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Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team
Last updated on August 12, 2024
Crafting a perfect romantic date involves some thoughtful planning and spontaneous charm. Fortunately, it’s easy to plan a Calgary date night, seeing there are plenty of things to do. The key to a perfect date lies in creating an atmosphere that fosters connection and intimacy, and it’s not just about the activity but also the quality of time spent together. And it doesn’t have to be expensive either. That’s why planning a date night in Calgary gives you so many options. We promise the following date ideas are some of our favourite romantic things to do in the city.
Ideas for a Perfect Calgary Date Night
Share a Unique Dining Experience
If you and your significant other are both foodies, you’re in luck… there is a seemingly endless number of excellent Calgary restaurants to try. But if you want to truly impress, a few places to eat stand out. Whether it’s for an anniversary, a birthday, or simply a night you want to remember for many years to come, try one of the unique dining experiences in Calgary.
Our favourites? Sky360 is the revolving restaurant found at the top of the Calgary Tower, where you’ll dine with a magical 360° view of the city and the Rocky Mountains. For fans of theatre, there are a few dinner theatre productions in town, including Jubilations and Stage West. And there’s always Ajito, the city’s first “hidden” Japanese izakaya, where you might forget you’re in Calgary altogether.
Reservations are recommended for all of the above!
Take a Brewery or Wine Tasting Tour
For budding sommeliers looking for date ideas, there are plenty of options for beer and wine tastings around Calgary. The Barley Belt Ale Trail includes some of Calgary’s best breweries if you want to try your own tasting tour, while plenty of breweries offer private or group tours. You can often find breweries that also put on trivia nights or live comedy shows. Or, for something truly unique, get in some exercise while you put back a few pints on the Calgary Pedal Pub. All you have to do is reserve your cooler of brews and then get ready to explore the city by pedalling around. Riders will sip, savour, and soak in the atmosphere around Calgary and can expect two or three stops at bars, restaurants, or epic scenic views.
Prefer wine? There are some fantastic wine tastings in Calgary, including at City and Country Winery and Kensington Wine Market, where you can also sample a few spirits, such as bourbon or scotch.
Remember: always use a taxi or ride-share service if you’ll be drinking!
Go Horseback Riding
One of the most romantic date ideas – regardless of where you are – is horseback riding. But if you’re in cowboy country, it’s definitely not to be missed! The best horseback riding is done slightly outside of Calgary with views of the Canadian Rockies, so you may have to drive an hour or so outside the city, but it’s worth it: the fresh air and the mountains make for one of the most memorable dates for you and your significant other.
Recommended companies include Moose Mountain Horseback Adventures or Anchor D Outfitting.
Go Skating Hand in Hand
During the winter, there’s nothing more romantic than ice skating hand in hand (or maybe we’ve just watched one too many Christmas movies). Thankfully, there are tons of great spots for ice skating in Calgary, including outdoor and indoor options. Our top pick for outdoor skating is Bowness Park, where you can ice skate on the Bowness Park Lagoon and the incredible ice trail that takes you down 1.6 kilometres on the frozen Bow River. Bowness Park itself is a haven for outdoor activities, as there’s also cross-country skiing, ice bikes, croki-curl, curling, and fire pits to enjoy with your date. Just don’t forget the hot cocoa!
Or if ice skating isn’t your jam, why not try rollerskating? House of Skate is the only rollerskate rink in Calgary and is a perfect spot for date night. There are special events throughout the year and lessons if you want to improve your skills. Grab your partner’s hand as you glide across the rink under the flashing and strobe lights and listen to great music.
Nerd Out at a Museum
A fun date night in Calgary – and one that can be done year-round – is a museum date. Thankfully, there are tons of fabulous museums and galleries in Calgary to explore with your loved one! One of the most iconic date ideas in the city is to attend one of the Telus Spark Science Centre’s Spark After Dark events, which include an adults-only evening of fun and a full bar service.
