9 Unusual Things to Do in Vancouver in September (And Year Round – For the Most Part)

photo: Huffington Post

photo: Huffington Post

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September marks new beginnings and although it may not currently feel like it, the end of summer. With that being said, there are still tons of activities to partake in this month! Here’s a roundup of the most unusual ones:

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9 Unusual Things to Do in Vancouver in September (And Year Round – For the Most Part)

Vancouver Date Idea: Outdoor, Acrobatic, and Free Yoga with Your Sweetie

Photo Credit: Katie Huisman

YYoga, Photo Credit: Katie Huisman

During my year of intense dating, I went on a few outings with a guy who was really into yoga (he taught it as well). He was also outdoorsy, smart, and basically the classic Vancouver ‘ideal’ man. I’d been practising yoga on a very casual basis for the last fifteen years or so, and was at a point in my life where I particularly needed its calming effects. The ups-and-downs of the dating process can be tumultuous, to say the least, so some meditation and child’s pose really helped.

In any case, one day he called me and suggested we do a yoga class together. Personally, I’d never thought of it as a date idea but, in fact, it’s a great activity, even if it’s wordless. I would recommend going for coffee or a bite to eat afterwards as well to discuss your class. Yoga heightens awareness of the body, so there’s something highly sensory – even sensual – about doing yoga next to someone you’re attracted to. Plus, many yoga studios incorporate partner work into their classes, which will involve some form of physical contact between you and your date. Yoga also helps with tranquility that can sometimes be elusive on a date. I have a friend who consistently goes to yoga classes with her husband when she visits a new place as a way of grounding from the bustle of travel and sightseeing.

Vancouver certainly has no shortage of stellar yoga studios that offer a wide variety of environments and yoga and teaching styles. And with the rainy season on its way out and the weather warming up (yay!), outdoor yoga is also a great option for getting your namaste on together. Here are five Vancouver yoga options that are worth checking out:

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Vancouver Date Idea: Outdoor, Acrobatic, and Free Yoga with Your Sweetie

Date Idea: Solve Crime with Vancouver Mysteries

Sourced from Vancouver Mysteries website

Sourced from Vancouver Mysteries’ website

It was a dark and stormy afternoon. My boyfriend (“S”) and I had just been assigned to a high priority murder mystery case in Gastown. It was our first major file, and we were curious to see how quickly we would be able to determine the guilty suspect. The case would require our skills of deduction, a willingness to do the unexpected, and above all, the ability to work together as a team. Would this romantic duo succeed at detective work?

I love solving puzzles and playing board games (Clue was always my favourite), so I was really excited when I learned about Vancouver Mysteries, the city’s first urban game company.

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Date Idea: Solve Crime with Vancouver Mysteries

Vancouver Date Idea: FlyOver Canada with Your Sweetie

Sourced from FlyOver Canada

Sourced from FlyOver Canada

I’ve driven from Vancouver to Montreal in an unforgettable cross-country road trip, and have been to the Maritimes twice. Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as the three territories are still on my list (one day, for sure). My drive across Canada gave me a deep appreciation for the sheer size and geographical diversity of this nation. I was reminded of both when I took a ride on FlyOver Canada (201-999 Canada Place).

When I was in the thick of dating, coffee dates and going for drinks got old pretty quickly. Honestly, they all blurred together. The meetings I remember the most involved an activity that was inventive, often one that was a new adventure in the city for me.

One day on Tinder, I swiped right on a cute guy, and lo and behold, he did too. We texted, with me suggesting we try out FlyOver Canada together. He agreed, and we set up when to meet.

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Vancouver Date Idea: FlyOver Canada with Your Sweetie

5 New Vancouver Restaurants for Impressing Your Foodie Date

The thom kha with fried curry rice from Thai Confusion (Photo credit: Tara Lee)

The Thom Kha with fried curry rice from Thai Confusion (Photo credit: Tara Lee)

When I was going on what seemed like an endless series of dinner dates, the choice of restaurant started to really matter. Especially given that I’m obsessed with food, a good meal was solace for so-so conversation and chemistry. And I have to admit, if a date wanted to go somewhere with mediocre food or made a pick that showed little imagination or forethought, I couldn’t help but judge (just a little).

I went on a few dates with one guy who impressed me by doing his best to think of restaurants that were new, or at least new to one of us. Each outing became an enjoyable trying out of flavours and dishes. And when it was time for me to select an establishment, I tried to resist the urge to go to my same old tried-and-true places. Frankly, dating just got boring, otherwise.

Fortunately, Vancouver has tons of restaurants opening all the time that can enliven your dating life. Here are five new spots that are worth checking out with your long-time sweetie or your next romantic prospect.

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5 New Vancouver Restaurants for Impressing Your Foodie Date

Date Idea: Seeing the VSO for Cheap

Sourced from the VSO

Sourced from the VSO

When I was single, one of my favourite solo dates was going to see the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO). I’d get a seat in the upper balcony and let the swells of the music wash over me in my blissful solitude. It was exhilarating, almost as if the Orchestra was playing just for me.

I’ve gone on dates with romantic interests to the VSO and, over the course of our relationship, my boyfriend and I have also gone a few times. Each outing, we had a lovely evening together (far better than our usual staying at home and vegging). Neither of us are musical experts (despite my decade of piano lessons), but we enjoyed hearing the intricacies of each of the pieces on the program and marvelling at the genius of the soloists who played.

A little known fact is that the VSO can actually be an incredibly affordable date. I’m always urging more people to go since there’s a misconception that it’s a spendy treat. If you follow these tips, you can see amazing live symphony performances for $30 or less per person. Given that a movie ticket can cost up to $23.50, the VSO is a really good deal.

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Date Idea: Seeing the VSO for Cheap

Vancouver’s Most Relaxing Spa Treatments for Couples

Scandinave Spa Whistler - Photo Credit: Chad Chomlack

Scandinave Spa Whistler – Photo Credit: Chad Chomlack

Vancouver is truly an active couple’s paradise, with its endless hiking, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, and biking options.

But I’ve also realized, both for myself and for my relationship, that the quiet, more tranquil moments are also important. As much as I adore snowboarding together, I also really enjoy relaxing and recharging at the end of the day. Personally, I think even a power session of shopping on Robson Street warrants some downtime.

For Christmas, since my boyfriend hates presents with clutter potential, I offered to treat him to a spa visit. Since I’m thinking of tagging along, I’ve been doing some research on the best spa treatments for couples around town. Honestly, just reading the descriptions makes me feel more blissful.

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Vancouver’s Most Relaxing Spa Treatments for Couples