Unique Date Night Ideas for Couples (or Friends) in Victoria
Make your next date night extra special with this list of unique ideas.
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We all have busy lives, so setting time aside for a date night can almost feel like a mini vacation. And, if you’re like me, you want that vacation to be extra special when you do have time for it.
Whether you’re looking to spice up a long-term relationship with a nice outing, taking someone on a first date after matching on Tinder, or just looking for a cute night with a close friend (take your friends on dates, too, folks!), then we’ve got some ideas to make your next date extra fun.
Incorporating some games into your date night is always a great idea, whether it’s a new relationship or you’re high school sweethearts. Our only warning here? These can go wrong if someone (or both of you) in the relationship are uber competitive… violence breaking out over a game of Catan is not a recipe for future dates.
Quazar’s is a great first or early date spot! You get to have some fun together, play some easy games, and have a ready-made distraction in case things get awkward or the conversation lulls! And honestly, this spot works for date nights of every levels, even just with friends because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love an arcade night?
Board Game Cafe
This is an all-time date night! We’re big fans of Interactivity Board Game Cafe for the cozy vibes and amazing food & drink offerings. Grab a board game from their massive collection, then sit down with some snacks and a butterbeer (that’s right - you can get a Harry Potter themed butterbeer and it’s delicious!) to game the night away. Really hard to go wrong with this one, whether you’re on date number 1 or number 1000.
Escape Room
Escape rooms are a ton of fun and possibly a good litmus test for how well you’ll work together in the relationship! There’s an easy icebreaker at your disposal if it’s an early date, and even if you’ve been dating a while it’s a good challenge for the brain! There’s quite a few options to choose from in Victoria, including Quest Reality Games or Horror Escape if you’re looking for the type of date that will scare at least one of you out of your pants; not speaking from experience…
Peacock’s is always a great time, and you can catch me there at least once a month. Pool is a great casual game that rarely gets too competitive (at least in my experience, because I’m laughably crap at pool) and rides the fine line between giving you chatting opportunities while also providing an activity to break the ice if the conversation just isn’t flowing. Plus, you can nab some drinks or delicious food once you’re done playing!
No pressure, all fun! Getting up to a fun activity on your date is one of our favourite date themes. If you’re early on in the relationship, having an activity to base your date around can be nice to make sure conversation keeps flowing smoothly and you have something to do while you get the first date jitters out of the way.
Even if you’ve been dating for a while it’s nice to have something to do, and these dates usually end up being a lot more unique & memorable than a simple sit-down dinner. Here are some of our favourites around Victoria.
We love Fired Up! Set in a super cozy store, you and your date can sit down at a table and chat while you paint pre-made ceramics! The staff are super friendly and down to show you some techniques & help you out, or leave you be while you get to know each other (and paint your masterpiece).
For my non-crafty folk out there, don’t knock it til’ you try it! I’m so hilariously bad at painting that it made for a fun talking point. Plus, you get to take your piece home once it’s been fired - a great opportunity for a follow-up date to pick up your item, plus a cute souvenir from your date! Imagine you get married and always have a tiny memento from that date… talk about grandparent lore!
This should honestly be at the top of the list, it’s one of our absolute favourite date ideas in Victoria! Granted, it’s not for everyone and you should definitely check with your date whether they’re into the whole creepy crawly thing - but if they are, it’s hard to beat the Bug Zoo!
It’s not a super long commitment, there’s tons to chat about while you wander through all the different bugs & spiders there, and it’s right downtown - if the date is going well, it’s pretty easy to pop over for drinks or a coffee to continue chatting. Unconventional? Yes. Tons of fun & a unique date idea? Also yes.
A bit more out of the way, but similar to the Bug Zoo for the fantastic place to cruise through and have lots to look at, including flamingos, parrots, tons of tropical plants and, of course, butterflies aplenty! While you’re a bit further north from Victoria, why not drive a bit further up to Sidney after your visit to catch some ocean views with a blanket and some treats from The Farmer’s Daughter.
There’s no shortage of outdoor activities to get up to for date nights around Victoria! Take advantage of one of the many hikes nearby, like Goldstream or Mt. Finalyson, or take it a bit easier with an easy stroll through one of the many gardens around Victoria.
