Karsten SturmaySo, you finally asked him/her out. Or they finally asked you out. Or you asked each other out at the exact same time. Or you’ve been going out for a long time now but suddenly you need an idea for an actual date because someone said something along the lines of “I don’t care what we do, it doesn’t have to be expensive, but it would be nice to do something” and you took the hint. Well, first off: congrats! Well done! And secondly: we got you. If you’re struggling to come up with an idea for your date or you’re in the mood for an adventure that strays from the beaten path, we can help! Each of these spots has been chosen for its ability to turn an ordinary meet-up into a delightful, memorable experience. And we all know that doing new things together can strengthen your bond.
1. Stargazing at Elk Island National Park
| BEST FOR | Stargazing and Natural Sights |
| PRODUCTS | https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/elkisland/activ/experiences/etoiles-stargazing |
| WEBSITE | https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/elkisland/activ/experiences/etoiles-stargazing |
| ADDRESS | 54401 Range Rd 203, Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 0V3, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 780-922-5790 | +1 (888) 773-8888 (Toll-free) |
| OPERATING HOURS |
If you just want to be with that special someone underneath the stars, then going to Elk Island National Park to go stargazing is a must.
It’s only 35 minutes away from Edmonton, and this place offers scenic places where you can view undisturbed wildlife and seek out natural sights. Aside from picnics and hiking along the trails, stargazing at this place is one of the more popular activities.
With minimal light pollution, this is an ideal place for watching stars with someone who gives you butterflies. What more can you ask for?
Overall, we think trekking here is one of the best date ideas in Edmonton.
Highlights
- Trekking available
- Wildlife viewing
- Cycling available
Customer Reviews
Find out why customers enjoy this place:
A lovely day trip today. People out here today seem to be aware of social distancing. So that was nice to see. There’s lots of scenic trails some were closed because of algae on the lake, but there was still lots of walking to do and some secluded areas. In the last two or three years they have updated this place and done a really good job.
As with any national park you need to pay to go in for the day. About $8 per adult so it’s reasonable and they use the money to keep the place looking good.
—Todd Junck, Google Reviews
This national park is a few minutes west from Edmonton. Easy to get to and drive through. When we went today, one lake road was closed. We went to Moss lake which is a moderate hike. There are free roaming bison, which is super cool just be careful you don’t get too close. There is a golf course and a campground. I will have to go back to check out the golf course.
—Jaime Hernandez, Google Reviews
2. Fondue Date At Cacao 70
| BEST FOR | Chocolate Cafe |
| PRODUCTS | https://cacao70.com/en |
| WEBSITE | https://www.instagram.com/cacao70whyte/ |
| ADDRESS | 10430 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 2A2 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +1 780-760-1100 |
| OPERATING HOURS | N/A |
If your date loves chocolate, then this place is a prime spot to go. Cacao 70 offers waffles, fondues, brownies, and more. It’s a chocolate lover’s heaven.
Their fondue has about 7 types of chocolates to choose from, so you have plenty of picks. It’s a cute little bistro than anyone can eat in comfortably too.
Their great menu and interesting servings make them one of the places you can include in the best date ideas in Edmonton.
Highlights
- Good menu choices
- Located conveniently in Whyte Ave
- Delivery available
Customer Reviews
Check out what makes them so beloved to customers:
I had the delight of having this delivered through skip the dish. I was looking for something new and different. The food portion’s are not meant for a lumberjack but the quality was just magnificent! In my family we like to order a few meals and split between us. It was very easy to separate between two, and enough to fill us but not leave us heavy. That is until we broke out the desert.
The flavors of the foods we received were taste bud awakening. The chocolate desserts were rich, but shared so it was perfect!
—Chrissie Sanders, Google Reviews
Great food! The waffles are soft and tasty, & the restaurant is spaced out well and seems to be following all covid-19 policies. Service was quick and very polite. will definitely be back
—Sonique Kuiken, Google Reviews
3. Movies at The Garneau Theatre Edmonton
| BEST FOR | Old Movies |
| PRODUCTS | https://www.metrocinema.org |
| WEBSITE | https://www.metrocinema.org |
| ADDRESS | 8712 109 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1E9 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +17804259212 |
| OPERATING HOURS | N/A |
If you’re into retro films, then Metro Cinema is a great place to take your date to. They have rotating scheds, so you can just check out which movies you want to watch.
