Valentine’s Day on a Budget: 7 Things to Do in Vancouver

 

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or just getting away for a lovers’ escape, there are plenty of romantic things to do in Vancouver that won’t cost a fortune. Get some ideas with our list of low-cost, romantic activities.

1. Dining Out

There are plenty of dining deals in Vancouver, so why not take advantage of ongoing specials to stretch your budget? Valentine’s Day is on a Tuesday this year, so make a reservation at Sanafir Restaurant in the Granville Entertainment District for their weekly Tapas Tuesday event, which features their entire menu, half-priced.

2. Flowers

A dozen red roses is an old Valentine’s Day standby, but instead of buying your sweetheart some flowers, give her an entire garden with a trip to the Bloedel Floral Conservatory. Steal a few kisses while exploring this tropical domed garden, filled with colourful flowers, exotic birds and towering plants. And the best part is admission costs only $5 per person.

3. Night of Culture

Every Tuesday at the Vancouver Art Gallery is donation-based admission after 5 p.m., so spend Valentine’s Day evening immersed in culture and thought-provoking pieces for free. Whether the museum is your main stop for the evening or a quick jaunt before heading out to dinner, it’s a great way to spark some intellectual conversation with your partner.

4. Movie Date

Going to the movie theater is a quintessential date activity, but with tickets and snacks, it all can add up quickly. Take advantage of Reel Deal Tuesdays at Empire Granville 7 Cinemas, where adult admission is only $5.99. Now you might even be able to afford the popcorn and candy.

5. Horse Drawn Tour

Book an excursion with Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours, and you’ll get to see all the attractions of Vancouver’s famous Stanley Park from an old-fashioned ride. Listen to the clip-clop of hooves as you pass by red cedar forests, rose gardens, Lions Gate Bridge and more. To save $5 off each ticket, print out these coupons before you go.

6. Ice Skating

When it’s wintertime, there are few things more romantic than ice-skating hand-in-hand with your sweetheart. Get out on the ice at the Robson Square rink, which is free and open to the public. Afterward, you can head over to the concession stand for a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Skate rentals cost $4 each.

7. Wine Tasting

Maybe it’s all the talk about “mouth-feel” and “legs,” but wine tasting is sure to set the stage for some fun flirting. Spend the day touring Vancouver’s nearby wineries, many of which offer free wine tasting. And if you decide buy a bottle to enjoy with your sweetie, it sure beats the price you’d pay in a restaurant.

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