Summer has some of the cutest dates and the best weather – but it can come with a massive price tag. During the summer it can feel like you're spending money all the time – whether it be on vacation getaways, day drinking at patios, music festivals and more!
That's why we are here to help you save money and still have bad and boujee dates on a budget. There are tons of adorable date ideas for summer that are free or close to it and we're here to give you 30 of them. Whether you're looking to take someone out for your first date or it's your longtime S/O, these dates are perfect for you.
@nhirayama101. Soak up the sun at these breathtaking lakes
Have a day filled with floaties and brews with your S/O and your fave double date. There are so many beautiful lakes that provide the perfect swimming hole or floatie haven.
@stephdriedger2. Go on a hike together
A perfect free date activity in Vancouver! There are so many diverse hikes that you can take your pick of a laid-back one or a more advanced trek. Check out this list of hikes to do with your S/O.
@_imreeee3. Watch free outdoor movies
All you need is to bring a cozy blanket and some snacks to the free outdoor cinemas in Vancouver. There will be free outdoor movies at Second Beach in Stanley Park and Canada Place, among other locations, for July and August.
@vancitywild4. Have a picnic
With so many scenic spots in Vancouver, a picnic is an adorable and affordable date idea. Check out places like Burnaby Mountain, Coal Harbour and Lighthouse Park.
@_alexdasilva5. Cozy up at The Celebration Of Lights fireworks
Be dazzled by the fireworks between you two and in the sky at The Celebration Of Lights. This year, teams from South Africa, Sweden, and South Korea will light up the Vancouver skies with fireworks. Go to English Bay at 10 pm on Saturday, July 28, Wednesday, August 1 and Saturday, August 4 to catch the light display.
@langstonnatalie6. Go on a spa day at The Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara
If you want a relaxing spa day without the expensive price tag, check out The Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara. This boujee grotto spa on Vancouver Island costs only $45 for admission to the Grotto Mineral Pool and is also complimentary with any sixty minute spa treatment.
@rnooodle7. Visit the wineries in the Okanagan
Escape to wine valley! You can sample wine for free at many of the wineries of the Okanagan or go on a cheap wine tasting tour, which are usually less than $15 dollars.
@vancouverwateradventures8. Go tandem kayaking with Vancouver Water Adventures
Go for a romantic sunset paddle on the sea! Vancouver Water Adventures has three different scenic locations for you to rent tandem kayaks – Kitsilano Beach, English Bay Beach or Granville Island.
@katelynminchuk9. Go berry picking at a U-Pick farm
Pick your own fresh berries and get cute Insta pics while you're at it. There are several farms near Vancouver – check out these adorable U-pick farms for your summer date.
@yermachoook10. Go tandem biking
Hop on a bike for two for an adorable date activity every couple should try at least once. You can rent a tandem bike at many of the bike shops in Vancouver – there are tons of rental shops on Denman Street in downtown.
@jesskli11. Visit beautiful lavender fields
This date will transport you to the romantic lavender fields of France. You can visit B.C.'s biggest lavender field on Salt Spring Island, Sacred Mountain Lavender. There are over 60 varieties of lavender.
@josephle_12. Eat your heart out at the Richmond Night Market
Admission only costs $4.25 to this popular weekend night market in Vancouver. There will be tons of food and drinks that are unlike any in the city. The Richmond Night Market will have over 100 vendors of food, drinks and shops, and live performances every night.
@austinvandeven13. Explore a surreal waterfall
Go on a cute waterfall adventure complete with perfect couple pics! A free adventure that is a must in Vancouver. Some waterfalls even have swimming holes so bring your swimsuits!
@alxkueyar14. Check out the views from The Vancouver Lookout
Located at Harbour Centre in downtown, the Vancouver Lookout gives you a birds eye view over the city. For access it costs $12.50 for students and $17.50 for adults. You can get the same view at the Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant accompanied by a fancy meal.
