First Date Ideas in Calgary
What To Do on a First Date in Calgary 💡
If you're going on a first date you're probably not going to a restaurant for a full meal, at least, I don't recommend that! You don't want to be stuck with this person for that long if it turns out you hate them. 😆
That's why I've limited my first date suggestions to coffee houses and cocktail bars, so you can have a beverage then either choose to linger or get the hell outta there if need be. 🏃💨
☕ Coffee Date ☕
- Deville - A popular coffee shop for a casual date, cuz you're cooler than suggesting Starbucks. The coffee is excellent so worst case scenario at least there's that. (multiple locations).
- Element - Located on 17th ave so you look trendy and cool. Plus they are open late so you can do a later date if you want here.
- Monogram - Usually not too loud or overly busy so you can have a good convo. Fantastic coffee and significantly nicer inside than a Tim Hortons (multiple locations).
🍷 Drinks Date 🍷
- Last Best - A casual brewery/restaurant but not too casual. Options for beer or cocktails and lots of seating.
- Business & Pleasure - It's a cocktail bar so that makes it a fun option. Nice but not fancy, so it doesn't look like you tried TOO hard..
- Find more options here for Speakeasys and here for Cocktail bars.
Cheap & Affordable Date Ideas in Calgary ☀️
Pastries & River Walk
Sandwich & Peace Bridge
Ice Cream & City Views
Get a coffee to go from the East Village Sidewalk Citizen (and maybe a pastry or one of their famous cinnamon buns too), then follow the river pathway for a nice afternoon walk.
Ice Cream & City Views
Sandwich & Peace Bridge
Ice Cream & City Views
Grab some ice cream from Village Ice Cream's Britannia location and then walk a block west to Riverdale Park and enjoy the views of the river and city skyline. Or you can check out this secret tree swing. 😏
Sandwich & Peace Bridge
Sandwich & Peace Bridge
Sandwich & Peace Bridge
Stop at Alforno on 7th Street before going on a downtown walk to the Peace Bridge. Alforno is known for it's tasty sandwiches, donuts, and coffee.
High Park & Pizza
Sandwich & Peace Bridge
Sandwich & Peace Bridge
Pick up some pizza (I like Noble Pie's New York style) and eat it on top of Calgary's highest park! This is such a cool spot you have to see it for yourself.
Romantic Date Ideas in Calgary 💕
Share Fondue at Var Bar
Be a Part of the History at Lougheed House
Be a Part of the History at Lougheed House
Var Bar is a teeny tiny fondue and champagne bar. It's not cheap, so save this one for extra special intimate occasions.
Be a Part of the History at Lougheed House
Be a Part of the History at Lougheed House
Be a Part of the History at Lougheed House
This historic house is creaky and old in the best way possible. The food is top notch and you'll love being a part of the history of The Lougheed House.
Uncover a Hidden Gem at Fleur de Sel
Be a Part of the History at Lougheed House
Uncover a Hidden Gem at Fleur de Sel
Okay I'll admit I haven't been here yet but this long-standing restaurant is a Calgary fave. Fleur de Sel is small but apparently a delightful hidden gem.
Cozy Up at The Nash
Be a Part of the History at Lougheed House
Uncover a Hidden Gem at Fleur de Sel
Another historic spot, The Nash in Inglewood is known for it's hearty good food and cozy fireplace vibes.
Fancy & Luxury Date Ideas in Calgary🎩
Major Views at Major Tom
Out of The City Feels at Chairman's
Delicate and Delicious at Alloy
Major Tom Bar is 40 floors up, has great views and has won lots of awards - for all these reasons it's hard to get a reso! Plan ahead for this one.
Delicate and Delicious at Alloy
Out of The City Feels at Chairman's
Delicate and Delicious at Alloy
Soft lighting and romantic decor, Alloy is a special date spot. Love the food here, it does not disappoint.
Out of The City Feels at Chairman's
Out of The City Feels at Chairman's
Out of The City Feels at Chairman's
Chairman's Steakhouse transports you out of Calgary with the stunning decor and rich atmosphere. Your date is guaranteed to be wowed with a visit here.
Opulent Luxury at Orchard
Out of The City Feels at Chairman's
Out of The City Feels at Chairman's
Orchard might be the most beautiful restaurant in Calgary. Filled with hanging plants and chandeliers, you know your date will be blown away by this special venue.
Fun Activity & Adventure Date Ideas in Calgary⛳
The Rec Room
Monster Mini-Golf
Taiko Canteen
There are a bazillion games to play at The Rec Room - old, new, single player, multi, you won't be bored!
Taiko Canteen
Monster Mini-Golf
Taiko Canteen
Tacos plus indoor mini-golf, what's not to like about Taiko Canteen! They serve Zilfords Fried Chicken here which is also a must-try.
