10 Dates Your Girlfriend Secretly Wishes You Would Take Her On In Vancouver

For all of your date planning needs.
Editorial Operations Manager
10 Dates Your Girlfriend Secretly Wishes You Would Take Her On In Vancouver

Do you ever feel like you're the only one in your relationship putting in all of the work? I can confidently say that I plan 95% of the things that my boyfriend and I do. I'm not sure if that's because by nature I'm a planner, but I have a sneaky suspicion I'm not the only person out there who feels this way. At one point or another, doesn't everyone wish that their loved one would plan the perfect date night. If so, I've got you covered.

The nights that I don't have to lift a finger and my S.O. completely plans the entire evening are the best date nights, hands down. After habitually organizing our dates, it's nice to take a back seat every once in a while. If you'd like to get in your girlfriend or boyfriend's good books, I have planned out 10 complete dates that include lunch/dinner and a fun activity!

Your boo can't say that you don't try anymore, because you have planned out an entire day! All of these dates include grabbing food at a restaurant, which is sure to keep your girl full and happy. The dates will also include a ton of different date activities, from couple's massages to throwing axes at targets!

Oh, and I've made sure that all of the restaurants listed are in close proximity to your date night activities! You can thank me later. 😉

Let's get started.

For amazing pre-planned date ideas, click "Next"!

The Downtown Date

Lunch: Black + Blue // 1032 Alberni St

If you're going big, you might as well make reservations at Black + Blue. This swanky three level steakhouse is known for their carefully crafted plates. If you decide to treat your love to Black + Blue, they will not be disappointed. It's also right around the corner from The Chi Spa, so you can head over there for  massages right after you finish lunching!

Activity: Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La // 1128 W Georgia St

What's more relaxing than a massage? A couple's massage. Trust me, your girl will be on cloud nine if you plan a spa day at Chi. The atmosphere is so romantic, you can get massages and then roam around the facility in fluffy robes and explore their saunas, pools and hot tubs. Sounds perfect to me. Their infinity pools are reason enough for me to book this dreamy date idea, right now.

For page 2 of 10, click "Next".

The Lazy Sunday Date

Lunch: Catch 122 Cafe Bistro // 122 W Hastings St

This punny named cafe does not joke around when it comes to brunch. They serve up contemporary takes on Canadian cuisine. Treat your bae like a queen by bringing her to this amazing brunch cafe. You will definitely leave this spot feeling full and satisfied. A few favourites are the bread pudding french toast, the dirtier breakfast and the baked eggs with halloumi. Their dessert and coffee bar is worth checking out too. 

Activity: Catfe // 88 West Pender St

Who doesn't love kittens? This is a great low key date for you and your girl. Her heart will melt as soon as she meets these adorable cats. They lounge around the cafe purring and rubbing up against your legs, doesn't that sound perfect? Also, make sure to book a rezo on their website because they tend to fill up quickly! Even if it's the day of, you can usually find a time slot online that will work. Oh, and don't forget about the cafe - they serve lattes, teas, biscuits and more!

For page 3 of 10, click "Next".

The Under The Sea Date

Dinner: Cardero's // 1583 Coal Harbour Quay

This Coal Harbour classic is a must for date night. Cardero's is well known for their delicious seafood dishes and romantic atmosphere. The restaurant itself dim lit, cozy and sits above the sea in the harbour. If you're planning to go check out the Aquarium afterwards, this is the perfect spot for a late night dinner. You won't regret dining at Cardero's. 

Activity: Aquarium After Hours // 845 Avison Way

Have you heard of the Aquarium's After Hours events? I recently discovered that this is the place where everyone has their date night. Every once in a while the Aquarium throws an adults only event, where you are invited to explore the dolphin tanks, jellyfish exhibits and more after hours. If you're interested then you need to buy tickets asap for their next event. They even set up a bar too, so you'll be sipping cocktails all night long! 

For page 4 of 10, click "Next".

The Circus Show Date

Dinner: The Parlour // 1011 Hamilton St

This ornately decorated pizzeria is a gorgeous setting for any date night. The vibes inside are buzzing on the weekends. It's the perfect place to grab some delicious pizza before going out in the evening. Make sure to try the goldmember pizza, it's amazing! Parking in this area of town is ridiculous though, so make sure to take a cab or transit, you do not want to pay $10+ for parking when you could spend that on an appetizer.

Activity: Kurios by Cirque Du Soleil // 88 Pacific Boulevard

Trust me when I say, everyone needs to see a Cirque Du Soleil show, even if they don't know it yet. If you're tired of the same old date night, spice it up by surprising your boo with tickets to this amazing show. It's completely worth the price, and they only come in town every once in a while. This is a night you and your partner will never forget! Who knows, it may even become a new annual tradition.

For page 5 of 10, click "Next".

