Love Like a Local
We’re sharing our top five date ideas for off-the-beaten-path romance for those wanting to love like a local Vancouverite.
The Casual Coffee Date
Purebread, a Gastown favourite for innovative sweet treats, is a family bakery that started out a few short years ago as a Farmer’s Market stand in Whistler and built a cult following. Famous for its display of delectable treats, this spot serves up a great cup of Stumptown coffee. Grab a table or get a to-go cup and enjoy it while strolling the cobblestone streets of the historic neighbourhood.
Bonus Local Tip: Can’t decide which delectable treat to get? Purebread’s Nutella Brioche is a fan favourite.
The Grand Gesture
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the west coast with a scenic seaplane tour. Harbour Air offers everything from a 20-minute spin above the city to day trips to Victoria on Vancouver Island. (Side note: Amazon has named Victoria Canada’s most romantic city.) Harbour Air is located at the Vancouver Convention Centre, just steps from all three downtown Vancouver Fairmont locations.
Bonus Local Tip: In the summer season (May – Oct), you can take a spectacular glacier tour in Whistler that includes a landing on a remote mountain lake.
Peak of Love
Winter magic awaits on Grouse Mountain. Lace up your skates and go for a spin on the mountain’s 8,000 square foot ice skating pond — the only one of its kind on the West Coast. Afterwards, enjoy upscale West Coast Cuisine at The Observatory, featuring sweeping views of Vancouver.
Bonus Local Tip: Admission to Grouse Mountain is complimentary with advanced dinner reservations.
Must Love Dogs
Just over the Lion’s Gate Bridge is West Vancouver’s Ambleside Park. At the entrance, you’ll find the 3.5-acre dog park with beach access, a beautiful spot for (dog) lovers. This hidden gem features a pedestrian-only Seawalk that overlooks Stanley Park and Vancouver’s city skyline.
Bonus Local Tip: After the pups are done chasing sticks on the beach, walk the scenic Seawalk 3 km to The Beach House for fresh seafood served with spectacular views.