Treat Yourself: 5 Best Spots for a Solo Date in Vancouver

Let’s be honest: Doing things alone in a big city like Vancouver can sometimes be intimidating. Everyone seems to be doing something with someone at all times, but I’ve found that traveling around solo is one of the best ways to reacquaint myself with the city I call home. Ridin’ solo is your opportunity to dip into any interesting-looking shops and various streets without anyone holding you back. Who knows? You might even find a hidden gem or two.

1. Enjoy a matcha latte and a pastry at Cowdog

This little café along Oak Street may be small, but it offers some of the best matcha lattes and pastries in the city. Think smooth and earthy ceremonial grade matcha mixed with a sweet, slightly tangy strawberry puree for a well-balanced iced strawberry matcha latte ($8.50). Pair it with the Cowdog cookie ($6) and a soft hojicha-flavoured cookie topped with white chocolate chunks. Cowdog often sees long queues from opening to closing, especially on the weekends, but the weekday afternoons are quiet and chill for solo diners. cowdog.coffee

Where: 3720 Oak Street
When: Daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

2. Peruse works of art at the Vancouver Art Gallery

The best-kept secret of art galleries and museums is that they’re better experienced alone. I know, hot take, but hear me out: You get to go through the exhibits at your own pace, and these places are so quiet that I don’t really speak to my friends while I’m there anyway. Dive into experimental and surrealist works at the ongoing exhibit Multiple Realities: Experimental Art in the Eastern Bloc, 1960s–1980s, or appreciate gorgeous landscape paintings done by famous Canadian artist Emily Carr. With exhibits changing all the time, the gallery’s annual pass ($58) is well worth it for frequent visitors. vanartgallery.bc.ca

Where: 750 Hornby Street
When: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday to Sunday 10 a.m to 5 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

3. Dig into a hearty brunch at Maxine’s

Maxine’s might scream date night with its romantic patio and shareable plates of note-perfect tartare, but come during the morning and it becomes the perfect spot for a hearty brunch. Opt to read a book and enjoy the sun on the patio during warmer weather, or snag a seat at the bar if you’re up to socialize with other solo diners while you’re there. Either way, digging into a decadent croque madame complete with house-smoked beef brisket and gooey gruyère cheese ($26) while sipping on a mimosa ($16) makes for the perfect solo brunch date on the weekends. maxinescafebar.com

Where: 1325 Burrard Street
When: Sunday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.–10 p.m.; Friday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

4. Try your hand at pottery at 4Cats

If you’re the type who prefers to get their hands dirty, why not get in touch with your inner potter at 4Cats? Everyone’s usually working quietly on their creations, so you don’t have to worry about interacting with anyone except the instructors. 4Cats offers a variety of workshops every month (typically priced at $35 per person) where you can create your own dishware, plant pitchers and little trinkets. Besides moulding the clay into a beautiful ceramic piece, you can also paint it using your favourite colours to give it more personality. 4cats.com

Where: Various locations
When: Varies

5. Chill with cats at Catoro Café

When I have a day off, you’re most likely to find me chilling at a cat café, and for good reason. It’s therapeutic, really, being surrounded by a litter of adorable kitties for an afternoon. Catoro Café’s adorable cats are all rescues and are adoptable as well. For just $18 per session, enjoy a bubble tea while spending time with these cutie cats in a forest-themed setting. Or you can purchase a pass that covers 10 admissions for $150. catoropets.com

Where: 666 E Broadway
When: Tuesday to Thursday, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 6p.m.