Ah, fall in Calgary. There’s truly never a better time to experience the city, with the symphony of balsam poplar trees bursting with seasonal colours and the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers looking especially picturesque. It might put you in the mood for love, and in our grand city, there are plenty of places to impress your first date. Whether you’re looking to stroll through scenic woods or want a first kiss that feels like a Hollywood movie, here’s our roundup of the most romantic first date ideas for you and your sweetheart this autumn.
Carburn Park is a truly romantic first date idea, complete with friendly deer, lush trails and a swoon-worthy lagoon. Heading here in the fall is ideal, as the park pops with seasonal colours, and the nearby fire pits are often filled with cozy woodfire. You and your boo can wander through lush trails, sneak a smooch under natural lean-tos, and watch the sunset go down at the adjacent Bow River. In the late summer and early fall months, you can also spot swans and pelicans floating in the calm waters. It’s a first date that’s sure to impress and won’t break the bank, complete with natural flora and fauna that will make you feel like you’re in a scene from Snow White.
Where: 67 Riverview Dr. SE
This is as close as you can get to feeling like you’re in a true Hollywood rom-com. The Plaza Theatre was built in 1927, and its recent renovation in 2021 has completely revitalized the boutique theatre, turning it into one of the cutest date destinations around town. Pink walls and design accents, whimsical decor, a retro popcorn machine and colourful candy displayed in old-fashioned jars make this an Instagram-worthy spot. You can sip on a drink with your sweetie before snuggling up in the cozy theatre, making this a great first date for cinema lovers.
Where: 1133 Kensington Rd. NW
A neighbourhood coffee shop by day, this eclectic venue transforms into a local music venue by night, offering intimate and interesting live shows in a cozy, first-wave atmosphere. This is about as close you can get to the Central Perk in Calgary, and with a comfy atmosphere, friendly baristas, and plenty of art, it’s a great spot to grab a cup of joe with a new flame. You can meet up for a coffee on the street-side patio, or opt to attend a show later in the evening and listen to some of the most interesting, experimental and new wave acts in the city. This tucked-away spot is for the true bohemian.
Where: 1040 8th Ave. SW
Fall might not seem like an obvious time to visit Reader Rock Garden, but the beloved green space has plenty left to offer in the autumn months. This historical garden oasis was transformed by avid gardener and ecologist William Reader in 1913. By 1943, over 4500 plant varieties had been lovingly cultivated and introduced to the three acres of green space. Reader Rock is a site to see in the fall, with plenty of flowers still bursting with colour, romantic natural seating areas throughout the garden, and a garden gazebo.
Roses, perennials and herbs galore — you can enjoy admiring and sniffing their scents with your sweethearts in the late afternoon. A nearby crabapple tree also drops fruit into the garden’s rockery, making it a breathtaking seasonal sight. For partners who love flowers and celebrating the natural world, this is the perfect place to stroll.
Where: 325 25th Ave. SE
For lovers who are more on the adventurous side, nothing beats an early morning hike to see the larches in nearby Kananaskis country. Larches are beautiful, feathery evergreen trees that turn a stunning golden hue in late September. You still have time to catch them in their beautiful autumn colours this year, and hikes through Mouraine Lake and Pocaterra Ridge make for a romantic, outdoorsy first date. For adventurers looking to get on a good sweat and get their feet muddy, this is the perfect day-trip option.
Where: Kananaskis, Alta.
Orchard definitely takes the cake for one of the most romantic restaurants in the city. With cascading live plants, dreamy crystal chandeliers, and a lush dining atmosphere lit by candles and mood lighting, it’s the ultimate first dinner date destination. Treat your sweet to this vibrant Asian Mediterranean dining experience, with a healthy mix of menu items that are familiar but still surprising. There are plenty of options for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, plus with a creative rotation of seasonal cocktails, it’s the perfect patio experience for you and your date.
Where: 620 10th Ave. SW
Wherever you choose to visit, we wish you and your new lover well on your first night on the town! Let us know how it goes.
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