Looking for an awesome date night without breaking the bank? We’ve got you covered with some of the top cheap date ideas in the region. Metro Vancouver is full of fun things to do and there’s always a plethora of places to explore.
Cheap Date Ideas In Metro Vancouver
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Bike the Stanley Park Seawall
A classic activity to do in the city. Enjoy the scenic sights as you ride along the seawall—bring your own bike or rent one from one of the many shops in the area. If biking is not your thing, try rollerblading or just go for a nice leisurely walk along the water together and soak up the views.
Have a picnic
Cook a nice meal together or order from your favourite take out spot. Nothing beats a simple picnic by the beach or at a park. Some popular areas for picnicking include: Jericho Beach Park, Stanley Park and Crab Park in Vancouver, or Bear Creek Park (Surrey), Derby Reach Regional Park (Langley), and Deer Lake Park (Burnaby).
Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery
Soak up the culture by admiring amazing works of art together. Better yet, head there on the first Friday of every month from 4:00pm to 8:00pm for their Free First Friday Nights, presented by BMO. You can also reserve a spot in advance to guarantee your entry into the Gallery.
Grab a coffee
Metro Vancouver is packed with plenty of amazing coffee places. Try out Nemesis, or perhaps the famous no-tip cafe cowdog! Grabbing a coffee is a classic way to enjoy a chill afternoon with someone you love.
Grab coffee and walk along the White Rock Pier
BC is full of scenic places to go for a stroll, and the pier at White Rock is no exception. Sip on your favourite beverage and take in all your surroundings.
Challenge each other to the Grouse Grind
A little competition is healthy. Take on the many steps of the Grouse Grind. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views, and a drink or two at Altitudes Bistro.
Take a hike
A classic cheap date idea is getting outside and hitting the trails at some of Metro Vancouver’s best hiking spots. Some easier hikes include: Quarry Rock (North Vancouver), Lighthouse Park (West Vancouver), Pacific Spirit Regional Park (Vancouver), Burnaby Mountain, and Crystal Falls (Coquitlam).
Wander around UBC’s Botanical Garden
A peaceful way to spend an afternoon with your significant other. Get access to the stunning botanical garden and the Nitobe Memorial Garden for $13 per person.
Check out Burnaby Village Museum
The museum is located at the scenic Deer Lake Park, making it the perfect place to spend the day. They also offer complimentary admission all year long.
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Walk into the water at Iona Beach
The beach in Richmond is a popular spot to go for a walk, with its jetty that extends far into the water. There’s also a dog area, so bring pup along for the adventure.
Grab ice cream in Steveston Village
The charming fisherman’s village is a great spot to spend the day, no matter what time of year it is. Grab an ice cream from Timothy’s or a hot beverage from one of the many coffee joints, and explore away.
Watch airplanes landing at YVR
There’s something magical about watching airplanes coming and going. Park along Richmond’s Dyke Trail or go to Iona Beach for a glimpse of planes taking off and landing.
Take in the scenery at VanDusen
Go for a walk and bask in all the nature of the VanDusen Botanical Garden. Get lost in the Elizabethan-style maze. Depending on time of year, admission is $8-$11 per person.
Explore UBC’s Museum of Anthropology
The couple who learns together stays together. Explore all the MOA has to offer on Thursday evenings after 5:00pm to get half off your admission. Additionally, UBC alumni can receive 2-for-1 museum admission.
Gaze at the stars at HR MacMillan Space Centre
For just $24 (per person), you can visit the observatory and gain a pass to watch the planetarium star show. This is an out-of-this-world experience that every couple should experience at least once.
Stroll around Granville Island
Hop on the little Aquabus for a tourist-y but fun tour around the city. Get off at Granville Island and further explore with a walk around the quaint village. Don’t forget to spend some time checking out all of the amazing vendors the market has to offer.
Hit up a comedy club
Check out The Show Cellar with some amazing comedic acts. But that’s not all; they also offer magic shows, as well as drag shows, so if you’re in the mood for something different, then you can catch that, too.
Go for a dip
It may be chilly, but that doesn’t mean the pools are closed. Check out any of Metro Vancouver’s amazing indoor swimming centres that offer you and your date some splashy fun.
Grab dessert
Who needs dinner when you can have dessert? Hit up Mink Chocolates Café, Mosquito dessert bar, Laduree Macaron, Acme Cafe (pies, anyone?) or grab a pint at Earnest or Soft Peaks Ice Cream for a sweet treat.
Ride go karts
Bring out your playful side by checking out some of Metro Vancouver’s epic race tracks. While some are definitely more expensive than others, places like Fast Track (Langley) offer $28.95 per ride.
Go ice skating
Hit up your local community centre for a skate around the rink. Or, when it’s Winter, check out the iconic outdoor skating rink at Robson Square.
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Bowl the night away
It doesn’t matter how old you are, bowling is always a fun way to spend an evening. Plus, it will bring out your competitive side. Hit up Rev’s (Burnaby and Maple Ridge) or Grandview Bowling (Vancouver) for an amazing time hitting down pins.
Soak up the views
The Vancouver Lookout offers incredibly breathtaking views. The $21.09 ticket lasts all day long—watch the sunrise in the morning and then go back to watch the sunset over the city.
Pitch & Putt at Queen Elizabeth Park
Play an 18-hole course for $17.38 per person. Plus, it’s situated in the scenic Queen Elizabeth Park that offers amazing views of the city.
Explore a market
With the holidays coming up, many seasonal markets will be opening up soon. The Vancouver Christmas Market is a classic place for holiday dates, but you can also hit up the Shipyards Christmas Market for a free experience, too!
See a movie in theatre
Going to the theatre is a classic date activity, most of us don’t do often enough. If you want a better deal, save it for Tuesday ‘cheap nights’ for discounted tickets. With the savings you can buy more snacks, so it’s a win-win. You can also grab tickets for Cineplex’s newest event: Monday Surprise Premieres. At just $8.99. you can catch a mystery movie!
Sing at a karaoke bar
Whether you like singing or just want to watch others make a fool of themselves, karaoke is always a good time. Here’s a handful of KTV karaoke bars you can check nearby in Burnaby.
Jump for joy at the Extreme Air Park
Jump around and have a good time an this epic indoor trampoline park. A 1-hour jump costs $27 per person. They have specials on Thursday’s where you can jump for 1.5-hours for $24 per person. They have locations in both Langley, New Westminster and Richmond.
Check out the Bloedel Conservatory
Visit this lush paradise at Queen Elizabeth Park, with over 120 free-flying birds and 500 exotic plants to explore.
Netflix and chill
If all else fails, sometimes the best time is quality time spent together alone at home.
Looking for more cheap date ideas? Check out the best free things to do in B.C. this fall.
