7 Alternative Date Ideas Guaranteed to Impress Your Valentine

Are you about to make a reservation at the most up-scale restaurant in town? Read this first.

It’s time you step up your dating game! This year, surprise your Valentine with something other than the usual three-course meal (because there’s more to the holiday than dinner, flowers and chocolate—though we’ll admit we do love those things). There’s no limit to creative date ideas in the city, so why not take that special someone on an adventure? Whether it’s your first Valentine’s Day with someone or you just want to have fun with your best friend, we’ve found some out-of-the-box Valentine’s Day activities for you to try.

1. Snowshoe Fondue

If you’ve been promising to go on an outdoor adventure, take your special someone to Grouse Mountain for a Valentine’s Day snowshoe tour. This two-hour excursion begins with a guided snowshoe tour atop Grouse Mountain and finishes with an intimate chocolate fondue for two in a cozy, mountain setting. Tours available from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.When: Sunday, February 12 and Tuesday, February 14Price: From $52(Photo: Chris Brandt)

2. Yoga Date Night

YYoga has designed a special night for couples just in time for Valentine’s Day weekend. The class introduces participants to contact partner yoga, focusing on trust and support, and teaches basic flying techniques and massage skills. No prior experience is necessary, so it’s a great opportunity to try something new with your favourite yogi—or someone you just want to get close to.When: Friday, February 10Price: $50(Photo: Neverland Tea Salon)

3. High Tea

High tea at Neverland Tea Salon in Kitsilano is a great alternative to the typical Valentine’s day dinner. The salon offers two options: Demi High Tea or regular High Tea. Both options come with finger sandwiches, pastries, and of course tea, but if you’re craving freshly shucked oysters and rose-lychee macarons then it’s the High Tea you’ll want. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian options are also available.When: February 12 to 14Price: From $25

4. Gastown Cabaret

Gastown Cabaret is offering a special Valentine’s Day event at Guilt & Co., suitable for anyone willing to sip well-made drinks and enjoy an evening of entertainment. There will be belly dancers, strip teases, a donut eating competition, and more. It’s a laughter-inducing event that will help break the ice on a first date, but is also a fun evening to enjoy with your friends.When: Tuesday, February 14Price: By donation(Photo: Vancouver Aquarium)

5. Dinner and Sea-Fari Sleepover

You don’t need to be a kid to enjoy the aquarium. This adults-only event begins with a three-course dinner, prepared by the aquarium’s own chefs, and then transitions into an overnight adventure (a.k.a. you don’t have to hail a cab in the middle of Stanley Park in order to go home). Learn about the sex lives of sea animals, take a tour of the Wet Lab and fish research lab, battle other couples in a late-night cooking competition and snuggle next to the sharks, jellyfish or giant fresh water exhibits—and then wake up to breakfast and fresh coffee the next morning.When: Saturday, February 11Price: From $177 per couple(Photo: Brassneck Brewery)

6. For the Love of the Craft

This tour has everything you need for a beer-filled evening whether you’re alone, with friends or spending time with a loved one. The Valentine’s Day brewery tour includes transportation, beer samples, dinner and much more. You’ll also learn something along the way: at each participating brewery (Brassneck, Storm Brewing and Big Rock Urban Brewery), you’ll get a grain to glass introduction to the brewing process.When: Tuesday, February 14Price: $90 per person(Photo: Alana Paterson)

7. Sweetheart Knife Class

Chef and owner of Ai & Om Knife store in Chinatown is hosting a hands-on three-hour class celebrating togetherness in the kitchen. Couples will learn how to shuck oysters, brunoise shallots, and slice sustainable tuna before plating, preparing and enjoying a meal made with their new knife skills. Sparkling Osake Junmai sake from Granville Island’s Artisan SakeMaker will also be served.When: Sunday, February 12Price: $235 per couple

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