The economy is a bit of a mess, and your dollar buys a whole lot less now than it did even just a few years ago. Yes, inflation is real. There’s no escaping it. But your love life doesn’t have to suffer for it either. Just because you’re low on spending money doesn’t mean romance has to die now, does it?
And to be clear, we’re not referring to a “Netflix, pizza, and wine” style “date night” either. We’re talking about something that actually feels like you put in an effort, that allows you and your partner to enjoy yourselves doing something, and which does all of that without breaking the bank.
Win-win? We think so too.
THE RIO THEATER IN VANCOUVER
Who wants to spend $30 on a Cineplex ticket? Especially when most movies in theaters these days are either vapid superhero sequels, live action remakes of beloved properties, or niche horror movies? Why go for any of that when you could get a movie night out for much cheaper, with much better ambiance and atmosphere, and much better movies themselves too?
Enter The Rio Theater on Broadway in Vancouver. A veritable institution with film buffs, it’s a venue that hosts classic movie nights, sing alongs, burlesque shows, and more. A single ticket costs from $8 to $15 (meaning in the worst case, both your tickets will cost as much as a single ticket for the newest blockbuster). Plus, taking your date to a 4K restoration of a classic, or a screening of a beloved foreign movie screams “I am cultured and sophisticated”, not “I had no money and am making this up as I go along”.
THE COMEDY BAR IN TORONTO
Yes, we’re not talking about comedy bars in general, but rather, The Comedy Bar, which is a specific chain of comedy bars in Ontario (how’s that for SEO focused naming?). The Comedy Bar, which you can find at Bloor or at Danforth, provides great laughs, a fun atmosphere and ambiance, and very cheap prices – as in, a single ticket can be $15 to $25.
Now of course, with drinks, that number is going up – but conversely, you’re also getting some great laughs, and the ultimate compatibility test for you and your partner. After all, if you don’t laugh at the same jokes, can you truly get along? Isn’t it better to find out now, for $15, rather than spend hundreds on a comedy circuit?
ESPLANADA TRANQUILLE IN MONTREAL
It’s a cliche for a reason – take your partner skating at Esplanade Tranquille in Montreal. There’s nothing quite like this wintry ode to romance, which is why this is a trope that has persisted for so long. It’s refrigerated too, which means it’s open for you even during the summer months, and it costs very literally nothing (if you bring your own skates; $10 for renting a pair if not).
Of course, you have to actually know how to skate for this one to be a good date night, because otherwise you’re basically broadcasting your clumsiness and/or lack of coordination, so… maybe get some practice ahead of time?