Other top Calgary museums and galleries include Contemporary Calgary, the Glenbow Museum (free admission), and Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. Here, you can play musical instruments and experience a bunch of interactive installations at the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
Get Playful With One Another
Why not try getting a little competitive at an arcade or gaming facility on your next date night? The couple that plays together stays together (or so they say), and Calgary has plenty of fun opportunities to do so. Activate is for the active couple who loves to problem-solve, as you’ll jump, climb, and laugh your way through interactive challenges. There are also a bunch of Calgary Escape Rooms that make for a fun date night. Team up with your partner (or compete against them) and see if you can solve the mysteries in time.
The Rec Room is another excellent spot for a fun-filled date night. It’s filled with arcade games, pool, ping pong, and so much more. Want something a little bit more chill? Try the Hexagon Board Game Cafe. And for fans of mini golf, WinSport has one of the best mini golf courses in Calgary.
These kinds of dates are also our top choice for a first date, as the fun environment allows you to break the ice and instantly have fun with one another.
Try Cooking Classes
Is it true that the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach? Well, why not find out? One of the most memorable date nights in Calgary has to be a cooking class, and there are a few options around the city. Cookbook Co. Cooks offers cooking classes covering everything from French cuisine to Thai classics to couples nights, while Cuisine and Chateau offers hands-on, hands-off, and even virtual cooking classes.
The best part about taking a cooking class in Calgary with your special someone? You can recreate the dish you made at home whenever you want!
Make it a Spa Date
While this may not be the choice for a first date, a bit of pampering at a spa can be just what the (love) doctor ordered. With plenty of spas in Calgary to choose from, you’re sure to be in good hands, and you’ll walk away from the experience relaxed and rejuvenated together.
Leela Eco Spa is known for its couples massages, while SKA Thermal Spa is Calgary’s only urban thermal spa specializing in hydrotherapy.
Unleash Your Inner Artist
For the artsy couple – or the couple who is just looking to explore their creative side – one of the best date ideas in Calgary is an art class. Vin Gogh Paint and Sip is incredibly popular, where you’ll paint while enjoying a curated selection of wines.
Color Me Mine has a date option that includes a charcuterie tray and a glass of wine as you paint your ceramics, while Workshop Studios allows you to channel your inner Ghost and try the pottery wheel with your love (accompanied by a live DJ, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks to boot).
Sneak into a Speakeasy or Hidden Bar
Perhaps one of the most classic date ideas is to find a cozy bar where you can enjoy a drink (and certainly some laughs). Even better: nearly all of Calgary’s best bars and speakeasies now have non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails!
Some of our favourite hidden spots in Calgary to share a drink include Betty Lou’s Library (a Prohibition-style speakeasy that’s rated as one of the best bars in Canada), Charlie’s Watch Repair (hidden inside the restaurant Salt and Brick), and La Hacienda (the perfect spot for tequila lovers).
Take in a Show
There’s plenty to keep you and your date entertained in Calgary, whether it’s with live theatre, comedy, or music. The Grand always has a wide variety of shows, while Theatre Calgary is absolutely iconic. Comedy Cave is where you go for a barrel of laughs, while 9 Ave SE is where you want to be for any live music; this part of town is known as the Music Mile, so you’re sure always to find a few spots putting on a show.
Take a Hike
Let’s face it: sometimes, the best dates are the most simple dates, and bonus: a long romantic stroll is one of Calgary’s most budget-friendly date ideas! Is there anything better than walking hand in hand as you chat away for hours? For nature lovers, explore some of Calgary’s parks, such as the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Prince’s Island Park or our favourite, Fish Creek Provincial Park, which is the perfect spot for a romantic riverside picnic.
The East Village RiverWalk is also a great option for a romantic date idea. There are plenty of benches, outlooks over the water, or wide steps leading down to the river—all fantastic spots to pause for a rest (or for a smooch). In the winter, if you’re looking for something extra special, head to the Calgary Zoo and join the Penguin Walk.
Did the date go REALLY well? Then you’ll also need this post on Calgary breakfast spots for the next morning!
If you’ve got more time to spare, then check out this post on the best things to do in Calgary for more fun ideas.
Dalene Heck is a co-founder of Road Trip Alberta. She was born in Edmonton, grew up in the Peace Country, and has ventured to almost every corner of Alberta and the world (she’s travelled to 60 countries)! She is a serial blogger, the CEO of HMI Marketing, co-creator of the Trip Chaser card game, a leukemia-slayer, and cat whisperer.
