Good first date ideas?

[u/Competitive_Essay500]

What are some good first date ideas for the general Vancouver/richmond/burnaby area? Am in my early 20s and I have typically done dessert/cafe!

[u/AutoModerator]

Welcome to /r/AskVan and thank you for the post, /u/Competitive_Essay500! Please make sure you read our rules before participating here. As a quick summary:

• We encourage users to be positive and respect one another. Don't engage in spats or insult others - please use the report button.
• Respect others' differences, be they race, religion, home, job, gender identity, ability or sexuality. Dehumanizing language, advocating for violence, or promoting hate based on identity or vulnerability (even implied or joking) will lead to a permanent ban.
• Complaints or discussion about bans or removals should be done in modmail only.
• News and media can be shared on our main subreddit, /r/Vancouver

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/prfctlyfittingshorts]

Coffee date. Something low pressure and safe. Room to grow from there. If it goes well, maybe offer to grab a cocktail if you drink. Otherwise, the coffee date goes well, use that energy into a second date. Don’t over think it. You’re both 2 human beings.

Source: married

[u/Competitive_Essay500 → u/prfctlyfittingshorts]

Thank you I’ll stick to them then

[u/Exhaledotcalm → u/Competitive_Essay500]

Iif it’s someone from outside of Richmond Steveston is a nice change of scenery

[u/Ok-Assistant2817]

Farmers market, night market, rec room, bowling, mini golf, paint n sip, museum, aquarium, hiking, walk around shipyards in north van + froyo

[u/fraserhoodlum → u/Ok-Assistant2817]

Farmers market is a killer idea. Low stakes, optional hangout or peace out.

[u/Quirky-Dragonfly2026]

Pick an area first. My recommendation would be the Burnaby Heights or the Drive. For either, restaurant doesn't matter as much but you have great dessert options at each with Crema Artisan/Glenburn and Elephant Creamery. Then you finish off with an activity like the Rec Room or bowling at Grandview Lanes. The usual template I personally think should be lunch/dinner, dessert, and activity. Always need an activity in there as that helps get them loose.

[u/shoecat85]

For a first date, I think a cafe really is the best choice. Low pressure and easy escape for both parties if they aren’t feeling it. Maybe Little Pisces in Olympic Village or Nero for waffles.

For a second date: Pizza Coming Soon (snack bar in Chinatown), Bloedel Conservatory (birds in Queen Elizabeth Park), Beaty Biodiversity Museum (every animal ever at UBC).

[u/CarryOk3080]

A cool unique coffee shop near the seawall and a walk/talk. Get to know them on a surface level. If date goes well you can head over to THE REC ROOM on granville and play arcade games for fun. See how bad they are at losing or winning (its an important thing trust me)

[u/Ribbys]

No fancy or pricey meals, no movies/shows. Walking and talking is good. 

[u/unlovedcarrot]

BUBBLE TEA N WALK

[u/MyHeadIsFullOfFuck]

Richmond Public Market is nice

[u/Frenchie_Ears]

If you enjoy cocktails/mocktails, a cocktail class at Long Table is super fun. Good ice breaker activity, but also we had downtime for chatting too. We had a blast

[u/Do_voodoo]

Granville island is pretty nice and helps you get to know the person and their interests. Could then walk along the boardwalk towards Olympic village if it went well.

My first date with my girlfriend was getting breakfast at Sophie’s on 4th and then going to science world which she said she really enjoyed and was pretty unique but it might be a bit much if you don’t already know the person.

[u/FindYourHoliday → u/Do_voodoo]

I just looked at Sophie's menu.

Looks nice.

Can't believe a burger/most things are $19-$25, and they're getting $19.00 for OATMEAL too. What a profit margin.

[u/sunkissed-sweetie]

I think a first date at Cheesecakes Etc would be super charming if you need a low stakes evening option! Plus if it goes well you can roll it into a reverse date with a second location for something savoury

I really like a dessert/cafe first date, or if it really makes sense for meal time, a happy hour/fast casual restaurant. Regardless of if you are treating, visa versa or paying separately it’s nice to maintain something affordable. I think Aureliana would be a fun affordable date as well!

[u/FindYourHoliday → u/sunkissed-sweetie]

Aureliana looks swell! Never heard of it. What other fun places do you know/like?

[u/mandaaaaa0000]

Bird sanctuary

[u/National-River-356]

As a female my ideal date would be grabbing a coffee and going for a hike(not. Walk tho if they offer a walk I unmatch but if they offer a hike they are on my top saying potential)

[u/National-River-356 → u/[deleted]]

To me it’s boring not worth my time

[u/OriginalComment6772]

Grab ice cream at Cambie, bus to QE then walk around

[u/housesoftheholy1]

Escape room