33 Fun Date Ideas in Edmonton, AB for 2024
If you’re getting a little bored going on the same dates in Alberta’s capital, discovering new and fun date ideas in Edmonton is sure to spice things up. Whether you’re planning a first date or a romantic night out with a long-term partner, Edmonton offers unique activities to please every couple.
Things to do range from taking hands-on cooking classes to unwinding with a luxurious spa day and learning how to salsa dance as a couple. To help you delve through the options and plan the perfect date, we have curated an extensive list of fun date ideas in Edmonton that’s guaranteed to feature multiple things you want to do together.
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- Date Ideas in Edmonton for Foodies
- Date Night Ideas in Edmonton
- Romantic Date Ideas in Edmonton
- Free and Cheap Date Ideas in Edmonton
- Unique Date Ideas in Edmonton
- First Date Ideas in Edmonton
- Indoor Date Ideas in Edmonton
Date Ideas in Edmonton for Foodies
1. Prepare Fantastic Dishes at a Cooking Class
Fun date ideas in Edmonton become even more exciting when they allow you to learn a new skill. One of the top hands-on activities to enjoy as a pair is getting involved in a cooking class. Cooking classes in Edmonton offer a perfect way to get to know your date more intimately through culinary arts. Of course, you will also improve your cooking skills and dine on a homemade meal together at the end of the class.
2. Indulge in a Private Chef Meal
Are you looking for a luxurious and relaxing date idea in Edmonton? If so, hiring one of many private chefs in Edmonton is sure to appeal. With this experience, a world-class chef will shop, prepare and craft a gourmet meal for you and your partner in the comfort of your home.
This date idea in Edmonton is fantastic for those who want to have both the comfort of home and a restaurant-quality meal and experience. Best of all, the chef also takes care of clean-up, allowing you to enjoy even more quality time with your other half.
3. Try Some Online Culinary Experiences
Another excellent option for couples that want to stay home is trying some online culinary experiences. If you want to learn how to make delicious dishes right out of your own kitchen, sign up for online cooking classes. These interactive sessions are hosted live by a professional chef who will teach you all the best cooking tips and tricks.
Online mixology classes are another excellent date idea in Edmonton and offer a unique twist on a date at a bar. A mixologist will help you and your partner to craft amazing drinks, including craft cocktails and twists on classic favourites.
4. Plan a Brunch Date
Brunch is one of the best date ideas in Edmonton if you’re planning an early morning get-together with your partner. You’ll discover no shortage of excellent brunch spots in the city, with something for all tastes. If you can’t choose where to make a reservation, Under The High Wheel and Sugarbowl are two of the most highly recommended locations for brunch or breakfast in Edmonton.
5. Enjoy Irresistible Ice Cream
It can get very cold in Edmonton, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy ice cream all year round. Made by Marcus is known for providing many brilliant flavours of ice cream, so adding a trip to this ice cream shop to your list of date ideas in Edmonton is a must if you like trying out-of-the-box combinations. Fun ice cream flavours to order include chocolate lava cake, roasted strawberry buttermilk and haskap berry lavender.
6. Support Local Businesses at the Taste of Edmonton Festival
Taste of Edmonton is a summer food festival that’s loved by locals and visitors alike. Heading to the festival for at least one day is an excellent idea for those wanting to plan foodie dates in Edmonton. From street food and amazing main courses to craft drinks and desserts, there is a lot to enjoy here. As you hop from food vendor to food vendor, you can also listen to live music by local and national artists. There are some craft stalls to shop at as well.
Date Night Ideas in Edmonton
7. Unwind With Evening Spa Treatments
While classic date night ideas in Edmonton, such as going to a bar or restaurant, are fun, why not mix it up by booking some relaxing evening spa treatments? Wellness on Whyte stays open until 8.00 p.m. Monday through Friday and offers a variety of treatments, including massages and facials. You can even book sound baths and tarot readings if you want to do something more unique together.
8. Learn to Salsa Dance
Dancing with your other half might just be the date night idea in Edmonton you are looking for. If you want to learn how to dance or improve your skills, taking some couples dance classes is a must-do. While you could opt for many types of dance, salsa dancing is a great place to start. At E-TOWN Salsa you and your date can learn the basics and can come back weekly to improve your skills.
9. Have Fun at an Event at The Backyard
The Backyard is a bustling outdoor community space that allows locals and visitors to wind down while enjoying drinks, food from local vendors and great live music. Events vary but include late-night DJ acts and more relaxed live music sets. Simply check the online calendar when planning this date night idea in Edmonton to see what’s going on. This venue is seasonal and going to The Backyard is one of the spring and summer date ideas in the city that you have to try at least once.
