Romantic Things to Do in Montreal
Finding the perfect date spot can be a little… daunting. There’s the pressure to have a fun and romantic time, the search for a conversation-a conversation starting venue, and combined with those pesky lovey-dovey thoughts (that often cloud decision making) it’s all been known to induce quasi panic attacks in some. Especially if you’re not familiar with the area. Whether you’re trying to impress a new boo or want to spice things up, here is our list of the top romantic things to do in Montreal. It’s the finest selection of activities for couples and lovers, locals and travellers.
If this isn’t enough inspiration, check out these Exciting Things to Do in Montreal this winter, and bring on the romance.
13. Of course, you can eat at a romantic restaurant
It’s a classic date for a reason, let someone else do the work of cooking and all you have to do is gaze into each other’s eyes, get cozy and enjoy the delicious food in front of you! These cool restaurants will make the night extra special, and for more ideas check out the Best New Restaurants in Montreal.
Bloom Sushi:
Bloom Sushi is Montreal’s newest vegan restaurant, serving plant-based rolls in the heart of Old Montreal. Striving to preserve both the planet and the integrity of the food, the rolls use traditional techniques and are packed with fresh flavours that explode in your mouth. Plus, all the wine is organic and biodynamic. Get a dish of sushi to share and you’ll get to sample a variety of rolls from the menu and discover what you and your date like! bloomsushi.com
Darna Bistroquet:
A small restaurant tucked away on Beaubien, Darna Bistroquet is a cozy neighbourhood spot that serves tapas-style sharing plates. Invigorating French techniques with Moroccan flavours, the cuisine packs a punch. Elevated and still accessible, the artfully plated dishes mirror the warmth of the space and a long wine list offers something for everyone. This is a restaurant that easily brings the romance for date night! darnabistroquet.com
Le Mousso:
Tell your date they’re the best by taking them to Le Mousso, which was voted Best Restaurant by Les Lauriers, a gala for acknowledging the best of Quebec’s culinary world. The restaurant just moved locations (next door from the previous one) and modernized the decor but is known for its meticulously plated dishes that are as much art as they are food. Le Mousso’s tasting menu is the perfect way to celebrate something special, like an anniversary perhaps, and experience something extraordinary. facebook.com/Le-Mousso
Noren:
A step in the opposite direction from Le Mousso: Noren is a charming little Japanese restaurant. They have a small menu of sides and a constantly changing weekly special, so you can try a new, delicious main dish every time you go. The cozy family-run joint only seats 16 people so you and your date can have an intimate meal after exploring the exciting Plateau neighbourhood. facebook.com/restaurantnoren
12. Take the Mile-End Montreal Food Tour
The Mile End Montreal Food Tour is a great way to learn about the district’s rich cultural history. The three hour tour includes 6 unique tasting stops where participants can sample and savour the best food of the area. During the walk, the tour guide explains the fascinating history surrounding the many ethnicities that call the Mile End home and how some of the staple boutiques, shops and restaurants came to be. Discover the ins of the neighbourhood with your local tour guide, and experience the Mile End’s culinary heritage like never before.
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Wellness romantic things to do in Montreal
11. Enjoy a day at the Spa: Bota Bota
Winter can be a hard time to plan romantic dates, so warm up together at this luxurious ferry-turned-spa: Bota Bota is truly the perfect place to unwind. Get close in your bathing suits and gaze out at Old Montreal through the mist rising off the top of your outdoor jacuzzi. Bota Bota‘s five decks each have different installations: 2 saunas, a eucalyptus steam bath, gardens, outdoor whirlpool baths, a relaxation area, and even a restaurant! Those on a budget can go for cheaper packages at 35$ per person, before 11:00 AM and after 7:00 PM. Whatever treatment you’re looking for, Bota Bota is sure to pamper you and your date. botabota.ca
Bonus! Combine the Old Montreal Food Tour with a trip to Bota Bota
For the ultimate date, you and your lover can truly do it all! The Old Montréal Food, Drink & Spa Experience offers two unique romantic experiences in one. First, you’ll get to go on the Old Montréal Food Tour, complete with all 5 tasting locations and punctuated by engaging tales told by your charming local guide. Once you’re done getting to know each other’s tastes, the Spa Experience will let you skip the line at Bota Bota and give you VIP access to the spa’s water circuits where you can digest, relax, and soak in all of the day’s memories, together! Learn more and book your romantic getaway here!
