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. Where romance meets flavor
It’s a classic date for a reason so ahead and let someone else do the kitchen work. All that’s left for you to do is lock eyes with your loved one and enjoy the delicious food on your table! These cool restaurants will make the night extra special, and for more ideas check out the Best New Restaurants in Montreal.
Miracolo
Feel like a rendez-vous that combines a cozy atmosphere and comforting food? Look no further than Café Miracolo, a taste of Italy in the heart of Montreal. From fresh pasta to Oyster’s, you’ll definitely find a dish for your palate. The dimmed lighting and intimate atmosphere sets the perfect scene for a romantic tête-à-tête.
30 Sainte-Catherine West / Plateau Mont-Royal
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!
1106 Beaubien East / Rosemont Petite-Patrie
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.
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
Wellness romantic things to do in Montreal
11. Enjoy a day at the Spa
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.
Spa Carré Saint-Louis
Spa Carré Saint-Louis is conveniently located in the heart of the Plateau Mont-Royal. The modern and chic design creates a calm and sophisticated atmosphere. The intimate atmosphere allows you to truly focus on each other and enjoy the moment. They offer a thermotherapy cycle as well as different massage therapy experiences tailored to your needs.
- Take advantage of lower prices from Monday to Thursday when thermotherapy is only 65$ for 3 hours
- Combine the thermal cycle and a massage for 20$ off
Escape your daily routine and challenge your senses at Solstice Sauna
Solstice Sauna in North Hatley offers a unique wellness experience that is bound to create a memorable date. Tackle the stress of life with an invigorating cold plunge followed by a relaxing sauna session surrounded by nature. Step into the chill lake together before heading in the warmth of the sauna for a tension melting cycle that will leave you feeling energized and connected to your partner. This sauna experience is unique by its social aspect that allows you to interact and exchange with other participants. For two, the reservation would be $49.90 plus tax which makes for an unforgettable budget friendly date. Get more information here: https://solsticesauna.com/en/
Discover Old Montreal and take a food tour
Taking a stroll hand-in-hand through Old Montreal’s charming cobblestone streets is a great way to enjoy your date’s company. Take in picturesque views of the St. Lawrence River and venture down hidden alleyways in the 18th century decor.
There are so many great restaurants and cafés to pick from on every corner you turn. Save yourself the trouble of picking only one for your date and go on a food tour! On the Old Montreal Food Tour you get to taste the very best of what the neighbourhood has to offer as well as discovering captivating facts about the area. Discovery and adventure are definitely what creates a memorable and unique date.
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.
No need to compromise: get great drinks and quality bites at the charming Majestique bar. Treat yourselves to an elevated yet cozy evening with a platter of fresh seafood paired with expertly crafted cocktails. The kitchen is open till 2 am so you’ll have all night to enjoy each other’s company while indulging in a culinary adventure. This is the perfect spot to impress your foodie date!
This french inspired bistro is a chic spot to discover in the Mile End. The attention to detail is guaranteed to make your evening together extra lovely. Date night deserves to be special so treat your partner to an unforgettable evening of sharing caviar and sipping on famously delicious signature cocktails. Kabinet is right by cocktail-bar Datcha if you’re up for some dancing after your Parisian getaway!
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.
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.
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
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.
Fleurs & Cadeaux + Sans-Soleil
Double the fun and go for a two-step date night. Start by going tête-à-tête and share some playfully plated japanese bites at Fleurs & Cadeaux. After supper, head down a flight of stairs for a bit of dancing at hidden gem Sans-Soleil. The windowless vinyl bar has DJ sets every night and guaranties amazing sound and great sake. Check out their instagram to see who’s spinning records and get a glimpse of what’s waiting for you.
1002 Saint-Urbain Street, Chinatown
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
1. Go for coffee!
Want somewhere new to hide out from the cold and simply hang out? This casual date idea is a great way to be yourself and share a conversation around a hot latte at one of the City’s best coffee joints. Here are some cozy cafés that we love and think are perfect for an easy-going date.
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!