10. Watch a Performance at The Citadel Theatre
If you and your partner love the theatre, a night at The Citadel Theatre is a must. This date idea in Edmonton offers the chance to see a range of shows, including renowned and independent plays and musicals. Due to the venue’s central location, you’ll find an array of top Edmonton restaurants and bars nearby for drinks and dinner before or after the show.
Romantic Date Ideas in Edmonton
11. Get Outdoors for a Romantic Picnic
Romantic date ideas in Edmonton don’t need to be over the top or too expensive. Heading to a local park to relax with a picnic is a perfect thing to do, especially when the weather is warmer. You could bring a selection of snacks and homemade dishes or stop by your favourite restaurant to get take-out. To make the occasion more special, pack some cute throws, outdoor pillows and fancy dishware to create a more high-end picnic setup.
12. Go on a Riverboat Trip
If you are searching for the most romantic date ideas in Edmonton, going on a relaxing sunset riverboat trip will definitely appeal. With Edmonton Riverboat, you can enjoy your other half's company as you sail along the city's waterways and take in the beautiful views.
13. Ice Skate in Harmony
Rain or shine, don’t let the weather stop you from ice skating in harmony with your loved one! There is a range of indoor and outdoor rinks found all over the city, meaning you can plan this date idea in Edmonton no matter the weather. If you are in the mood for a magical winter date idea, you can head to outdoor rinks like the ice skating rink at City Hall Plaza and the Victoria Park IceWay.
14. Treat Yourselves to a Hotel Break
Seeking a romantic getaway in Edmonton? Then surprise your lucky date with a swoon-worthy hotel break. One of the most luxurious hotels to book a room at is the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. It features stylish rooms with breathtaking views overlooking the North Saskatchewan River. You can also enjoy an on-site terrace and multiple bars and restaurants.
Free and Cheap Date Ideas in Edmonton
15. Take a Stroll Through Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park
With an abundance of trails and parks, taking a stroll in nature is among the many inexpensive date ideas in Edmonton. Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park is one of the best places to spend a day together outdoors. You can bask in the spectacular scenery while wandering around Big Lake, which comprises around 59% of the park. This is also an ideal place to watch the sunset and even do some bird watching.
16. Swim in an Outdoor Swimming Pool
Date ideas in Edmonton don’t need to be expensive to be lots of fun. One of the top things to do together during warmer months is taking your date for a relaxing swim at an outdoor pool. The city boasts several outdoor pools, such as the Queen Elizabeth Outdoor Pool, all of which are perfect for cooling off on a summer day.
17. Wander Around Broadmoor Lake
Broadmoor Lake Park is one of the most scenic spots in Edmonton and it’s the ideal place for a romantic walk. The park offers a range of amenities, including picnic tables around the lake and sports facilities, so you can enjoy some additional activities after your walk. There are also events hosted all year, including farmers markets and seasonal events like Canada Day celebrations.
18. Admire the Edmonton Skyline
The beautiful Edmonton skyline can be appreciated from multiple viewpoints across the city. Taking in the vistas with your partner is a scenic and cheap date idea in Edmonton that is sure to be memorable. One of the city’s best lookouts is the Rowland Park Lookout which offers forest, river and skyline views. Hike or bike to the vantage points together and then enjoy a picnic while taking in your surroundings.
19. Bike Around the City
Whether you live in the city or are visiting, biking around top landmarks is a fun and educational date idea in Edmonton that also keeps you active. You could join a guided tour or make a list of famous places to visit and create a route yourself. As you bike around, you’ll be able to admire the River Valley as well as landmarks like the Art Gallery of Alberta and the Beaux-Arts style Alberta Legislature Building.
20. Hang Out at Garner Lake
Venturing out of the city to enjoy the stunning Garner Lake Provincial Park is a perfect date idea near Edmonton if you both like being in nature and exploring stunning parks. Whether you go kayaking, picnicking, hiking or simply hang out and chat around the lake, you will be able to take in the breathtaking scenery while bonding with your date.
21. Explore Elk Island National Park
Going to Elk Island National Park is a low-cost date idea that allows you to spend quality time together in a beautiful locale. This park is a UNESCO-protected wildlife area and offers a variety of activities to partake in. From stargazing to hiking and admiring the stunning lakes, you won’t be short of things to do or talk about. You will also spot an array of wildlife as you make your way through the park.
