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. 

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 3 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.  

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. 

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. 

AN AQUATIC AFFAIR
Every other month, the Vancouver Aquarium offers a special after-hours event where adults can enjoy the exhibits in an adult only environment complete with a glass of wine and delectable bites.  If your love is an animal lover, no other date will quite compare once they have had a cocktail alongside a 2,000 pound Walrus.
Bonus Local Tip: Their Valentine’s Day Event features a meet and greet with a penguin!