@halcyonhotsprings15. Go on a couples getaway to an outdoor hot springs resort
Halcyon Hot Springs is a stunning hot springs resort with a seriously affordable price. A dip costs only $12 for students and $13 for adults and a day pass $20 for students and $22 for adults – you can get insane views and soak your worries away for super cheap. There is also overnight accomodation options, such as a cabin, chalet or cottage.
@ecdonald16. Go kart at Richmond Go Karts
Feel like you're in Mario Kart as you race each other down the track. At Vancouver's outdoor go kart track, Richmond Go Karts, it costs $13.50 for a 10 minute ride.
@khatsahlano17. Check out the street party Khatsahlano
Khatsahlano is Vancouver's biggest free annual music and arts festival. The street party will take place on Saturday July 7 at West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano and will feature free concerts, food, patios, activities, and beer gardens onsite.
@shipyardsnightmarket18. Stroll through the Shipyards Night Market
This free night market in North Vancouver brings food, art, music, entertainment and shopping to Lonsdale Quay. The night market takes place every Friday Night from 5 pm to 10 pm and will run from May 4th to Sept 28th.
@aliviagienger19. Visit Playland's Adult Only Nights
Go on a cute carnival date adult style. Playland is hosting adult only nights with booze for 19+ only. The event runs every Friday evening from June 22 to July 27 from 7 pm until midnight and will have DJs and a variety of drinks. You can buy tickets online at Ticketleader for $31 or $34 at the gate.
@speakoftheangel20. Have a beach day at a secret Vancouver beach
Beaches are both beautiful and free. Escape to a more secluded one for a more romantic date – check out this list of hidden gem beaches in Vancouver.
@lonsdalewellness21. Have an affordable spa day at Salt Wonder's Himalayan Salt Cave
Escape into a salt cave spa in the city. Salt Wonder in North Vancouver has a man-made salt cave/room for halotherapy treatments. Right now they have a Groupon for $35 for a salt cave session for one.
@adventureconwards22. Go on a camping trip at a free campsite
Go on a romantic secluded escape and have a camping trip! Although many popular camping spots require reservations, you can go on a spontaneous camping trip at these amazing and free campsites.
@maman_poussette23. Swim at Kitsilano Pool
This beautiful waterfront outdoor pool in Kitsilano is a great place to spend a day swimming and tanning. The newly renovated saltwater pool is open from May 19 to September 16. Admission costs $6.50 for adults.
Via AirBnb
24. Go on a romantic trip to a waterfront cottage for cheap
If you can't go on a vacation away from B.C. this summer, you can still go on a romantic weekend getaway for cheap! Check out these beautiful, affordable waterfront cottages.
@zeekayphotography25. Have free salsa lessons at Robson Square
Learn how to dance salsa together with free weekly salsa lessons at Robson Square this summer. Sunday Afternoon Salsa at Robson Square offers beginner lessons at 3 pm to 3:30 pm every Sunday from July 8 to August 26.
@reinaaflores26. Explore the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park
Go for a long walk in the park! The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park is the free part of the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Chinatown and provides a tranquil escape from the city.
@lucies_sommer27. Visit Lynn Canyon
This free suspension bridge adventure is perfect for a day exploring the outdoors and is complete with canyons, cliffs and swimming holes. It's also transit accessible if you don't have a car!
@hannahahahahah28. Finish this bucket list of Vancouver ice cream
Who doesn't love a date that involves food? Conquer this bucket list of Vancouver ice cream this summer and your heart (and tummy) will be so full.
@swaffer_says29. Rollerblade around Stanley Park
Opt for rollerblades instead of bike and ride around the city! You can rent rollerblades for just around $10 to $15 at many rental shops in downtown Vancouver.
@leairamc30. Devour $1.25 tacos and fish bowl drinks at this Vancouver bar
If you're looking for a deal on food and drinks, head to the Pawn Shop in downtown on Granville Street. During their happy hour everyday from 3 pm to 6 pm, they have $1.25 tacos and $4.95 drinks. There are even fishbowl and bulldog drinks of tequila, sangria, mojitos and more