Romantic things to do in Montreal : outside activities
10. Strap on some skates and hit the town
With all that eating and getting cozy you find yourself doing this time of year, get active and have some fun while you’re at it. You can literally hit the town if you skate at Atrium Le 1000, which is just in a mall downtown, and warm enough to skate without a jacket! If you want more space to practice your couples skate routine, slip and slide all you want or to simply glide around in the fresh air, the pond at Parc La Fontaine is the place to go. Both locations offer skate and locker rentals, so all you have to bring are some warm clothes and your date, or course!
9. Have afternoon tea at the Queen Elisabeth Hotel
If you want your date to feel like a prince or princess, take them to high tea at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel’s restaurant, Rosélys. $37 will get you a stacked three-tier assortment of bite size sandwiches, scones and sweet treats, as well as a tea from their wide selection of the best quality teas grown around the world. With so much written about each, you’ll learn something just by reading the menu! Reservations are necessary, so make sure to plan ahead. fairmont.com
8. Treat yourselves at these romantic Montréal bars
If tea is not your drink of choice, perhaps a glass of red wine or some cider will do the trick. The perfect backdrop for some sparkling conversation, these vibrant and easy going bars make for a cozy and intimate night out where you can really get to know each other face-to-face.
Vin Mon Lapin:
An exciting Little Italy venture from the people behind Joe Beef, Mon Lapin is a wine bar with an excellent selection of natural wines. The venue is small and cozy with an almost familiar atmosphere, so you won’t have to talk over a bunch of people, and can really savour the local food, the wine, and of course, the company. vinmonlapin.com
Darling:
A bustling little bar, and cafe by day, on St. Laurent that won’t break the bank, but still makes for a wonderfully romantic evening. The amber coloured lighting really sets the mood, and the delicious drinks, including a selection of ciders, keep the good vibes going. Darling is also right across the street from where Leonard Cohen used to live, so you’ll feel like you’re stepping in the shoes of one of the biggest lovers this city has given rise to. instagram.com/bar.darling
Rouge Gorge:
Rouge Gorge is the definition of a wine bar. It has a cool and warm atmosphere all at once, making it the perfect place to spend an evening and unwind with a few drinks. There’s no pressure to eat, but the kitchen serves little bites and is open until 2 am so you won’t have to go hungry. And if you feel yourself starting to want to dance… you can head downstairs to their speakeasy, Le Royal. rougegorge.ca
7. Take the Mile-End Montreal Food Tour
The Mile-End Food Tour will take you on a walking tour of Canada’s most artistic district, you’ll learn about its history and culture, and you’re sure to see something beautiful along the way (the neighbourhood is nice too). The food tour is a great activity for an adventurous date with someone new, or for a couple looking to experience something different. You’ll have a chance to get lost in each other’s eyes, but not in the streets of Mile End. With delicious food around every corner, you’ll savour quality ingredients, talk about food and learn about each other’s preferences. Find out more and make a reservation at localfoodtours.com
6. Take part in some seasonal festivities
Montreal doesn’t stop coming up with unique ways to have fun once the snow falls. First, December is full to the brim of fun holiday activities for celebrating the season together. Then there’s Igloofest, taking over Montreal’s music scene from January 16th to February 8th, 2020. Come out and melt the frost with your hot dance moves! If you’re a bit less of a partier but still love to have a good time, MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE combines art, food and fun, bringing light to the middle of Montreal’s long winter from February 20th to March 1st, 2020.
5. Make even a quick lunch a moment of romance
If you’re both caught up in the hustle and bustle of downtown Montreal, one of these new food halls would make even a quick lunch a more fanciful occasion. Plus there are so different culinary options all in one place that you won’t have the added pressure of picking where to eat!
Le Central:
Le Central is located near Place des Arts and takes the communal eating experience to a whole new level. More than just an upscale food court, the layout of the space is designed to highlight the unique culinary experiences delivered each of the 25 gourmet eateries in the hall. While cafes for grabbing a quick bite are located near the front, farther back you’ll find more refined restaurants where you can unwind and even have a cocktail or two. lecentral.ca
Time Out Market:
Another brand new culinary experience in the heart of downtown Montreal, Time Out Market is located right in the Centre Eaton de Montréal mall. They’ve brought some of the most famed Montreal restaurants to the urban space. Even the team behind Toqué is there, marrying their approach to food with the setting through Burger T. Full of wooden tones and dimmed lighting, Time Out Market successfully makes casual dining romantic. Plus, you’ll hardly find a meal over $20. timeoutmarket.com/montreal
4. Stroll through Montreal’s incredible museums and galleries
Do we really need to tell you that a trip to the museum makes for an amazing date? This city is bursting with incredible exhibitions both at impressive world renowned museums and at small local galleries, so you can always discover something new together. We can’t fit all of our recommendations in here, but for history nuts and art lovers, or simply curious minds, check out these Amazing Montreal Museums and Art Galleries.
