Budget-friendly date ideas in Vancouver
While some people think Vancouver is an expensive city, you don't necessarily need to have deep pockets to have a good time. Planning a fun and romantic outing with your special someone shouldn't break the bank. Think outside the fancy-restaurant box and check out these creative and thrifty date ideas. [Photo credit: iStock.com/ Geber86]
Honey Doughnuts & Goodies
4373 Gallant Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1L1Honey’s Doughnuts is a great spot to refuel after hiking to the top of Quarry Rock in Deep Cove. The hike is an easy one, and takes less than two hours. You can bond over the beautiful view at the top, and share one of Honey’s famous homemade doughnuts as a reward when you get to the bottom.
Vancouver Art Gallery
750 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H7The Vancouver Art Gallery usually charges $20 for adult admission, but every Tuesday night entry is by donation only. So why don’t you and your date take in some culture, see if you can unwrap the genius behind the latest and greatest in the world of modern art, and try to dredge up what you learned in history class about the Group of Seven.
Rio Theatre
1660 Broadway E, Vancouver, BC V5N 1W1The Rio often hosts cheap cinema events, but the thriftiest of all has to be their Tuesday movie nights at only $6 a ticket. The featured films change frequently and are often sci-fi, action, or cult and indie classics, both new and old. You’ll most certainly have plenty to talk about once the credits have rolled.
The Lamplighter Public House
92 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1A4This Gastown staple offers up fun game nights every week, including Trivia Tuesdays and Bingo Wednesdays. It’s the perfect setting for breaking the ice with somebody new and avoiding those awkward conversation lulls. There are also great drink and food deals to go along with the themed nights, so everybody wins at The Lamplighter – even if you lose at the games.
Tickets Tonight
210-200 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6C 3L6Tickets Tonight’s box office sells tickets to events all around the city, from music shows to theatre events and tourist attractions. Stop by their Burrard Street location daily to score same-day half-priced tickets to events that have extra availability. Impress your date with high-end tickets – at a discounted price tag they don’t need to know about.
NSCS Discovery Café
1515 Discovery St, Vancouver, BC V6R 4K5NSCS Discovery Café is the perfect spot for a brunch date. It’s located on Jericho Beach and run by students from the North Shore Culinary School’s tuition-free program. You can get an entire breakfast for less than $5 and go for a stroll on the sand afterwards to take in some of Vancouver’s most beautiful beachside views.