Getting outside makes for a great first date, especially! There’s very little pressure and gives you lots of time to just chat and get to know each other. Be sure to make your plans for the other person’s comfort levels - some people aren’t super cozy to the idea of heading out into the woods with a relative stranger! If that’s a worry, take advantage of spots that are pretty public and easy to get to.
Coffee & Dallas Rd. Stroll
This is a great one for first dates! It’s accessible, easy to get to, and very public to make sure the date feels safe for everyone. Meet at one of the nearby coffee shops to get a warm drink to stroll with, then head along the oceanfront - this is a great time rain or shine!
Bundling up for a stormy weather walk and watching the waves crash on the shore is always fun and definitely unique, plus it’s a great lead for heading somewhere afterwards to get cozy & warm up (if the date is going well!). Maybe a dinner and movie night?
Wander through Butchart, Finnerty Gardens, or the Gardens at HCP
Everything grows in Victoria, so there’s no shortage of beautiful gardens to stroll through. Butchart is a particularly beautiful date during the fall when the Japanese Gardens break out in full red, orange, and yellow colours! If you’re looking for something a little closer to home, the Gardens at HCP have a calm vibe and are easy to walk through while you chat about life. Finnerty Gardens at the UVic Campus are a budget-friendly option (free) but they’re not very big, so having a backup plan for somewhere to head afterwards isn’t a bad idea.
Finnerty is our recommendation for a first date - maybe not the most romantic, but if it’s not going great then you have an easy out with no harm done to the wallet! If you’re looking for a date that’s more on the special side, you can never go wrong with Butchart.
Be a Kid Again & Let Your Imagination Run Free
Honestly, a super underrated date and super unique! Go look for cool rocks on the beach (Arbutus Beach has the best rocks in Victoria and I’m willing to stake my reputation on this!), build a sandcastle, or head to one of the travelling fairs that visit Victoria to go on the rides and try to win a giant stuffie!
Some people love getting sweaty on a date, and that’s A okay! We’ve got ideas for you folks, too.
Go Climbing
Climbing is a great way to meet people and build stronger relationships, and it goes for dating, too! Lots of the closest relationships I know started with a climbing date… maybe you’ll be the next? Boulderhouse and Crag X are both great options for casual drop-ins!
Go for a Bike Ride
There’s no shortage of beautiful biking routes around Victoria, so whether you’re both avid cyclists or just want to do a casual pedal, you have options. Bike along Dallas Road during the summer, or ride down the Galloping Goose during the summer or fall months. The Goose is great for connecting you to lots of other spots, too, like the Esquimalt Lagoon (I know a lagoon doesn’t sound like peak romance, but it’s a beautiful spot for a sit & view of the ocean). Maybe pack a picnic and bike out to your romantic destination?
Okay, most of these date ideas have been geared towards first or early relationship dates. But if you’re in a long-term relationship and want to revive the magic a bit by setting aside a romantic night from your busy schedule, there are still lots of options!
HAVN Saunas is a real treat and one of Victoria’s premier spots for a romantic night on the town. Located on a repurposed barge in the inner harbour, HAVN has hot tubs, saunas, and cold pools set in a super cozy atmosphere. If you’re wanting to treat your significant other (and yourself) to a well-earned night of relaxation, this is the hands-down spot to do it.
The Sexy Trinity - Romantic Dinner, Movie Night, Brunch
I’ve totally just made up the term ‘sexy trinity’ here, but I think it works for this date idea. While date nights centered around going out for dinner are lovely, they’re not very unique. Take it up a notch by going out for a nice dinner (perhaps Pagliacci’s or Virtuous Pie), then heading home for a movie night where, naturally, you’ve already got everything ready - make a nest out of every blanket you own, candles are ready to be lit, and bottle of wine is ready to go. Bonus points: make a cool fort to watch your movie in. Everyone loves building forts and it’s fun to feel like a kid again every once in a while.
We don’t need to get into what ensues for the rest of the night, but have a nice sleep-in the next day and then head out for brunch to put the real cherry on top! The Courtney Room makes for a very vibey, uptown-feeling brunch spot, or head to to OEB Breakfast for a more earthy but equally delicious late-morning meal!
Charcuterie & Chill
POV: It’s Sunday morning and you want some tasty food and a casual, cozy activity. Grab some blankets, hop in the car, and go for a nice drive (with an audiobook or tunes, of course) out to Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse or Merridale Cidery for a charcuterie board and perhaps a flight of cider tastings! Bonus points for a rainy day when you feel extra grateful to be cozied up & warm indoors.
