River City Writer

A lot of people come to this site looking for date ideas. I have written a lot of things on this site that could be considering date ideas. Every time I review a restaurant or a bar, that let’s potential daters know if that place might be a good choice or not.

But, I think I can do a better job of providing you with Edmonton date ideas. So, I’m compiling a list of ideas and putting them here. Feel free to add your own ideas to the comments section.

In addition to the ideas below, don’t forget to check out the Edmonton Restaurant Guide and the Edmonton Nightlife Guide for more ideas. I’ve also written about free fun in Edmonton—dates don’t always have to be expensive, as long as they’re fun and memorable.

Edmonton Date Ideas

• Grab a coffee at an independent cafe (Three Bananas, Axis Cafe, Remedy, etc.).
• Take a long walk through the river valley; this can be done in any season, though the winter might not be ideal, if you’re date doesn’t like the cold.
• West Edmonton Mall is a great choice for the consumerists in the crowd: food, drink, gambling, shopping. Hell, there’s even a hotel if you need quick access to a bed (but, please, avoid the theme rooms, they’re tacky).
• Festivals!
• Go for dinner at any of the River City’s great local restaurants. Some of my personal favourites are: Doan’s, Two Rooms Cafe, and Padmanadi (review).
• Drive. This city is designed for automobiles. Go for a drive around the city, without a destination in mind. Grab some food from a drive-through. The inclusion of fast food means that this is probably not ideal for a first date.
• Smoke shisha together at Co Co Di Restaurant (10160 100A Street).
• Go to a movie. This sounds boring and unoriginal, I know, but Edmontonians are notorious for their love of film (probably because our winters are so damn long). To keep it interesting, avoid the big multiplexes and go see an independent film at the Garneau or the Princess.
• Go for drinks. It’s not particularly unique to Edmonton, but going out for drinks is a great way to get to know one another. Alcohol is a wonderful social lubricant, and can help ease the awkwardness that can accompany those first few dates with a new partner—just make sure not to get drunk and embarrass yourself. Presumably, you’re on a date because you actually want to get to know the other person, not just because you’re hoping to get laid, so choose a pub or a lounge instead of a dance club (this way you’ll actually be able to hold a conversation without shouting). I’d personally recommend Sherlock Holmes or Red Star. Suede Lounge is a nice place too, if you feel like being a bit more trendy.