Vancouver Date Idea: FlyOver Canada with Your Sweetie

I’ve driven from Vancouver to Montreal in an unforgettable cross-country road trip, and have been to the Maritimes twice. Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as the three territories are still on my list (one day, for sure). My drive across Canada gave me a deep appreciation for the sheer size and geographical diversity of this nation. I was reminded of both when I took a ride on FlyOver Canada (201-999 Canada Place).

When I was in the thick of dating, coffee dates and going for drinks got old pretty quickly. Honestly, they all blurred together. The meetings I remember the most involved an activity that was inventive, often one that was a new adventure in the city for me.

One day on Tinder, I swiped right on a cute guy, and lo and behold, he did too. We texted, with me suggesting we try out FlyOver Canada together. He agreed, and we set up when to meet.

FlyOver Canada is amazing right away as a date because it’s located at Canada Place, an iconic destination on the Burrard Inlet waterfront. I arrived early for our date and took a stroll around the building, enjoying the spectacular views of downtown, Stanley Park, and the North Shore. (This would make for a great walk as a couple too)

I spied my date at the ticket booth on the walk back. He was as attractive as his photo. “Yay!” I thought.

FlyOver Canada is billed as “the Ultimate Flying Ride.” And it really is. The whole experience is 25 minutes long so it’s perfect for a first date, or for a fun blast of an outing with your partner. It begins with a pre-show, UpLift!, a multi-screen, multimedia experience that showcases the lives of five dynamic Canadians across the country. My date and I cozied up to one another in the darkness, as we watched both natural and urban images flash before us.

Next, after being given instructions and a preview in the Boarding Zone, we were ready for the main event. The ride involves a domed screen, and seats that “take off” as you begin your journey across the country. Hold hands with your date as gorgeous scenery appears on screen.

The ride is approximately 8 minutes long and includes mist, wind, and scents for a more immersive experience. The aerial tour begins on the east coast and makes its way through central Canada before swooping over the Prairies and the west coast, and ending with the Northern Lights.

National landmarks like the CN Tower and Niagara Falls appear, along with tons of footage of Canada’s mountains, icy peaks, and rivers. I found the ride to be incredibly exhilarating, especially given that I was sharing it with a new person. It also brought back memories of my drive across the country, along with many other trips I’ve taken around Canada.

My date and I, buoyed by the great flight, decided to extend our time together by walking to Tap & Barrel – Convention Centre (76-1055 Canada Place), just near the Olympic Cauldron. There, we enjoyed more great views, local craft beer on tap, and casual bites.

All in all, it was the ultimate Vancouver date, which I highly recommend.

FlyOver Canada is open every day, from 10am to 9pm (rides start every 15-20 minutes). Buy tickets at the booth there or on-line.

If you’re going with the kids during spring break, weekday children and youth tickets are 25% off, from now until March 24th. The Easter Bunny will be making appearances March 25-28 from 11am to 3pm, and you can register your kids now for an Easter Egg Hunt that takes place March 27-28 from 11-2pm. Kids who participate get 20% off that day’s admission tickets for them and up to 3 family members.