Growing sick of the tired ol' "dinner and movie" date? Or perhaps you're tired of racking up your credit card in your pursuit of love? Either way, we've put together these fabulous, unique dates that don't cost a thing and will get you major brownie points for originality.
MacMillan Observatory
If you think gazing up at the stars with the naked eye is romantic, just wait until you see a globular cluster up close and personal! The Gordon MacMillan Southam Observatory in Vanier Park opens its doors to the public Friday and Saturday evenings (provided it is clear out.)
Admission is by donation and volunteers are on hand to answer your most pressing astronomical questions. Except for that speed of light/turning on your headlights one. Even they don't know the answer to that.
Gordon MacMillan Southam Observatory
1100 Chesnut St.
Call 604-738-7827, ext. 228 for details
Hollywood Theatre
This long-time Vancouver landmark shows second run movies a few weeks after they leave regular theatres. From the authentic ticket kiosk out front to the secluded balcony inside, it's a chance to experience a date from a bygone era. (An era in which spine-crushing, lumbar-destroying seating was all the rage, apparently)
Best of all, you can take in a double feature for $7, provided you can handle four hours in those seats.
Hollywood Theatre
3123 West Broadway
hollywoodtheatre.ca
People watching on Commercial Drive
A stroll along Commercial Drive is bound to be full of surprises. You can browse funky boutiques, sip cappuccino in authentic Italian cafes or just plant yourself on a bench and watch the world go by.
Chinatown
Vancouver boasts the second largest Chinatown in North America (San Fran is first.) The sights and smells that surround you as you stroll along the sidewalks and alleys take you away to the Far East (we are being lyrical here, you can leave your passport at home).
It's an experience that too few Vancouverites partake in. Pick up a skinned rabbit, some ridiculously cheap pots and pans and head home to make whatever you make with skinned rabbit.
BONUS: The Sun Yet Sen Garden is a fascinating urban oasis, with a bamboo forest, koi and turtle-filled ponds and authentic 15th-Century Chinese architecture. Oh, and it's FREE!!
Sun Yet Sen Garden
578 Carrell St.
vancouverchinesegarden.com
South Granville Art Galleries
The stretch of Granville St. between 16th Ave. and the Granville St. Bridge is home to a number of high-end boutiques and restaurants. But interspersed between them are numerous artists' galleries. It costs nothing to browse around inside and catch a glimpse of the next Rembrandt or Picasso.
South Granville Galleries
Granville St., between 16th & 5th Ave
southgranvillerise.com