The Nostalgic Date

Lunch: Just Waffles // 3531 E Hastings St

Grab a quick breakfast at Just Waffles. This is a great spot to grab some grub to fuel you and your partner for a full day of fun! Their waffles are delicious and their whipped cream is fresh and homemade. The owners are a husband and wife that actually work in the restaurant. So yes, if you're running in to grab waffles, they will most likely serve up your food for you! How cute. 

Activity: PNE // 2901 E Hastings St

Let's throw it back to the middle school days when we all used to get hyped about going to Playland! Do you remember getting excited about trying to ride every single rollercoaster the park had to offer? This is the perfect date for your fun-loving boo. Don't forget about the mini donuts. That was half of the reason I was so excited to go there in the first place.

For page 6 of 10, click "Next".

The Totally Badass Date

Dinner: Tasty Indian Bistro // 8295 120 St

This chic spot is one of my favourite Indian restaurants in the lower mainland. I know a thing or two about Indian food, given that I grew up in a house where it was made for breakfast, lunch and dinner. So, let me tell you that this classy bistro most definitely hits the spot. The restaurant itself is dim and romantic, and always buzzing with happy customers. Don't forget to grab dessert, their chocolate brownie is my favourite.

Activity: Bad Axe Throwing // #109 8132 130 St

Okay, so this one is fun for you and him. If your boyfriend hasn't already heard of this, he is going to lose his mind when you tell him you're going to throw axes around on date night. Bad Axe Throwing is the most hipster date idea, but everyone enjoys it. It's a super fun way to spend an afternoon with your loved one. This would also be a great group date idea!

For page 7 of 10, click "Next".

The Gastown Date

Dinner: The Flying Pig // 102 Water St

Modern Canadian food done right. Grab lunch or dinner at the Flying Pig a couple blocks over from SmartyPantz Escape Room! This trendy restaurant will fill you up with some delicious food before your date night adventure! This restaurant has multiple locations but the Gastown spot is definitely the most romantic. Oh, and don't forget to try their crispy brussels sprouts - they are AMAZING!

Activity: SmartyPantz Escape Room // #100 289 Abbott St

Work together against the clock to free yourselves from a tricky escape room. I personally love these kind of dates! It's definitely an outside-of-the-box idea and will surely surprise your girlfriend. The Vancouver location currently has five different escape rooms open. Some are scary and other scenarios are straight out of a bond movie. This would also be the perfect double date idea, since they encourage solving the rooms in groups!

For page 8 of 10, click "Next".

The Rock 'n Roll Date

Dinner: The Pawn Shop // 1117 Granville St

It's always a good time at the Pawn Shop. This taco shop is the perfect place to hit before a show at the Vogue Theatre. They have cheap tacos, cheap drinks and an electric atmosphere. It will definitely get you in the mood to watch a concert. Oh, and during happy hour they sell tacos for only $1 a pop! You can't beat that in Vancouver.

Activity: Vogue Theatre // 918 Granville St

Grab tickets to a new indie band or your favourite R&B singer at one of Vancouver's best venues. If you grab tickets for an emerging artist on their first or second tour, you can find really reasonable prices. Sometimes at $20-40 dollars per person! Jamming out with your BF at Vogue sounds like a pretty good night to me.

For page 9 of 10, click "Next".

The Winter Wonderland Date

Lunch: Burgoo Bistro Lonsdale // 3 Lonsdale Ave

Fuel yourself for a winter adventure by grabbing some grub at Burgoo. Burgoo is famous for their tasty comfort food. They have multiple locations but the Lonsdale spot is perfect if you plan to hike your way through Dog Mountain later on that day. This is definitely a very "Vancouvery" date, and your girl will definitely love it.

Activity: Dog Mountain // Seymour Mountain

Snowshoe your way to the top of Dog Mountain. This hike is perfect for a low key date. The path is pretty easy with very little incline, which makes it great for beginners. This hike takes you through Seymour Mountain and the path is relatively long, so you have tons of space to run around with your bae. There are so many spots where you will be left alone in a winter wonderland setting. It's definitely picturesque.

For page 10 of 10, click "Next".

The Adventurous Date

Dinner: 21 Steps Kitchen + Bar // #10 4433 Sundial Pl

This upscale bar is the perfect place to bring your S.O. for date night in Whistler. Their dishes are complex and tasty. If you can, try to get seated by the window, it has a great view of Whistler Village. It's also a great spot to "people watch". Their head chef has been serving up comfort food in Whistler for over 20 years, so you know the food will be good. Make sure to take a look at their seasonal menu options!

Activity: Whistler Bungee // Calcheak Forest Service Rd

This has to be the most Instagrammed date in BC. If you've been together for over a year, you've probably thought of going to Whistler and bungee jumping off this bridge together. Whistler Bungee allows you to jump off of a bridge and into a canyon while clutching onto your loved one. Oh, and they take professional photos for you too! 

Jasmine Girn
Editorial Operations Manager
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