Vancouver and the surrounding area have picture perfect views, from mountain vistas to ocean expanse and dense forested landscapes. The city has numerous top class, expensive restaurants that are worth the occasional indulgence. Many make use of the panoramic views offered on the Pacific coast. But if money is a concern, or even if it's not, there are many ways to take advantage of Vancouver's natural allure without over-extending the pocket book.
Stanley Park Seawall in the Early Evening
Stanley Park, Vancouver's most visited tourist attraction, draws 8 million visitors annually. During the summer months, a simple stroll feels like pushing through a mob of shoppers on Black Friday. But on a cool spring or autumn evening, the crowds dissipate and English Bay, as the area by Stanley Park is known, becomes a perfect location for an intimate date night.
Delany's Coffee on Denman Street, half a block from the seawall, is a perfect place to get a hot chocolate or mocha. Begin walking west on the Stanley Park seawall, an 8.8km walk along the bay, and take in the setting sun over the mountains. The further the stroll, the more sights there are to see, including Vancouver's famous Lion's Gate Bridge lit up in all its glory. Benches along the route provide ample opportunity to take in the sights, talk or cuddle.
A romantic, reasonably priced alternative to walking is renting a tandem bike and touring the seawall. Although most rental places require a refundable security deposit, the actual rental for two hours hovers around $20. There are a number of rental locations within walking distance of the park, including English Bay Bike Rentals.
Water Taxi From Granville Island to Bojangles in Yaletown
On the other side of the bay there is Granville Island, another one of Vancouver's prime attractions. With many artisan shops, an indoor market, buskers and other entertainment, there is so much to see that no money needs to exchange hands during a romantic outing.
A reasonable expenditure to add a different dimension to the date may include a Granville Island Brewery Tour which costs under $10 and includes four tastings of this very popular local brew. Add a quaint bit of romance by taking a water taxi from Granville Island to Yaletown, which involves a short ferry ride across False Creek which offers lovely city views.
Yaletown is one of the premier real estate locations in Vancouver, and is home to many superb restaurants and another glorious seawall. A great relaxing place to end a date is Bojangles Cafe, which serves many desserts and pastries and superb coffee.
Picnic at the Cleveland Dam in North Vancouver
With the panoramic views of distant snow-capped mountains and the backdrop of Grouse Mountain, a date at the Cleveland Dam is perfect and all for the cost of a picnic lunch or dinner. The Cleveland Dam is in Capilano Regional Park, North Vancouver and the dam provides 40% of Vancouver’s drinking water needs.
The roaring sound and the visual of the raging water as it explodes from the dam makes a great conversation piece on a date. After a little exploration of this gem of a location, lay a blanket on the expanse of grass by the glassy Capilano Lake. Then relax and watch as multi-coloured hang-gliders, fresh from their Grouse Mountain lift off, fly above. Eating a picnic meal as the sun sets over the lake is hard to beat in the romance department.
Vancouver is a Perfect Date City
Using the beauty of Vancouver's natural surrounds as a backdrop for a first date or a relationship renewal opportunity makes perfect sense. Being outdoors provides a relaxed atmosphere with no requirement to constantly make conversation. The dynamic changing vistas can stimulate interaction if necessary. Romancing a date in Vancouver, despite the general high cost of living, does not have to break the bank. And the added bonus of Vancouver's mild year round climate means outdoor romancing can be a year round option.
VAL101
Lorah Delaney - Lorah is a native of Vancouver, British Columbia. She has a degree in Physical Education from the University of British Columbia and a ...
