The beginning of June is the unofficial start of summer and that means it’s time to start planning some outdoor dates and fun things to do around the city with your favourite plus one.
From biking the seawall and hiking scenic trails to bar hopping and eating your way through the city, these are the best date ideas around Metro Vancouver.
RELATED: 29 Fun + Free Things To Do In Metro Vancouver this June
Best Date Ideas Around Metro Vancouver
Vancouver Ice Cream Festival
Exploring brand new desserts is a great date night activity in the summer. This year, Metro Vancouver will be having an Ice Cream Festival from June 21 to July 31. There will be a number of limited-time new flavors introduced during this time period at over 15 ice cream parlors and dessert shops around the city.
Bard on the Beach
Lovers of all things Shakespeare will want to enjoy a romantic night out experiencing Bard on the Beach. This year it will run from June 8 – September 30, so you have plenty of time to catch a show.
They will be performing As You Like It on the BMO Mainstage from Jun 8-Sept 30, Julius Caesar on the Bmo Mainstage from Jun 15-Sept 24, Henry V on the Howard Family Stage from Jun 28-Aug 13, and Goblin:Macbeth on the Howard Family Stage from Aug 19-Sept 17. Ticket prices range from $30 – $90.
Monster Inflatable Obstacle Course
If you want an active fun activity that’s also a little competitive, look no further. This June, the world’s biggest inflatable obstacle course is coming to Metro Vancouver from June 15-18. Following their run in Victoria, the event will be taking place at the TradeX centre in Abbotsford. Attendees will get to explore a 300-meter-long structure full of fun bounces and slides.
Halal Ribfest
Indulge in a mouthwatering array of traditional southern barbecue dishes. This includes Dino beef ribs, short ribs, brisket, and more – all 100% Halal. Alongside the delectable food, the festival will host local vendors, carnival games, pop-up market and more.
Ride on the Cypress Mountain Eagle Coaster
This date will definitely get your blood pumping The Eagle Coaster made its debut in 2021, and have quickly become a local favourite. Located at Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver, this mountain top coaster reopens for the season on June 16th. The ride takes off from the top of Black Mountain, and travel down the scenic track filled with forested vistas and exhilarating bends.
Italian Day on The Drive
After a hiatus of three years, the popular Italian Day festival on Commercial Drive will be making a comeback on June 11. The event is an opportunity for people to come together and enjoy activities, music, and food. While also being surrounded by green, white, and red colors that symbolize Italy.
So whether you and your significant other are Italian or just honourary ones, make sure to celebrate the Italian heritage at this classic summertime event on Commercial Drive.
Surrey Block Party Food Truck
The Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival is going to be taking place at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey on June 3-4. Attendees can expect great food, a beer garden, live entertainment and a market featuring local goods.
19+ ‘Fish and Sips’ at the Aquarium
This “adult-exclusive” event will take place on June 17th and 24th, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the aquarium after hours. As you wander among the 65,000 aquatic residents, you can enjoy beer, wine, and snacks.
One of the coolest attractions is the immersive 4D Theatre experience, featuring many ocean inhabitants.
Japan Market at Van Art Gallery
Japan Market is returning to Downtown Vancouver with their Summer Festival on June 10th and 11th. The event will feature over 70 vendors offering unique crafts, kimonos, merchandise, and delicious food. Attendees can also take advantage of numerous photo opportunities, including some with a Samurai.
The first 50 people to enter will receive a $10 market voucher. Online tickets are currently available for $5 per entry, with discounts available.
Playland
Relive childhood memories by checking out all there is to see and do (and eat) at Playland this summer. There are plenty of attractions for couples to enjoy, whether they like thrilling rides or playing carnival games.
And if they just want to go there to dig into all the fair food, that works too. And it makes for a pretty awesome date night. If you want to plan ahead, check out the PNE’s amazing entertainment lineup for 2023.
Vancouver Jazz Festival
Lovers of jazz music can enjoy the soothing sounds at the annual Vancouver Jazz Festival returning to the city June 23 to July 2.
During this time, there will be several performances taking place at multiple venues across the city.
Shipyards Night Market
Marking the beginning of outdoor events, North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market is back at the Shipyards development site every Friday. The event feature live entertainment, food trucks, artisan vendors, an all-ages splash park, and a beer garden.
Discover a new Patio
& @tapandbarrel / IG
Get ready to elevate your patio experience and explore some of the best patios in Metro Vancouver to unwind, socialize, and create lasting memories in the breathtaking surroundings of beautiful Vancouver.
Restaurant patios are becoming more and more popular in the past few years as the city allows for more to be built. So as the weather warms up, this is the perfect time to discover a new spot with your significant other.
Richmond Night Market
& @eatbolo / Instagram
The epic Richmond Night Market is back and there are dozens of new (and old) food vendors to take advantage of.
Eat your way through the market and then explore all the other fun things it has to offer, like carnival-style games and musical performances.
Take a hike (together)
After a long winter and rainy spring, it is finally nice enough to go back and explore our beautiful outdoors. From the Grouse Grind that just reopened at the end of May, to the beautiful waterfall trails you can explore that are easily accessible to the public, there is something for everyone.
