Dockside date-night ideas along False Creek

The mini-ferries that dart along False Creek provide the ideal opportunity to embrace coastal life. There’s nothing more charming than bobbing along to your destination with a seal’s-eye view of the city. With the romance factor upped the moment you step aboard, the little boats are a prime way to kick off date night. Hop aboard and head to one of these dockside spots for an arrival that beats rock star parking any day.

Dockside date-night ideas along False Creek
Christina Newberry By

Arts Club Theatre Company

1
1601 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9

The Arts Club's 440-seat Granville Island Stage presents comedies, dramas and musicals featuring top local and national talent. The Arts Club Theatre Company, founded in 1958, is the largest in Western Canada, and works with local playwrights to develop new plays, many of which have a distinctly Vancouver feel. After the show, stroll next door to the Backstage Lounge to continue the entertainment with great drinks and live music.

Provence Marinaside

2
1177 Marinaside Cres, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2Y3

The French Mediterranean food at this Yaletown staple makes for a perfectly lovely date night. But the location really shines at brunch, when you can sit on the sunny patio overlooking False Creek. The basket of baked goods and cake-like waffles get any sunny Sunday off to a very pleasant start indeed.

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Tap & Barrel

3
1 Athletes Way, Vancouver, BC V5Y 0B1

Strolling up the ferry dock to the bar for a wine or beer on tap is great; scoring a seat on one of the spectacular patios is even better. Heaters and outdoor fireplaces extend the patio season so you can ogle the view late into the year – when chillier nights just mean one more reason to snuggle up to your date.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Mahony's & Sons Tavern

4
601 Stamp's Landng, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3Z1

Perched over the water at the Stamps Landing ferry dock, this cosily authentic Irish pub offers great views whether you’re seated inside or out. With live music three nights a week, daily drink specials and Sunday roast prime rib carvery, there’s plenty here to impress the most discerning of dates.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Vancouver Maritime Museum

5
1905 Ogden Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1A3

What better destination for a date that starts on a boat than a museum that features a historic artic exploration vessel (the St. Roch) as its main exhibit? With models and recreations of many more ships and a large collection of maritime art, the museum offers insight into Canada’s seafaring history.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Aquabus Ltd

6
200-1333 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9

More than fun transport, the boats in False Creek can make for a great date night in and of themselves. The rainbow-coloured Aquabus boats offer a 25-minute mini-cruise around False Creek for $8, or an all-day pass for $15 that lets you hop on and off at as many of the stops as you like. Group bookings for 12 to 30 passengers are available if you want to bring some friends along for the ride.

Granville Island Ferries Ltd

7
1804 Boat Lift Lane, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Y2

As the original ferry company in False Creek, False Creek Ferries’ history goes back nearly 35 years. The company offers a 25-miniute mini-cruise for $7.50 or a 40-minute mini-cruise for $11, as well as all-day passes for $15. For a more romantic option, book a sunset or Christmas Carol mini-cruise, where you get the boat all to yourselves (plus operator, of course) for $175 per hour – or, if you feel like sharing the fun, bring a group of up to 12 for the same price.

More from Christina Newberry Christina Newberry
Christina Newberry writes travel and lifestyle stories for local, national and regional publications, and edits everything from conference proceedings to motorcycle magazines. When she's not travelling, Christina can be found puttering in her community garden plot or playing tourist at home by exploring the sights, sounds and tastes of Vancouver’s unique neighbourhoods.
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