They show plenty of genres, from arthouse films, to retro films and indie films. Currently, they also offer virtual screenings as well, and if you want food after watching a movie, they’re right next to Highlevel Diner.
This place is a really great pick for the best date ideas in Edmonton.
Highlights
- Wide range films
- Great ambiance
- Good prices
Customer Reviews
Find out why customers enjoy this place:
Fantastic atmosphere, comfy seats, great pricing on snacks and drinks. Staff are polite and helpful. Very clean and tidy. Generally attracts a great crowd, people seem to be respectfully quiet during films.
— Kalyna Reid, Google Reviews
Best theatre in Edmonton, they play great movies and have a killer concession. Seats are comfy and cheap ticket prices. Love going here every chance I get!
—Nolan Johnson, Google Reviews
4. Dinner at Sabor Restaurant
| BEST FOR | Restaurants with Live Bands |
| PRODUCTS | http://www.sabor.ca |
| WEBSITE | http://www.sabor.ca |
| ADDRESS | 10220 103 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 4C9 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +1 780-757-1114 |
| OPERATING HOURS | MON-THURS 4PM-9PM
FRI & SAT 4PM-10PM CLOSED SUNDAY |
A Portuguese & Spanish cuisine restaurant, this place is a more upscale go-to if your date is into the finer things in life. With Iberian coastal cuisine using sustainable seafood, this place has great tapas and wine you can dig into.
One of the best parts of this place is that they have a live band that makes the atmosphere wonderful. If you want a great place for delicious seafood, then this restaurant is one we’d totally pick.
They also currently offer delivery of their food. Their great meals, services, as well as a gorgeous ambiance makes them one of the best date ideas in Edmonton
Highlights
- Great seafood picks
- Live music available
- Wide selection of menu items
Customer Reviews
Take a look at what people are saying about their service:
My girlfriend and i are from out of town and have rarely found a restaurant that has impresses us as much as Sabor. A real gem. We had shrimp pripri, (highly recommend) scallops- cooked to perfection. But the dish that wowed us was a whole cooked artic char. Edmontonians need to try there whole cooked fish.
—Jordan Belford, Google Reviews
Always have delicious meals at Sabor. Love all the seafood options. Definitely get the family dining option if you can as you get such a good variety of food for a really good price. If not my picks always the paella, lobster risotto and the sable fish
—Lilian Tse, Google Reviews
5. Ice Castles At Hawrelak Park
| BEST FOR | Ice Castles |
| PRODUCTS | https://icecastles.com/alberta |
| WEBSITE | https://icecastles.com/alberta |
| ADDRESS | 9330 Groat Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B3 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +1 888-407-4054 |
| OPERATING HOURS | N/A |
Next on our list of the places to consider for the best date ideas in Edmonton is Hawrelak Park.
This gorgeous tourist attraction boasts one of the best sceneries around, with spectacular ice castles hand-carved by many and lit by LED lights.
The entrance fees to this place is also affordable, making it a unique experience that’s accessible to those with a small budget. This place has also seen a fair amount of proposals — that’s how magical this place is.
If your date wants a winter wonderland, then bring them here, and watch their face light up as they look at the great sights Hawrelak has to offer.
Highlights
- Affordable entry fees
- LED lit castles
- Gorgeous ice sculptures.
Customer Reviews
Take a look at what people are saying about their service:
It’s unique experience visiting ice castle. Amazing work by these guys. Great sculptures made, it’s so fascinating that what could be done out of ice. It’s an artistic work, whole lot of effort goes into building this & maintaining it. It’s fun to visit this place, any & every age group will enjoy visiting this spot. There are icy slides for kids, teens & adults, it’s quite an experience. I would recommend everyone to visit this place once every year in winter if you’re in Edmonton as it’s different every year from inside. Staff working there are so friendly has big smiles on their faces. Team there helped us taking our couple pictures without asking. Last but not least ensure to load up on winter clothing as temp drops it can get really cold inside.
—Harshal Rao, Google Reviews
The place was spectacular! We were lucky to last visit this awesome castle before the Covid 19 hit Canada. It’s a beautiful thing how they’ve managed to maintain the castle. Truly appreciate the creativity of those people behind this.
