It’s Thursday, and a lot of people are gonna be heading out on dates tonight and over the weekend! Whether it’s with someone new or your SO of ten years, date nights are a fun way to check out new places in your city and get to know your date even better at the same time. Here are a few suggestions for affordable date ideas in some MEQ cities!
Calgary:
Calgary’s known for its beautiful parks and outdoor spaces throughout the city, making it a major destination for nature and outdoor activity lovers. The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is a great date spot that’s both fun and affordable. Located just outside of the downtown core, the Bird Sanctuary boasts over 250 species of birds that inhabit the area. It's a great place to go for a peaceful and romantic walk, and you might even spot some wildlife along the way, or pick up a mating call of your own!
Another unique date activity for Calgary is one we love: exploring the city's street art. As a quick glance at our Instagram will tell you, Calgary has a vibrant street art scene. You can find incredible murals and installations throughout the city, but strolling through neighbourhoods supported by the BUMP (Beltline Urban Mural Project) like Downtown, Inglewood, Beltline, or Kensington, and use their map to plan a date where you discover all kinds of colourful and eye-catching street art. Best part? So many great Insta photo opportunities.
Edmonton:
Edmonton is not only the capital of Alberta, but it’s also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. One unmissable, affordable date activity is visiting the Art Gallery of Alberta located just across from Mainstreet Tower. The gallery is located in downtown Edmonton and offers free admission on the last Thursday of every month from 4-7 PM, making it a VERY affordable date option. The gallery has an impressive collection of contemporary and historical art and often hosts temporary exhibits as well, don’t miss out and don’t forget to get a photo beside your favourite exhibits!
Regina:
Regina is known for its rich history and unique architecture, making it an excellent city for history buffs. One affordable date activity to try in Regina is visiting the Saskatchewan Legislative Building and then having a picnic on the grounds. This historic building features unique architectural elements and has a rich history, plus you will look really intelligent (not nerdy, intelligent!) picking a place like this for a date! Visitors can take a free guided tour of the building, which provides insights into the building's history and significance, and this is another great Insta photo spot, too!
Saskatoon:
Saskatoon has highlights like the beautiful river valley and thriving culinary scene that really makes it an excellent city for foodies. One fun and affordable date activity to try in Saskatoon is visiting the Saskatoon Farmers' Market. The market is located in the heart of the city and offers a wide variety of fresh and locally grown produce, baked goods, and other culinary delights. The market is open year-round and is a great place to sample local flavours, and – you guessed it – snap a couple of photos for Instagram! You’ll be supporting local business, saving money, and having a great time all at once!
Surrey:
Surrey is known for its beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, making it an excellent city for nature lovers and those just wanting to find love in nature alike! One affordable date activity you have to try in Surrey is visiting the Surrey Nature Centre! SNC offers free admission and features interactive exhibits, walking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The center is a great place to learn about the local environment and explore the natural beauty of Surrey. Book a guided tour and get your next date off to an educational start!
Abbotsford:
Abbotsford is known for many things, but its thriving agricultural industry and beautiful countryside are what makes it an excellent city for foodies and nature lovers. One affordable date activity to try in Abbotsford is visiting the Abbotsford Farm and Country Market! Open on Saturdays and featuring a wide variety of locally grown produce, baked goods, and artisanal products, this is a great way to snack and spend an afternoon exploring the offerings and getting to know one another. Visitors can also explore the surrounding countryside and take in the natural beauty of the region.
Dating does not have to be expensive for it to be elegant, fun, or romantic! There are SO many affordable date ideas that you can do in MEQ cities across Western Canada. Whichever city you’re in, we hope you have a great time on your date and remember to keep watching for more ideas to come!