's Top 5 Romantic Date Ideas in the Rockies!
Written by: Angelica Ciochon
They say that first impression is really important. Doesn't matter who "they" are; it just is what it is! So why go on the same first date that everyone else goes on; dinner, coffee, movie... Boringggggg!
How about leaving your first date with a standing impression? How about memories of an adventure, something fun and enjoyable without awkward silent moments? Everyone forgets about seeing that one movie with that one guy in it or going to that one restaurant with that really good chicken dish. I mean I can name 10 restaurants I've been to with really good food or even crappy food for that matter but can't remember the people that I was with for half of them!
Do something different! Don't get me wrong. I love to do the dinner and movie date thing too but why waste another minute on another same old date when you can go and switch things up and do something fun and memorable!
Men, women love creativity! So get creative, with the help of ideas from my article (everyone deserves a fun adventure without the pain of spending hours of googling creative date ideas)! You'll have your lady swooning over you in no time... well in theory...
Ladies... take off those heels and put on those tight fitted sweatpants (yes the ones that make your ass just stand out... who says you can't look sexy outdoors?!). What guy doesn't like a lady who can dress down, get a bit dirty, and have some fun while still looking good?!
So here are my Top 5 date ideas in the Canadian Rockies. Get ready to be swept away!!!
1. Banff Lake Cruise on Lake Minnewanka
So this may not be the best idea for the winter but a unique date idea is to head out to Lake Minnewanka and take the boat tour - Banff Lake Cruise! The boat tour is a one hour interpretive cruise among either a 48 passenger Lake Cruiser or 65 passenger Alberta Explorer. Although I've only gone once (which happened to be part of my first date with my current beau... see that's how awesome this date idea is!), the guide was awesome and made the trip super fun. I personally enjoyed hearing the stories about the First Nation's people and their myths and legends as you travel near the Devil's Gap like the "water spirits". You may not believe in such things but trust me; even a random splash against the boat might spook you a bit after hearing that story! Not as imaginative and fun, hearing about the wildlife, early explorers and geology (of course... you're in the mountains... didn't think you could get away without learning something educational did you?) of the area. We even got to see a bald eagle on our way back which was pretty neat although secretly I think we were all hoping to see a bear in the distance.
Open from mid-May to October, trust me, your $44.95 is well spent and if your date is anything like Peter or I (fun, outdoorsy, adventurous... did I mention were good looking?! :p ) then you will be sweeping your date off their feet in no time! Just make sure they're not falling off the boat in the meantime.
2. Banff Hot Springs
Bikini anyone? Need I say more... Who doesn't want to take their date to the pool... on a mountain...? Better than a movie date? Mmm, I think so! What better way to get to know someone than in the natural Hot Springs in Banff on Sulfur Mountain? Take a dip and relax while enjoying the views of the mountain ranges around you... I'm sure the view of your date without much clothing on won't be too hard on the eye either (pool temp + 39 degrees Celsius... plus you and your date... minus some layers of clothing... Ouch!...did it just get hot in there or what?!)! You get the stunning view of Mount Rundle in front of you and there is nothing like Banff city at night. Doesn't matter if its winter or spring, for only $7.30, get steamy and hot on your first date out!
3. Skating in Lake Louise
So this only works in the winter, but it is a really fun date! Make sure you and your date are all bundled up and bring your ice skates up to Lake Louise for a skate in front of the magnificent Fairmont Hotel. Best time would be in the evening, only because all the stars come out and the lake and mountains just look breathtaking! This was definitely one of my best date experiences! Granted I got my Christmas present while I was out there skating, a beautiful white gold heart locket with a picture of Peter and I, so I can't promise all of you will have the same feeling of awe as I did, but it is amazing none the less! The only down side is that Lake Louise is a couple hours away from Calgary. You can always make it a weekend getaway and stay in Banff (probably not what you want to do if this is your very first date!). It's perfect if you don't mind the drive a bit later at night.
4. Do an easy hike
No need to make your date sweat too hard when meeting you for the first, second or third time, but a nice little hike to a waterfall or some other nice destination in the mountains makes for a great first outing out together! For anyone in Calgary, Kananaskis, Canmore and Banff National Park, all have numerous short trails to waterfalls or some great views and are all within reasonable distance. One of my personal favorites is Johnston Canyon, just located a bit past Banff (check out our trip report for Johnston Canyon under hiking and Banff area for exact location and trail description!). This short interpretive trail leads you through the forest to 2 beautiful waterfalls, lower and upper with several smaller ones along the way. There are so many opportunities to take awesome photos (yes, especially on your first date!). If you like the outdoors and love waterfalls then this is definitely a great date for you! Plus, can you think of a better place for a first kiss than by a waterfall?
If you have some time and are up for an extra challenge, you can hike up to the ink pots, 4 km past the upper falls. The trail is moderately steep but still an easy hike through the forest to a valley with several greenish, blue pools filled with spring water. What is neat about the ink pots is that you can see the water bubbling up. There are some benches around so it's a great place if you want to bring up some lunch and have a picnic with your beau. There is nothing like having lunch outdoors in a valley between amazing mountain ranges with the warm sun beating down on you in Banff National Park!
5. Banff Gondola - Watch the Sunset
There's something exhilarating about standing on a mountain top and watching the sun transform the sky and landscape as it goes down behind the mountain ranges. Now picture this as your first date. Exciting right?
Take a ride on the Banff gondola to the top of Sulfur Mountain and watch the sunset as the sun paints the sky in colors of red, pink and orange and transforms the mountains of Banff National Park into something more gorgeous than they already are. Take a brief walk and check out the old weather station that the National Park used to use. While you are up there you can grab a bite to eat at the cafeteria or go have dinner at the restaurant, although I wouldn't suggest the buffet. Personally, for the price you pay, the one cart of food to choose from is so not worth it. But there's no one stopping you from packing your own meal and enjoying it in the cafeteria. There are windows all around so there is no way you are missing the sunset; unless you're too busy enjoying the view of your date of course!
Personally, I think the best way to enjoy this though (and save money on your gondola ride) is to hike up Sulfur Mountain. There are 2 trails leading to the top of the mountain. One underneath the gondola and one on the other side, hiking up the mountain from the back (check out our trip reports for Sulfur Mountain under our hiking section and in the Banff area)! The great thing about hiking up to the top is that, not only is the trail moderately easy, just a bit long, but you get a free ride down on the gondola. Score! And there is nothing that beats having an ice cream, lemonade slushy and a beer at the cafeteria once you have reached the top. Best feeling ever I tell you... now imagine it as a date. Awesome!
There are plenty more to go do outdoors for a date whether it's your first or after 10 years of being together. These 5 are just some of my personal favorites; dates and adventures that I have been lucky to experience myself. Yes I know, I get spoiled and let me tell you... these dates are ones that will leave a lasting impression and great memories! The Rocky Mountains... right in our backyard... how can we not take advantage and take the dates out of the city and to the outdoors! So get your hiking boots out, and get your butt out to the Rockies (and don't forget your date!).
**Please Note** These first dates may not be ideal if you get a bad/creepy/psycho/clingy/obsessive vibe from your date. Choose your dates wisely!