We all have busy lives, so setting time aside for a date night can almost feel like a mini vacation. And, if you’re like me, you want that vacation to be extra special when you do have time for it.
Whether you’re looking to spice up a long-term relationship with a nice outing, taking someone on a first date after matching on Tinder, or just looking for a cute night with a close friend (take your friends on dates, too, folks!), then we’ve got some ideas to make your next date extra fun.
Incorporating some games into your date night is always a great idea, whether it’s a new relationship or you’re high school sweethearts. Our only warning here? These can go wrong if someone (or both of you) in the relationship are uber competitive… violence breaking out over a game of Catan is not a recipe for future dates.
Quazar’s is a great first or early date spot! You get to have some fun together, play some easy games, and have a ready-made distraction in case things get awkward or the conversation lulls! And honestly, this spot works for date nights of every levels, even just with friends because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love an arcade night?
Board Game Cafe
This is an all-time date night! We’re big fans of Interactivity Board Game Cafe for the cozy vibes and amazing food & drink offerings. Grab a board game from their massive collection, then sit down with some snacks and a butterbeer (that’s right - you can get a Harry Potter themed butterbeer and it’s delicious!) to game the night away. Really hard to go wrong with this one, whether you’re on date number 1 or number 1000.
Escape Room
Escape rooms are a ton of fun and possibly a good litmus test for how well you’ll work together in the relationship! There’s an easy icebreaker at your disposal if it’s an early date, and even if you’ve been dating a while it’s a good challenge for the brain! There’s quite a few options to choose from in Victoria, including Quest Reality Games or Horror Escape if you’re looking for the type of date that will scare at least one of you out of your pants; not speaking from experience…
Peacock’s is always a great time, and you can catch me there at least once a month. Pool is a great casual game that rarely gets too competitive (at least in my experience, because I’m laughably crap at pool) and rides the fine line between giving you chatting opportunities while also providing an activity to break the ice if the conversation just isn’t flowing. Plus, you can nab some drinks or delicious food once you’re done playing!
No pressure, all fun! Getting up to a fun activity on your date is one of our favourite date themes. If you’re early on in the relationship, having an activity to base your date around can be nice to make sure conversation keeps flowing smoothly and you have something to do while you get the first date jitters out of the way.
Even if you’ve been dating for a while it’s nice to have something to do, and these dates usually end up being a lot more unique & memorable than a simple sit-down dinner. Here are some of our favourites around Victoria.
We love Fired Up! Set in a super cozy store, you and your date can sit down at a table and chat while you paint pre-made ceramics! The staff are super friendly and down to show you some techniques & help you out, or leave you be while you get to know each other (and paint your masterpiece).
For my non-crafty folk out there, don’t knock it til’ you try it! I’m so hilariously bad at painting that it made for a fun talking point. Plus, you get to take your piece home once it’s been fired - a great opportunity for a follow-up date to pick up your item, plus a cute souvenir from your date! Imagine you get married and always have a tiny memento from that date… talk about grandparent lore!
This should honestly be at the top of the list, it’s one of our absolute favourite date ideas in Victoria! Granted, it’s not for everyone and you should definitely check with your date whether they’re into the whole creepy crawly thing - but if they are, it’s hard to beat the Bug Zoo!
It’s not a super long commitment, there’s tons to chat about while you wander through all the different bugs & spiders there, and it’s right downtown - if the date is going well, it’s pretty easy to pop over for drinks or a coffee to continue chatting. Unconventional? Yes. Tons of fun & a unique date idea? Also yes.
A bit more out of the way, but similar to the Bug Zoo for the fantastic place to cruise through and have lots to look at, including flamingos, parrots, tons of tropical plants and, of course, butterflies aplenty! While you’re a bit further north from Victoria, why not drive a bit further up to Sidney after your visit to catch some ocean views with a blanket and some treats from The Farmer’s Daughter.
There’s no shortage of outdoor activities to get up to for date nights around Victoria! Take advantage of one of the many hikes nearby, like Goldstream or Mt. Finalyson, or take it a bit easier with an easy stroll through one of the many gardens around Victoria.
Getting outside makes for a great first date, especially! There’s very little pressure and gives you lots of time to just chat and get to know each other. Be sure to make your plans for the other person’s comfort levels - some people aren’t super cozy to the idea of heading out into the woods with a relative stranger! If that’s a worry, take advantage of spots that are pretty public and easy to get to.
