cozy date night ideas.

i know, its cold…

And who wants to plan dates when it’s 20 below? I’m not one to venture out of my blanket filled bed during the winter time, but since Valentines Day is approaching, I thought making a list of YEG’s best date spots to inspire you (and my boyfriend).

snow valley.

Heading to Lake Louise or Jasper for the long weekend sounds exhausting, doesn't it? Though the hill off of the Whitemud isn’t quite as impressive, if you go later in the evening before closing time, it costs less than $20 a person. You & your date can get some runs in while watching each other wipe out.

Rundle & Victoria Park Ice Ways.

Pack a thermos full of hot chocolate & bailey’s as you skate down the beautiful River Valley trails & forests. Rundle is open from dusk until dawn, while Victoria Park is open from 10am-10pm. The ice ways are lit up by beautiful lights wooden cut lanterns created by local artist, Dylan Cooper.

Muttart Conservatory.

One of Edmonton’s finest gems. Four pyramids with four different climates & many benches to sit & snuggle up. After you’re done strolling through the gardens, they have a cozy cafe where you can chat until they kick you out. Not to mention, they have the cutest succulents, cactuses & hanging plants for purchase.

Garneau Theatre.

Old school photo booth, freshly buttered popcorn & Alley Kat beer. Garneau Theatre specializes in independent films, as well as the classics. If the movie is good, bad, hilarious or just plain weird, get a little tipsy & cozy on up during this timeless date activity.

El Cortez.

Spoiler alert. I’m a little bias to this date night spot because I work here. But I have to tell you, this is one my favourite places to go on Whyte. Taco Tuesdays are a must, due to the fact we have local DJ, Mikey Wong, playing bangers all night long. While on Thursdays we have half priced tequila & mezcal. This is the best way to try out different & usually expensive selection. Usually our general manager, Dean, is kicking around eager to introduce his top picks. Killer tacos, queso to die for & (my new fave) oaxacan mussels along with literally ANY of the cocktails, El Cortez really is one of Edmonton’s hidden treasures.

Tobogganing.

Gallagher, Rundle & Highland Park, just to name a few. Bring along hot apple cider, get all bundled up like marshmallows & break out the old JT’s or Crazy Carpets. I did this with a couple of my friends last winter & we got up to some serious speeds! It’s now one of my favourite memories.

Cozy Cafes.

Edmonton has a good selection of cozy cafes to choose from. Little Brick Cafe, Block 1912, Credo, Remedy, Transcend & Amber Cafe are all great places to grab a little snack & get to know one another a little better.

Stay At Home.

Honestly, with how cold Edmonton is at the moment, I wouldn’t blame you at all if you decided to stay in your warm homes. But instead of laying in bed & turning on Netflix, do something together. Bake cookies, make homemade popcorn, build a blanket fort, play a board game or create a special cocktail for one another. Something that gets you talking & learning something new about your date.