There are also a number of scenic hikes accessible by public transit, if you don’t want to look for parking. Or day trip opportunities at one of these beautiful lakes within 2 hour drive of Vancouver.
Cultus Lake Waterpark
It’s official—the Cultus Lake Adventure Park and the Waterpark will reopen on June 10, so get ready to make a splash.
Couples can enjoy hours of fun, thanks to the park’s 18 waterslides and five large hot tubs. Plus, there’s even a lazy river.
Granville Island
Nothing beats a day spent on Granville Island. Hop on an aqua bus and then explore all the island has to offer on foot.
There are plenty of unique gift shops and boutiques to discover, as well as the iconic Granville Island Public Market.
Go for a refreshing dip in the water
As the weather warms up, there is nowhere better to spend a date than by the water. Vancouver has so many great places to choose from, including the reopening of the popular Kitsilano pool this Summer! If you’re on a budget, you can enjoy the beach or visit one of the free pools in Surrey as well.
So grab your swimming suit, a beach towel, and sunscreen and enjoy a great day in the sun.
Go Carting
When it comes to go karting, nowhere does it better than Richmond. The city is home to a couple of epic tracks that will bring out your competitive sides.
Check out Speeders Racing or TBC Indoor Kart Racing for some of the fastest go carts you’ll find in Metro Vancouver.
Explore Burnaby Village Museum
The Burnaby Village Museum is open ahead of summer this year. This year marks 50 years since the Burnaby Village Museum opened to the public for its first full year in 1972. This year they’re back with all new attractions, sights to see, and activities. Admission is free however carousel rides are $2.65.
Relish in The Beauty At VanDusen
VanDusen offers a plethora of beautiful views, and there are two really good options for a date. Visit The Bloedel Conservatory and it’s exotic plants and birds, or take a walk through the world renowned VanDusen Botanical Gardens.
Beach day at Any of the Beaches
One of the best things about Metro Vancouver, is being surrounded by water and therefore beaches. Stick close to the city, by spending a day at Kits Beach or English Bay Beach.
Or head out to South Surrey’s Crescent Beach or White Rock for a leisurely stroll with your loved one by your side.
Langley Community Days
The Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival will be hosting a block party at Douglas Park in Langley on June 10. Attendees can expect great food, a beer garden, live entertainment and a market featuring local goods.
Vancouver Art Gallery Free Entry Friday
The Vancouver Art Gallery recently launched a new program where entry is free on the first Friday of every month. For June this will be on June 2nd. Attendees can enter between 4 and 8 pm. They will be offering educational tours and other programming free of charge.
West Van Community Festival
Discover the vibrant spirit of West Vancouver at the West Vancouver Community Cultural Fest (formerly Bridge Festival). This two-day extravaganza is a celebration with music, international dancers, an international lounge with food trucks and more. The festival takes place on Friday, June 2 from 4 pm to 9:30 pm and on Saturday, June 3 from 11 am to 9:30 pm at Ambleside Park.
ScotFest and BC Highland Games
If you like activities, you should also check out the 91st British Columbia Highland Games & World Music Festival will be taking place this June at Town Centre Park in Coquitlam. This year’s lineup includes performances such as the SFU Pipe Band “in-concert”, Sharon Shannon, Gurdeep Pandher, “Piper to the Stars” Lorne Cousin, and the world-famous REMAX Scottish heavy events and highland dancing.
Greek Day
Twilight Drive-In
Up movie night at Metro Vancouver’s only drive-in theatre. The movie lineup changes every week so be sure to check out the website before you head out.
5K FoamFest
This one is for couples who are competitive. The 5K FoamFest will be taking place in Surrey this year. This exhilarating event combines a 5K run with more than 22 challenging obstacles and plenty of foam. Participants can expect a thrilling experience as they navigate through foam pits, giant inflatable slides, and slippery obstacles on June 17.
Marvel Exhibit
If you and your partner are Marvel fans, you need to check out The Marvel Avengers exhibit S.T.A.T.I.O.N. (Scientific Training and Tactical Intelligence Operative Network) in Burnaby. This is an immersive experience that allows visitors to step into the world of the Avengers and interact with their favorite superheroes.
The exhibit is designed to give visitors a taste of what it would be like to be an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. and is fun for both adult and kids alike. After that you can check out the Rec Room arcade or grab a bit to eat at their amazing foodcourt.
Shop for fresh produce & local crafts
There are a variety of craft and flea markets available in and around Vancouver. They are the perfect way to start your weekend. You can enjoy some fresh baked goods and produce while browsing unique hand-made local crafts.
Pick up some flowers and fresh food, and then head to a park to enjoy or go home and have a cooking night in, either way it will be fun.
Picnic (with booze) – All month
Some people call Vancouver a “no fun city” but starting this June, it will be legal to have alcohol at 40 parks and 7 beaches across the city. Most of the parks will be year round, with some only allowed during the summer months starting June 1. For a full list of where you can drink legally, check out our guide.