Unique Date Ideas in Edmonton
22. Spend the Evening at the Edmonton Opera
If you are looking for the most romantic date ideas, going to the opera is one of the best things to do in the city. The Edmonton Opera has been welcoming people through its doors for over 60 years and hosts a range of fabulous performances. Get dressed up and spend a sophisticated evening enjoying the show and a few glasses of champagne.
23. Attend a Horse Racing Event
With a deep history of horse racing in the city, watching a race at the Century Mile Track is not a typical date idea in Edmonton but is one that will create very unique memories. You can go to more casual races or get all dressed up for one of the fancy derby events.
24. Jump Around at LaunchPad Trampoline Park
Another date activity that is slightly out-there is going to a trampoline park. LaunchPad Trampoline Park is a great one to check out and features numerous trampolines to bounce around on. There are also fun neon night events you could attend together and you can even join trampolining classes.
25. Attend the Edmonton International Jazz Festival
Are you and your partner music lovers who are searching for date ideas in Edmonton? If so, planning a trip to the annual Edmonton International Jazz Festival is a must. This festival, held in June, involves great live music played at venues around the city, including in Victoria Park. There are also jazz workshops to attend and stalls hosted by local craft and food vendors.
First Date Ideas in Edmonton
26. Shop at a Local Farmers Market
If your first date is on a Saturday, going to the Old Strathcona Farmers Market is one of the most charming date ideas in Edmonton to enjoy together. As you explore the historic market, you can try a variety of ready-to-eat dishes, shop for local produce and peruse craft stalls. To extend the date, take some snacks to a nearby park for a picnic or pick up fresh and local ingredients to take home and cook.
27. Try Canoeing
Enjoy a tranquil adventure connecting with your date among nature and picturesque waterways by canoeing through Edmonton’s serene waters. The combination of nature and romance makes canoe paddling one of the most idyllic date ideas in Edmonton. You can bring your own equipment or get rentals at Edmonton Canoe. Guided canoeing tours are also available and allow you to explore routes you may not otherwise have found.
28. Walk Across the Waterdale Bridge
The Walterdale Bridge is an impressive piece of human engineering and architecture that was updated in 2018, with the original structure dating to 1913. When looking for laid-back first date ideas in Edmonton, taking a romantic stroll across the bridge is an excellent thing to do.
You can chat and get to know each other in a low-stakes environment while taking in the fantastic views of the city skyline and the North Saskatchewan River. Being so central to Downtown, you can easily head to a bar, restaurant or other attraction if your first date walk goes well.
Indoor Date Ideas in Edmonton
29. Tackle an Escape Room
Bonding through a problem-solving escape room game with your partner is one of the most fun date ideas in Edmonton, especially for those looking to do something together on a rainy day. At Time Escape, you can choose from a variety of themed rooms that all feature clues and puzzles to solve in an attempt to break free. Playing an escape room game is also one of the best double date ideas in Edmonton if planning an outing with another couple.
30. View Floral Displays at Muttart Conservatory
Date ideas in Edmonton that involve exploring nature are vast and varied. But what if you want to connect with nature when it is raining and cold? When the weather isn’t the best, going to the Muttart Conservatory is the answer!
It is one of Canada’s largest indoor botanical gardens and features an array of indoor floral displays that comprise over 700 plant species. As you wander around together, you will learn some fun botany facts and can snap photos of the colourful plants and flowers.
31. Catch a Movie at Metro Cinema
Watching a movie at Metro Cinema is one of the best date ideas in Edmonton for cinema enthusiasts. From arthouse to indie and classic films, you are sure to find a movie that will appeal to you both.
32. Admire Art at The Art Gallery of Alberta
Date ideas in Edmonton don’t get much better for creatives and art lovers than visiting The Art Gallery of Alberta. Founded in 1924, the gallery exhibits both contemporary and classic paintings from Canadian and international artists. Along with touring the art museum together, you could attend one of the special events that are often hosted here.
33. Cuddle Cats at a Cat Café
If your date is a cat lover, going to the Cat Café on Whyte is sure to please. You can grab a drink and then head into the cat room to play with cute and adoptable cats. There’s also a shop with adorable cat merchandise that you can treat your partner to.
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Date ideas in Edmonton are vast and varied and offer you the chance to get to know your partner better while enjoying fun activities together. From visiting a cat café to taking cooking classes or hiking through Edmonton’s nearby parks, this list of date ideas should help you make your next romantic meet-up even more special.
For even more ways to explore Edmonton and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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