What can singles do to be social while staying safe, healthy, and fit this summer?
The answer can be found outside! As we enter the hottest months of the year, we’re ready to answer nature’s call to explore the outdoors. On top of that, nothing bonds people together quite like spending time in Earth’s playground by being active through walking, hiking, biking, and more.
All and all, this is a great opportunity to take the insights you gained on how social distancing can improve your social life and bring it out into the wild when meeting up for a group date with old friends and other singles in your city outdoors.
We’ve partnered with Events & Adventures to bring singles some ideas for exciting social walks and hikes to embark on around Metro Vancouver this summer.
ROCKY POINT PARK
Located at the eastern tip of Burrard Inlet, Port Moody’s Rocky Point Park is a must-visit in the Tri-Cities area. For a nice daytime date, grab a scoop of ice cream and stroll around the picturesque recreational pier or along the scenic 6 km Shoreline Trail towards Old Orchard Park. Even more, these leisurely walks are perfect for taking your dog out, as well as a great opportunity to go dog watching as well!
After your walk has left you feeling thirsty, you can check out Port Moody’s local craft breweries just across the road. Craft beers on the patio are best shared with friends, so it’s no wonder that Events & Adventures (E&A) members love checking out the craft brewery scene together on nice summer days.
Rocky Point Park. Photo: Getty Images
EAGLE BLUFFS
If you’re in for a group date that doubles as a scenic workout, Eagles Bluffs is just the spot you’re looking for. This 4 hour hike on Cypress Mountain has a challenging yet doable trail that passes through serene forest areas and subalpine lakes. This trail is a favourite of E&A’s Vancouver members, and they often do this trail together during the summer to take in the incredible natural sights as a group.
The very top of the rocky slopes offers an excellent vantage point of the stunning views of the North Shore below, where you’ll spot Vancouver, Howe Sound, Bowen Island, and even as far as Mount Baker on clear days.
IONA BEACH REGIONAL PARK
Right by the Vancouver International Airport is Iona Beach Regional Park on Richmond’s Iona Island. Take a meandering walk along the sandy beach and then straight out into the 4 km jetty, which juts out into the Strait of Georgia where the river meets the sea. You and your date can spend an hour or so here as you observe the mix of wildlife, migrating birds, passing boats, and commercial air traffic under the endless sky.
At night, Iona Beach makes for an ideal spot for stargazing, due to its location away from the city lights.
BUNTZEN LAKE TRAIL
Buntzen Lake has a network of hiking trails to explore. For an accessible trail to try for an afternoon social meetup, the 10 km Buntzen Lake Loop Trail is your best bet. This trail offers several spectacular views of the lake, passes through the rainforest, and crosses a suspension bridge.
At the north end, the loop goes through the quieter beach, where you can stop for a relaxing break by the water to take in the beauty around you. Singles from E&A’s Vancouver club find themselves returning to this spot throughout the summer months to picnic together and find real connection with each other.
Buntzen Lake. Photo: Ben Waardenburg / Unsplash
BCMC TRAIL
For a Grouse Ground-like experience without all of the people, direct yourself towards the BCMC trail that runs parallel to the popular trail. More rugged than the Grind and just as difficult, this 3 km trail is just as steep with an elevation gain of over 850m.
Single hikers will enjoy doing this challenging stairmaster climb and breaking a sweat all year round. Nothing bonds people quite like climbing a mountain together!
At the top of the BCMC trail, you will find yourselves at the Grouse Mountain chalet, where you can enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of Vancouver from up above.
AMBLESIDE AT SUNSET
For a tranquil outdoor walk in the evening, head over to Ambleside Park in West Vancouver.
Making for a perfect date night activity, you can stroll along the shoreline seawalk and stop by the sandy beach to sit and watch the ships go by. With a view of Lions Gate Bridge, Stanley Park and the city skyline across the way, you and your date will fall in love with Vancouver over and over again.
Seeing the golden sunset at Lower Lonsdale is a romantic and perfect way to end your day together.
This month, you can take part in some of these mentioned walks, hikes, and many other great outdoor events with Events & Adventures.
Events & Adventures are the experts in bringing singles together. The invitation-only singles club has hosted fun outdoor activities every month for years for their members. Now they’re inviting singles in Vancouver to come connect in person in small groups and have those social experiences outside all summer long.
To find out more about meeting singles in your area, visit eventsandadventures.com.