—Diwata RN, Google Reviews
6. Professor WEM’s Adventure Golf
Mini golf is a classic first date idea. You can never really go wrong with this activity because even people who don’t know how to golf can play.
Professor WEM’s Adventure Golf is a cute place to take a date to. Moreover, it has a convenient location inside the West Edmonton Mall.
Therefore, restaurants and cafes are nearby. You can grab food after a round of mini golf and continue your date.
Pros
- Fun date idea
- Convenient location inside West Edmonton Mall
- Restaurants and cafes are nearby
Cons
- FInal tee time is 30 minutes before closing
- Children and families go here too
- Not the most romantic first date idea
Customer Reviews
Read this review from someone who has visited Professor WEM’s Adventure Golf.
“Even though it was busy we really enjoyed [ourselves]. Definitely going to go again!” —Kreanne Thygesen, Google Reviews
7. Victoria Park
| KNOWN FOR | Ice Skating |
| ACTIVITIES | Skating Oval Picnic Sites Playground Snowshoeing IceWay Walking Trails Cycling Trails |
| PRICES | Free Admission |
| WEBSITE | https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/parks_rivervalley/victoria-park |
| ADDRESS | 12030 River Valley Road NW, EDmonton, AB T5K 1L4 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 1-780-442-5311 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Park Hours: 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM Daily Victoria Park IceWay and Skating Oval: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM Daily (Winter Season) |
What’s a better winter activity than ice skating? Take your date to Victoria Park and visit the park’s IceWay and Skating Oval for a wintery date.
The Victoria Park IceWay is a skating trail that looks magical during the winter season. Best of all, it has free admission!
Picnic sites are also nearby, so bring a packed lunch and go on a nice picnic date after ice skating. Just make sure to reserve a table if you’re coming during the winter.
Pros
- Free admission to Victoria Park IceWay
- Less than 10-minute drive from Downtown Edmonton
Cons
- Limited activities during the summer
- Need to reserve picnic table 4 business days in advance
- Skating Oval shared with the Edmonton Speed Skating Association so skating isn’t allowed during certain hours
Customer Reviews
Look at what a local guide said about Victoria Park.
“The ice skating rink is so delightful. It was pretty and nicely lit. Pretty romantic actually!” —Neezie TCF, Google Reviews
8. Block 1912
| KNOWN FOR | Jazz Night |
| SERVICES | Food & Drinks Wine & Cocktails Musical Performances |
| PRICES | https://block1912.com/menu-marquee |
| WEBSITE | https://block1912.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 10361 Whyte Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 1Z9 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 1-780-433-6575 |
| OPERATING HOURS | 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Monday to Thursday 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Sunday and Holidays |
Since it opened in 1992, Block 1912 has been serving the people of Edmonton great food, coffee, and wine. It is known as a hub for local artists and musicians, so you can enjoy awesome music performances while you dine here with your date.
In fact, go here on a Monday night to listen to some soothing jazz.
The restaurant has great ambience. The building was actually built in 1912 (hence, the name) and was designated as a historic site by the city council a few years ago.
For foodies and music lovers, this is the place to go. It’s a popular spot for those who met via online dating in Edmonton, so you know that it’s one of the best first date ideas in town.
Pros
- Delicious food and drinks
- Wine and cocktails served
- Open even during holidays
Cons
- Expensive
- Not vegan-friendly
- Musical performances don’t happen every night
Customer Reviews
Check out this review from a customer who visited Block 1912 on Valentine’s Day.
“We came here on Valentine’s and I’m so glad we did. It was busy but enough turnaround for a spot to sit. While in line, they had two vases of roses which were available to give to your Valentine for free. That was a very nice touch. Sweet desserts, hot teas, and a live performer in the company of your favorite person, made an excellent evening.” —Ley Dla, Google Reviews
And our list for the best date ideas in Edmonton ends on a high note. Whether your date wants to eat somewhere or see the prettiest sights, then bringing them to any of these places is a must!
Are there any other great options that we missed, though? Send us a message and we’ll update the article promptly.
And if you’re opting for a brunch date, then check out our list of the best brunch in Edmonton.