Coffee & Dallas Rd. Stroll
This is a great one for first dates! It’s accessible, easy to get to, and very public to make sure the date feels safe for everyone. Meet at one of the nearby coffee shops to get a warm drink to stroll with, then head along the oceanfront - this is a great time rain or shine!
Bundling up for a stormy weather walk and watching the waves crash on the shore is always fun and definitely unique, plus it’s a great lead for heading somewhere afterwards to get cozy & warm up (if the date is going well!). Maybe a dinner and movie night?
Wander through Butchart, Finnerty Gardens, or the Gardens at HCP
Everything grows in Victoria, so there’s no shortage of beautiful gardens to stroll through. Butchart is a particularly beautiful date during the fall when the Japanese Gardens break out in full red, orange, and yellow colours! If you’re looking for something a little closer to home, the Gardens at HCP have a calm vibe and are easy to walk through while you chat about life. Finnerty Gardens at the UVic Campus are a budget-friendly option (free) but they’re not very big, so having a backup plan for somewhere to head afterwards isn’t a bad idea.
Finnerty is our recommendation for a first date - maybe not the most romantic, but if it’s not going great then you have an easy out with no harm done to the wallet! If you’re looking for a date that’s more on the special side, you can never go wrong with Butchart.
Be a Kid Again & Let Your Imagination Run Free
Honestly, a super underrated date and super unique! Go look for cool rocks on the beach (Arbutus Beach has the best rocks in Victoria and I’m willing to stake my reputation on this!), build a sandcastle, or head to one of the travelling fairs that visit Victoria to go on the rides and try to win a giant stuffie!
Some people love getting sweaty on a date, and that’s A okay! We’ve got ideas for you folks, too.
Go Climbing
Climbing is a great way to meet people and build stronger relationships, and it goes for dating, too! Lots of the closest relationships I know started with a climbing date… maybe you’ll be the next? Boulderhouse and Crag X are both great options for casual drop-ins!
Go for a Bike Ride
There’s no shortage of beautiful biking routes around Victoria, so whether you’re both avid cyclists or just want to do a casual pedal, you have options. Bike along Dallas Road during the summer, or ride down the Galloping Goose during the summer or fall months. The Goose is great for connecting you to lots of other spots, too, like the Esquimalt Lagoon (I know a lagoon doesn’t sound like peak romance, but it’s a beautiful spot for a sit & view of the ocean). Maybe pack a picnic and bike out to your romantic destination?
Okay, most of these date ideas have been geared towards first or early relationship dates. But if you’re in a long-term relationship and want to revive the magic a bit by setting aside a romantic night from your busy schedule, there are still lots of options!
HAVN Saunas is a real treat and one of Victoria’s premier spots for a romantic night on the town. Located on a repurposed barge in the inner harbour, HAVN has hot tubs, saunas, and cold pools set in a super cozy atmosphere. If you’re wanting to treat your significant other (and yourself) to a well-earned night of relaxation, this is the hands-down spot to do it.
The Sexy Trinity - Romantic Dinner, Movie Night, Brunch
I’ve totally just made up the term ‘sexy trinity’ here, but I think it works for this date idea. While date nights centered around going out for dinner are lovely, they’re not very unique. Take it up a notch by going out for a nice dinner (perhaps Pagliacci’s or Virtuous Pie), then heading home for a movie night where, naturally, you’ve already got everything ready - make a nest out of every blanket you own, candles are ready to be lit, and bottle of wine is ready to go. Bonus points: make a cool fort to watch your movie in. Everyone loves building forts and it’s fun to feel like a kid again every once in a while.
We don’t need to get into what ensues for the rest of the night, but have a nice sleep-in the next day and then head out for brunch to put the real cherry on top! The Courtney Room makes for a very vibey, uptown-feeling brunch spot, or head to to OEB Breakfast for a more earthy but equally delicious late-morning meal!
Charcuterie & Chill
POV: It’s Sunday morning and you want some tasty food and a casual, cozy activity. Grab some blankets, hop in the car, and go for a nice drive (with an audiobook or tunes, of course) out to Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse or Merridale Cidery for a charcuterie board and perhaps a flight of cider tastings! Bonus points for a rainy day when you feel extra grateful to be cozied up & warm indoors.
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