12 romantic and fun date ideas in Vancouver for $30 or less
Date night doesn't have to be expensive!
A person at a Vancouver event. Right: Two people in front of arcade games.
Date night is a lot of fun to plan, but in the end, it can end up costing you a huge chunk of your paycheque.
While it can be tough thinking of cheap date ideas in Vancouver that are enjoyable and memorable, it's not impossible to have a great time while setting a budget.
Vancouver is filled with many exciting activities, especially during the summer when the weather is nice and there are a lot of festivals happening around the city.
We curated a list of 12 romantic and fun date ideas in Metro Vancouver that you and your loved one can go on this summer while spending $30 or less.
Richmond Night Market
Price: $8.50 per person for entry ticket
Address: 8351 River Rd, Richmond, BC
Why You Should Go: The Richmond Night Market runs all summer and is the perfect fun night out. You and your date can try a variety of international foods, play some games and listen to live music.
There are also vendors selling retail and artisanal crafts so there's plenty to do while you're there.
The Rec Room
Price: $3 for a regular band (pre-loaded with 12 credits) or $6 for a premium collector's band (pre-loaded with 14 credits)
Address: 1920 Willingdon Ave Unit 2106, Burnaby
Why You Should Go: The Rec Room in Burnaby is the perfect spot for any couple who loves arcade games.
This arcade has dozens of different video games as well as pool and archery. There's also live entertainment on certain nights and fun events like trivia and paint nights. If you get hungry, there are a variety of snacks and drinks to choose from.
Grab a coffee and treat at Honolulu Coffee
Price: Depends on what you order, but you can keep it under $30 with two lattes and a couple of pastries
Address: 2098 W. 41st Ave., Vancouver
Why You Should Go: If you and your partner have been dreaming of going to Hawaii, you can talk about your travel plans at Honolulu Coffee in Vancouver.
This Hawaiian-themed cafe was founded in 1992 on the shores of Oahu. It brews its signature Kona-grown beans and serves tropical dishes like açaí bowls and pastries. It's the perfect spot to get inspired!
Free outdoor movie
Price: Most of them are free, some by donation
Address: Various locations
Why You Should Go: Grab your partner and head to a free outdoor movie in Vancouver this summer. Movies will be shown at different spots around the city throughout July and August.
Pack up some snacks, drinks and a blanket and enjoy a film under the stars. Sounds like a magical summer date night!
Have a picnic at Kitsilano Beach
Price: Depends on what snacks you bring
Address: Cornwall Ave at the north end of Yew St.
Why You Should Go: Rather than going out to dinner at a restaurant, try packing up a picnic loaded with your favourite snacks and beverages and head to the beach! This is not only way cheaper but throw in a sunset and it's way more romantic.
Bike around Stanley Park
Price: Free if you have your own bikes
Address: Vancouver, BC
Why You Should Go: If you and your partner have bikes then you two could cycle around Stanley Park for some epic views of the water. It's not only a great way to get outside and enjoy the summer weather while it lasts, but it won't cost you a dime.
If you want to extend the date, you could grab a few snacks from a food truck or a local store and enjoy your meal by the water.
Visit a flower festival
Price: $8 per person if you buy tickets online in advance and go between Monday and Friday, $15 per person if you buy tickets in advance and go on Saturday and Sunday
Address: Lakeland Flowers, 3663 Marion Road, Abbotsford
Why You Should Go: The Summer Flower Festival at Lakeland Flowers is an ideal location to take some stunning photos with your loved one in a sea of blooms. According to the farm's website, you'll find fields of lavender and sunflowers throughout the summer.
Shipyards Night Market
Price: Free admission
Address: 19 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver
Why You Should Go: While this event is free, make sure you bring some cash with you to try out a bunch of different food trucks at the Shipyards Night Market.
This event takes over the waterfront every Friday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. during the summer.
Aside from food, you'll also get to enjoy live performances and check out a variety of vendors.
Go for a hike
Price: Free
Address: Various locations
Why You Should Go: Vancouver has so many incredible hiking options it's hard to keep track. That means you have a lot of options to choose from for your next date.
Some favourite hiking spots among locals include Golden Ears Provincial Park and Cypress Provincial Park.
Check out a farmer's market
Price: Free admission
Address: Various locations on different days
Why You Should Go: Metro Vancouver has several farmer's markets that run throughout the week during the summer. They are the perfect way to start your Saturday morning with your partner and stock up on fresh produce and baked goods.
Then you can take those ingredients back home and cook up a nice meal together.
Go on a road trip to a small town near Vancouver
Price: Free
Address: Depends on where you go
Why You Should Go: If you're feeling adventurous, you could plan a road trip with your special someone.
B.C. has many small towns that aren't far from Vancouver and that means you two could spend the day exploring a new spot. If you need some inspiration, you could drive to a town near Vancouver that was just ranked one of the most charming small towns in Canada.
Vancouver Art Gallery
Price: Free the first Friday evening of every month from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Address: 750 Hornby St, Vancouver
Why You Should Go: The Vancouver Art Gallery is one of the most popular galleries in Vancouver and one night a month you can explore the exhibits featured inside for free.
If you and your partner have been wanting to check out the gallery, wait for the first Friday of the month to save some cash on your date night!