of Lights
From November 29, 2024, to January 5, 2025, a million twinkling lights illuminate the VanDusen Botanical Garden, and it's one of the most romantic walks you can take in the city. The light display covers 15 acres of the garden, and it's a magical sight to take in. There are also food vendors here and themed areas, plus Dancing Lights shows every 20 minutes.
Tickets to go to the event are sold online, where you can pick an entry time. Tickets are $28 for adults.
White Rock Pier
Get out of Vancouver and make the drive to the place that's home to Canada's Longest Pier, which is surrounded by the glow of holiday lights during the Christmas season.
Just 40 minutes from Vancouver this oceanside holiday walk will take you through tunnels lit up and by holiday displays. The waterfront lights will go until January 12, 2025, so you have lots of time to enjoy the wintry vibe.
After exploring the lights and walking out onto the long pier, you can grab dinner at one of the restaurants here before making the trip back to the city.
Go for a winter hike
While there's nothing better than cozying up on a cold day, Vancouver is famous for its surrounding nature, so it needs exploring. While the city doesn't get a ton of snow typically, there are lots of winter-friendly hikes that will take you up into the mountains and transport you into a snowy wonderland.
Try out Dog Mountain on Mount Seymour if you want a stunning view of the city, with the ocean on one side and mountain peaks on the other. Just make sure to go prepared with crampons or spikes in the winter and dress warmly!