Monster Mini-Golf
Monster Mini-Golf
Monster Mini-Golf
Granted this tends to attract a lot of children, but you'll still see a lot of adults at Monster Mini-golf. Plus, it's not just mini-golf, it's glow in the dark mini-golf!
Indoor Sky Diving
Monster Mini-Golf
Monster Mini-Golf
Get your date's heart pumping by trying out indoor sky diving at iFly Calgary! I haven't done this yet but it looks so cool!
Unique & Quirky Date Ideas in Calgary 🧙♂️
The Casbah
Eighty Eight Brewing
Eighty Eight Brewing
Spice things up by trying Moroccan food for the night at The Casbah. The atmosphere is coloful and vibrant and gives you an out-of-Calgary feel.
Eighty Eight Brewing
Eighty Eight Brewing
Eighty Eight Brewing
Reminisce about the highlights of your relationship while enjoying '80s nostalgia and craft beers at Eighty Eight Brewing.
The Wednesday Room
Eighty Eight Brewing
The Wednesday Room
Fans of The Shining will love to spot all the movie references in the décor and on the menu at The Wednesday Room. Plus your date need not fear being trapped at the Overlook Hotel.
The Potion Room
Eighty Eight Brewing
The Wednesday Room
For a fun whimsical date try out The Potion Room. This Harry Potter themed bar is known for wacky cocktails.
Movie Date Ideas in Calgary 📽️
Stuffed Donuts & Cineplex
Old Divey Theatre & Delicious BBQ
Old Divey Theatre & Delicious BBQ
Greedy Donuts is a Calgary fave and they're open until 8pm. Grab some donuts and then head across the road to catch a flick at Chinook Cineplex. This is sure to take your relationship to the next level! (up one broken escalator that is).
Old Divey Theatre & Delicious BBQ
Old Divey Theatre & Delicious BBQ
Old Divey Theatre & Delicious BBQ
Catch a movie at Plaza Theatre in Kensington. This old divey, but also quaint and quirky, theatre adds to the fun of the experience. Then walk across the street to Hayden Block for 1/2 price meats after 10pm.
Road Trip & Drive-in Movie
Old Divey Theatre & Delicious BBQ
Road Trip & Drive-in Movie
Load up on candy and snacks, fill-up on gas and head to High River Sunset Drive-in Movie Theatre. It's actually not that far, just a 30 min drive south of Calgary.
Dinner & VIP Theatre
Old Divey Theatre & Delicious BBQ
Road Trip & Drive-in Movie
Head to the University District for dinner at Borough Bar & Grill and then enjoy a luxury movie experience at the VIP (18+) Cineplex theatre.
Live Entertainment Date Ideas in Calgary 🎟️
Live Theatre at Vertigo
Jubilations Dinner Theatre
Live Theatre at Vertigo
An underrated date idea IMO. Vertigo is a smaller-sized theatre so all the seats are great. They do lots of murder mystery acts!
Live Comedy
Jubilations Dinner Theatre
Live Theatre at Vertigo
Laugh until your abs hurt at one of Calgary's comedy clubs. Yuk Yuks is the most well known but you can also do The Comedy Cave or The Laugh Shop.
Basketball Game
Jubilations Dinner Theatre
Jubilations Dinner Theatre
Tickets start at only $25 to see the Calgary Surge in action. Their season stretches from May to August..
Jubilations Dinner Theatre
Jubilations Dinner Theatre
Jubilations Dinner Theatre
With different shows on all the time, there is always a reason to go back to Jubilations Dinner Theatre!
Date Night Restaurant Deals in Calgary 💸
Don't let date night break the bank with these local deals
- Modern Steak - 2 steaks, 2 sides, and a feature bottle of wine for $98 (Wednesday nights)
- Hawthorne Dining Room - Shared appetizer, 2 entrées, shared dessert, and a featured bottle of wine for $115 (Tuesdays nights)
- Milestones - Shared appetizer, 2 mains, shared dessert, and coffee or tea for $75 (Wednesdays)
- Rodney's Oyster House - Steak and lobster for 2 plus sides for $99 (Thursdays)
- Flores & Pine: Offered every Tuesday! Your Choice of (1 per person): 10 oz CAB striploin, 6 oz AAA Alberta Flat iron, Half Rotisserie Chicken
- Alvin’s Jazz Club - Date Night on Wednesdays, 3 Course Dinner for Two Guests | $99
1/2 Price Bottles of Wine (Under $100) - Big Fish and Open Range Thursday Date Night, $99 for a bottle of wine, steak with scallops, vegetables and garlic mashed potato, and a dessert to share
This section last updated July 2025.