Ahhh – there’s nothing like love in the summer. That harvest moon is high in the sky, the air is perfumed with flowers – it’s got everyone feeling down right twitterpated (that’s one for the classic Disney fans out there). While it’s fun to wine and dine your summer fling, the traditional candlelit dinner date (or heck, even beer on the patio) can leave your savings a bit light. And while you may be humming the tune to the Beatles’ “Can’t Buy Me Love”, it’s true that lovin’ won’t pay your bills. So protect that bank account from a broken heart with our ways to save a buck on the ultimate cheap date. Now, just don’t refer to your significant other that way…
Free Night At The Movies
Catching a flick together is the quintessential perfect date – dim the lights, snuggle up to your sweetie, and take in the show. But a night at the movies is anything but a cheap date – once you factor in tickets for two and concessions, you could be looking at a bill of about $50!
Fortunately, movie fans can get a bit of relief with VIP treatment from the Scotia SCENE Visa Card. Not only will you score 4000 SCENE points just for signing up (enough for 4 FREE movies), you’ll also earn FIVE SCENE points for every dollar spent at the movies, and one SCENE point for every dollar you spend everywhere else…so you’ll always be accumulating toward your next free flick.
Tip: We’ve done the math…by using the Scotia SCENE Visa, the points you get back is like instantly saving 6.5 per cent on a general admission ticket. If you’re looking to save even more at the movies, Tuesday is the night to go. You’ll save an additional 10 per cent off your movie ticket – on top of the SCENE points you’ll earn!
Using the card at the theatre (it’s accepted at any Cineplex, Galaxy Cinemas, Cinema City and Famous Players Theatres locations) not only will you get 5 SCENE points on the dollar, you’ll also get 100 points for each ticket you purchase, and a 10 per cent discount at the concession stand.
Pack Up The Picnic
Take advantage of the gorgeous weather and plan a date outside. If you live in a city, seek out a pretty park, waterside destination or hiking trail, pack up a table cloth, and hit the grocery store together for sandwich fixings. Not only will you be eating on the cheap, but you can’t beat the ambiance of nature at its best.
Catch The Not-So-Big Game
If you’re a sports fan but not looking to shell out $100-plus on a major league game, check out the local offerings. Some cities are home to minor league teams – and you can buy their tickets for cheap. For example, baseball fans can check out Minor League Baseball to catch a game with box tickets at about $20.
If you’re a Torontonian hockey fan, you’re surely aware of the Marlies – the affiliate team of the Toronto Maple Leafs and member of the American Hockey League. Tickets start at about $10, so there’s no need to put your wallet on ice.
If you’re looking to save even more – as in go to a game for free – you can always check what’s happening at the parks and rec level. Check out Canadian Parks and Recreation to find your provincial provider – and dig up the schedules for games in your area.
Play Tourist For The Day
Just because a romantic weekend getaway is out of the cards doesn’t mean you need to dampen your discoverer’s spirit. Pick a charming and quirky neighbourhood in your city and trek down for the day to take in the sights. Not only could you stumble upon some great new culinary gems, art galleries or music venues (for when you can splurge a bit for date night), but you’ll gain a whole new appreciation for what your home town has to offer.
Get Cultured On The Cheap
Nothing beats the glamour of a night at the opera or catching a play – but taking in the arts is rarely affordable on an artist’s budget. Fortunately, many city arts and culture organizations are eager for younger patrons and sweeten the deal on ticket costs to draw them in.
In Toronto, check out Sceneopolis, a $45-a-year subscription service that offers deeply discounted access (upwards of 50 per cent off) at various events around the city. Members are also granted access to exclusive perks like meet-and-greets.
Montreal students also have ample opportunity to take in arts and culture – often at 50 per cent off with a flash of a student card. Visit the Quatiers des Spectactles site for more info.
Calgarians looking to be serenaded can also access Final Dress Rehearsals of Calgary Opera productions for $15 a ticket – once again, arm yourself with that student card for savings. Contact the box office for more info.
Vancouverites can get same-day front row access to the stage through StudentRush, offered by Artsclub and sponsored through TD. With a valid student card, and subject to availability, theatre tickets can be had for only $22.