Phi Centre:
The Phi Centre always brings you the latest from the intersection between art and technology. Stop by this winter to experience a VR cinema and see what other mind blowing immersive innovations are there for you to discover together. The art venue also regularly hosts concerts, film screenings and other events. Whatever art you are into, the Phi centre’s got you covered. You can even dance the night away, feeling the music and each other, as you expand your imaginations. phi-centre.com
The Montreal Science Centre:
Netflix and chill is cool, but watching a movie in IMAX 3D is so much better. There’s always a few playing at the Science Centre so you can have your minds blown by the natural world. If you decide to explore their exhibitions, the interactive and multimedia approach of the centre will have you laughing and playing around… nothings more romantic than bringing out each other’s inner child. montrealsciencecentre.com
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts:
Montreal’s biggest art museum has quite the reputation for showcasing engaging and exciting work from some of the world’s most spectacular artists. In a unique exhibition this winter, come face to face with Egyptian Mummies and learn about their life and death through scientific imaging. Then, have a bit of fun and discover Contemporary Artists at Play down the museum’s unique half-height stairs. Spending a day wandering around the beautiful halls of this gallery will have you two connecting on so many deeper levels. mbam.qc.ca
Romantic things to do in Montreal : Speakeasy and undergrounds bars
3. Go undercover at a speakeasy
Montreal is full of hidden speakeasies that you have to be in-the-know to find. By heading underground, you two will feel like you’ve discovered something together! You could even bring a tinder date you’re trying to impress to one of these bars, so you can really loosen up and get to know each other.
Stillife:
Montreal’s newest speakeasy, you’ll find Stillife in a driveway off Saint-Paul Street West behind a locked door. Once you’ve made it in, the entire experience is invigorating with industrial accents meeting soft lighting and of course, the striking flavours of their signature drinks. The team behind Stillife are speakeasy pros, pushing the envelope with homemade bitters and aiming for sustainability. stillifemtl.com
Le Royal:
Le Royal is Rouge-Gorge’s more sexy and mysterious sister. Located just below the famed Mont-Royal spot, the bar is named after the street as well as how you’ll get treated when you’re there. Cozy up in a corner of this cool spot, or dance along to the DJ set, either way – you can forget about the time, and everything else except having fun. barleroyal.ca
2. Plan a weekend getaway with Kabin (Outside of Montreal)
Want to plan a special retreat, but without the airfare? Kabin’s Sutton resort will put you in touch with nature with beautiful 360 views of the of the forest. With a ski hill 2 minutes away, Kabin is the best of both worlds: an awesome snowy adventure and romantic getaway at once. Each chalet comes with its very own secluded hot tub, for the ultimate luxurious getaway experience. For locals and travelers alike, a weekend with Kabin is sure to be a memorable one. kabinsutton.com
1. Go on a coffee shop hop in the Plateau!
Want somewhere new to hide out from the cold and simply hang out? Grab warm cup of decadent hot chocolate or a strong shot of espresso at one of the Plateau’s best coffee joints. First, on Mount-Royal Avenue is Cafe Paquebot; a cute little spot known for their delicious coffee and no-laptop policy, so you can really connect. Or, there’s Dispatch on Saint-Laurent: a bright and modern cafe serving up artisanal espresso and other delights. Next, the original Cafe Névé on Rachel; a casual spot for a pastry and killer mocha latte. Finally, Cafe Nocturne; a chic little espresso bar.
Bonus Romantic thing to do in Montreal: Book a stay at the luxurious Hotel William Gray
William Gray: one of the city’s hippest hotels, its a luxury retreat in Old Montreal with its own Spa that has a sauna and skin therapists for some much needed rejuvenation or aesthetic treatments to get you both looking and feeling your best! hotelwilliamgray.com
Hopefully you’ve been inspired about some romantic things to do in Montreal this winter – now go, lovebirds, conquer the city!
