Planning a fun and affordable date in Vancouver is possible, you just need to steer away from the mainstream. Vv Magazine’s Vancouver contributor, Helen Siwak, rounds up the best affordable outings to take a date on this Summer.
We all know how expensive Vancouver is. At most places a cup of coffee and a sandwich will run you $20 bucks and that is just a quick lunch by yourself crammed in your cubicle. Let’s not even get started on renting or buying a home, so when you meet someone you want to get to know a little bit better, what are your options that won’t knock you out? Here are 10 suggestions that run from no fee at all to a maximum of $20.
Free Yoga
Dude Chilling Park
Seven days a week, the Karma Teachers will guide you and a bendy friend through free yoga classes in the morning from 10am-11:15am. Afterwards, if all goes well, transition to a lunch date with a box of croissants and coffee from your favourite cafe or go to the evening class followed with a brown bag picnic and a bottle of wine.
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DanceSportBC Free Dance Lessons
Robson Square
Does your true love have two left feet? Free lessons in swing, samba, waltz and jive are all coming up on Friday nights. It’s free and after you have either swept your date of their feet or are cooling your heels in St. Paul’s Emergency with a fracture, the two of you will have a better idea of your future together.
Image via @aidigi
Farmer’s Market Wednesdays
Main Street Station
A mid-week market just steps from the Main Street-Science World Skytrain Stop, is convenient and allows for a quick get-away. Who knows what could go wrong at a farmer’s market but in case things go sideways during the organic composting demonstration or your new friend lingers too long at the local grown zucchini table, you have an out for $2.75.
Hot Wet Art City
Main Street
HWAC is the brainchild of Chris Bentzen and is a weird art gallery and comedy venue with as much edge as can be squeezed in. Open Wednesday to Saturday, use their online calendar to watch for free opening nights. Take your date and see how much they squirm (or laugh hysterically) at the more politically incorrect pieces.
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Image via @hotartwetcity
East Side Flea Market
1024 Main Street
Free to get in and with over 55 vendors in their new giant space, the ESF is a great place to find out how sentimental your potential new mate is. Are they gravitating towards vintage jeans jackets, army boots and the vinyl, or are they picking succulents, furniture and kitchenwares? Clothes horse or homemaker. Sometimes an eclectic Flea Market can service as both fortune-teller or psychologist.
Jokes Please
Little Mountain Gallery on East 26th
Everyone you meet always says that they are looking for someone who ‘makes them laugh’. What they laugh at is much more telling. Take your Thursday night date on a $5 test run at Jokes Please and find out what makes them giggle and by evenings end, you will know what makes them tick.
Image via
The Sunday Service
Fox Cabaret on Main Street
Test your dates devotion by suggesting a date at the Fox Cabaret for Sunday Service. This completely non-denominational improv troupe of 5 performs for $7 a head and never fails to bring down the house. Check your halo at the door and get ready for some couples comedy karma.
The Vancouver Canadians
Nat Bailey Stadium
A baseball game is a great place to check out your dates reflexes when the balls start flying. An afternoon game is the perfect opportunity to observe your new friends claim to love all sports, whether it is high priced Canucks game or the family (and wallet friendly) Vancouver Canadians.
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Evo Summer Cinema Series Free Movies
Stanley Park
On Tuesday nights, pack a blanket (or Snuggley) and make your way down to Ceperley Meadow in Stanley Park and treat yourselves to a cozy date night with a 4,998 others who enjoy outdoor movies in the dark, in the middle of city’s largest park. Be mindful of blanket shenanigans, this is a family affair.
Wreck Beach, the Official Nude Beach of Vancouver
UBC
Not the most original way to see each other without your clothes, but at least it won’t set you back a $20+ cover charge and taxi fare. Besides, frolicking in the rolling surf without a care in the world is, without a doubt, priceless.
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Meeting for an affordable date in an unconventional location is a great way to find out so much about a person. Try a few of our recommendation before hitting the crowded nightclub or squeezing produce at Urban Fare, you may find it much more satisfying and enlightening.
RELATED LINK: The Best First Date Restaurants in Vancouver
Have any other ideas for affordable dates in Vancouver? Leave us your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us at @ViewtheVibe.
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