Let’s face it, the “let’s grab coffee” line is overused and not always an effective way to get to know a person, whether you’re on a first date or catching up with an old friend. Sure, you have a chance to flex your coffee aficionado muscles if that’s your thing, but there are only so many coffee dates you can go on before they all start blending together — and before your body starts rejecting caffeine altogether. So this fall, we challenge you to mix it up, be daring, and come up with some date ideas that might just make all the difference in how you interact with someone.
If you’re sick of your routine and craving newness, why not use your next date as an opportunity to be a little spontaneous? Here are some unique date ideas to try out in Vancouver this fall that will keep you cozy and engaged.
We’ll start with the idea that still falls under the “coffee” category. Treat yourself and your date to your favourite beverages at Café au Clay, which doubles as a pottery studio. Here, you can enjoy drop-in pottery painting for $25 to $70 per person, during which time you’ll craft a trinket dish, cup, vase, bowl, mug, plate, or larger piece, and pick it up after 10 to 14 days. This is perfect for those just beginning their pottery journey, or those who want the ambiance of a cafe while still enjoying an activity-based date.
When: Open Tuesday to Sunday
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (cafe operations open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Where: 1612 West 3rd Ave.
Cost: $25 to $70 per person
As far as date ideas go, this one’s a great chance to dip into the local arts scene completely free of charge. The annual DTES Heart of the City Festival is coming up at the end of October, and there are 12 days of (100+) events to check out. Whether it’s a concert, film screening, poetry reading, or guided neighbourhood walk, there’s something for everyone here. And what better way to inspire and be inspired by someone than by sharing this community experience together?
When: Friday, Oct. 31 to Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025
Time: Times vary per event
Where: Locations across the Downtown Eastside
Cost: Free admission
A night out, but make it introvert-friendly. Fairmont Waterfront’s Silent Disco returns this November for an exciting evening of dance and fine dining, with another event coming in January. Guests begin their night with a decadent three-course Province-to-Plate dinner crafted by ARC Executive Chef Harris Sakalis. Then, they’ll slip their headphones on and dance to curated DJ sets against the backdrop of the shining city skyline.
Tickets include dinner at ARC Restaurant, a two-and-a-half-hour silent disco, and access to the ARC bar. While it’s a bit of a splurge, this would make for the perfect date night for that someone special. Double points if there’s an occasion to celebrate!
When: Nov. 14, 2025, and Jan. 23, 2026
Time: Times vary per event
Where: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $139 per person
It won’t be long before Capilano Suspension Bridge transitions away from spooky season to its festive Canyon Lights attraction, which is a quintessential holiday experience in Vancouver for a reason. Millions of glowing holiday lights illuminate your way as you explore the iconic suspension bridge and suspended paths, hand-in-hand with your beau.
When: Nov. 21, 2025, to Jan. 18, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 3735 Capilano Rd., North Vancouver
Cost: $78 per adult
Mosaic Art Studio in New West offers guests the chance to create their own, one-of-a-kind Turkish mosaic lamps ($150 for two people), with plenty of workshop dates coming up in November and December. Best of all? No prior knowledge or experience is needed to partake, and you get to take home your beautiful creations.
They also have Turkish coffee workshops that dive into the brewing traditions and tasting culture of the region.
When: Dates in November and December, 2025
Time: Time slots between 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Where: 332 Columbia St., New Westminster
Cost: $150 for two
Here’s another one that’s not only free but gives you plenty of flexibility to customize your date experience. Maybe you want to dive headfirst into the open artist studios by Strathcona Park, or check out a blacksmith exhibit, an artist talk, or a film screening. Maybe you want to peruse all the creations aimlessly, stopping for a pause whenever it feels right. You can do it all and so much more at the Eastside Culture Crawl, which is now in its 29th year.
When: Thursday, Nov. 20 to Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025
Time: 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday
Where: Open artist studios on Columbia Street, First Avenue, Victoria Drive, and the Waterfront
Cost: Free admission
This one’s cute for couples, a pair of friends, or anyone who loves jewelry and wants to learn how to make some. Oh Okay offers Silver Ring Workshops where attendees learn how to turn silver clay into their own handmade rings, from shaping and texturing to firing and finishing. No experience is needed, and you get to take home a one-of-a-kind silver ring. Bonus points if you end up gifting your ring to someone!
Note that light snacks and drinks will be provided, as well as all materials and tools needed to craft your ring.
Stay tuned for future workshop dates in Vancouver, as the upcoming workshop on Nov. 13, 2025, is in Courtenay.
When: Next workshop is Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025; stay tuned for future dates
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: 168c 5th St., Courtenay and Vancouver locations to come
Cost: $160 per person
From The Beatles to Coldplay and Justin Bieber, to timeless composers like Mozart and Bach, there are a ton of Candlelight Concerts taking place across the city this season. And honestly, there’s nothing more romantic than dim lighting and beautiful orchestral music, no matter which genre or era you choose.
When: Upcoming concerts here
Time: Varies per concert
Where: Locations across Vancouver
Cost: Varies per concert
You don’t have to splurge on museum tickets to impress your date with your knowledge of art and local history, or to discover something new together. You can do it at one of these free-to-access museums and art galleries, which have tons of exciting new exhibits in the works. When all other date ideas or plans fall through, this one never fails to impress.
Where: See locations above
That’s a wrap on some out-of-the-box date ideas, Vancouver. Give them a try, and stay tuned for more.
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