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- Here are 30 dates ideas in Quebec for when you and your favourite person need to get out of your winter slump.
- From ice skating through the forest to visits to art museums and exhibitions, this is your go-to list for the winter of 2019-2020.
- Visit MTLBlog for more headlines.
Dating in the winter can honestly be a struggle. How many times can you watch Love, Actually or go get a beer? Whether you're looking for first date ideas or something to do with your favourite human to shake things up, we've got 30 date ideas that are perfect for exploring Quebec in the majesty of winter. Yes, these winter date ideas will get you out of the house (most of the time) and even out of the city (if that's what you desire). Sure, Montreal has a lot to offer, but sometimes you've gotta go bigger.
From trying classic winter activities for the first time (hi, snowshoeing, I'm looking at you), to exploring a new park or pub, this list really covers it all.
So the next time someone swipes right and asks you what you should do for your first meeting, take a scroll through this list to inspire you.
And the next time you don't know what to do for date night, just send this list to your S.O. and tell them to pick one. Problem solved.
Without further ado, here are 30 date ideas for exploring Quebec with your favourite person this winter!
Try not to get too competitive at a board game bar
What: A board game bar is the perfect spot for a first date because you've got lots to do to fill in any awkward silences. Plus, you can grab a beer or a coffee and just chat when you're done playing!
Where: Try La Récréation near metro Berri-UQAM or one of the Randolph Pub Ludique locations (there's one in Rosemont and another in the Quartier Latin).
Snuggle up at a spa
What: Visit one of the many amazing outdoor spas around Quebec that will let you soak in a hot tub and snuggle up next to a fire.
Where: All around Quebec!
Check out our list of 7 spas worth visiting that are only an hour from Montreal here.
Go see the Nutcracker ballet
What: See the timeless Christmas show The Nutcracker performed by the Grand Ballet Canadiens de Montréal... or opt for another show if ballet isn't your thing!
Where: Place des Arts, Montreal
Take each other shopping
What: Sure you might need to get sneaky if you find the perfect gift, but it's also a great way to get inspired if you don't already know what your fave human wants for Christmas.
Where: Stroll through the Complexe Desjardins where there's a magical fountain show, or opt for some locally-made fashion featured on #MTLstyle.
Skate through an enchanted forest
What: 1180 St-Félix Row Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel, Quebec
Where: Visit the website here to keep up to date on when the ice is ready for skating! In the meantime, you can always just head down to the Old Port skating rink.
Visit Illumi, the village of lights
What: An enchanting world made entirely of LED lights that lets you explore faraway lands right here in Laval.
Where: 2805 Boulevard du Souvenir, Laval
Visit a winery in the Cantons de l'Est
What: Sip some vino next to a fire overlooking a snow-covered winery at any of the wineries on La Route des Vins
Where: All throughout the Cantons de l'Est, just an hour from Montreal.
Choose from any of the 20 wineries on this list and your road trip awaits!
Bring out your inner child at HideSeek
What: An immersive adult playground right here in Montreal! It has extended its stay in the city, meaning you now have until January 12, 2019, and organizers have updated one of the rooms to be a full-out pink Christmas.
Where: 4301 rue Saint-Denis in Montreal's Plateau borough
Hit the slopes
What: Take your date to the slopes where you can revel in the beauty of Quebec's mountains, get a little adventurous and, of course, enjoy some après ski.
Where: All around Quebec!
Visit a free museum
What: Stroll through one of the city's many museums hand-in-hand and kick-start a conversation about life, love, history, and the majesty of art.
Where: Not only will the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts be free for two weeks this holiday season, but you can also take in the outdoor museum Cité Mémoire at Champ-de-Mars until January 4, 2020.
Wander through a Christmas market
What: There are a ton of Christmas markets happening in and around Montreal this year, from the Atwater market to the Nutcracker market and many, many more.
Where: If you feel like taking a road trip, Quebec City is having a German Christmas market, and cities like Joliette, Terrebonne, and l'Assomption each have their own, as well.
Explore les Îles de Boucherville
What: Get your outdoor fix hand-in-hand while you explore the natural beauty of the Îles de Boucherville national park, where you can spot some snowy deer, go for a hike, cross-country ski, ride a fatbike, go snowshoeing, or ride a trottinette.
Where: 55, île Sainte-Marguerite, just southwest of Montreal
Explore the mind of Vincent Van Gogh
What: Wander through an immersive art experience that takes you inside the mind of Vincent Van Gogh at Imagine Van Gogh.
Where: 2020 rue William, Montreal
Cuddle up at an alpaca farm
What: This farm in Quebec has a petting zoo that also lets you take alpacas or mini-horses for a one-on-one walk through their wooded trails. Bond with bae and a snuggle up to some new fuzz friends.
Where: 2300 rue Cowie, Granby
Go cut down a Christmas tree
What: While you can just go and pick one out at one of the many public markets in Montreal, you could also make a date of it by heading out of the city. Wander into a Christmas tree field and pick the one that calls to you!
Where: Farms all across Quebec!
Treat yourselves to a fancy dinner in Old Montreal
What: Skip the junk from the mall and gift your favourite person a special meal in Old Montreal where you can make some memories while trying one of Montreal's countless restaurants.
Where: Take your pick, from vegan sushi at Bloom to dinner with live jazz at Verses, there's no shortage of spots to check out.
For a list of awesome restaurants on Notre-Dame, click here!
Head out for some holiday brunch
What: Red velvet pancakes and peppermint milkshakes make Allô! Mon Coco the spot to stop for a special holiday brunch this winter.
Where: Find a location near you here.
Go for a winter hike
What: Take a stroll and explore the wintery wonderland of Quebec's natural beauty.
Where: Take a look at this list of awesome boardwalks in Quebec that deliver on jaw-dropping winter views.
Stroll down Quebec City's rue du Petit-Champlain
What: Rue du Petit-Champlain is one of the most magical spots to visit in Quebec City, a city that has been voted the most Christmassy place on earth, don'tcha know.
Where: Quartier du Petit-Champlain, Quebec City
Take a look at our list of 11 Christmas markets in and around Quebec here!
Stay home and have a Gingerbread house building competition
What: This is one case where you are totally encouraged to play with your food. Have some fun with dessert and make it yourself!
Where: Do it at home, or visit Maison Christian Faure where they'll supply everything and show you how to do it the gourmet way.
Dogsledding
What: See the snowy forest in an all-new way
Where: All over Quebec!
Check out Quebec Original, where you can select the region you want to visit and see a list of dogsledding outfitters.
Explore Tremblant village
What: Tremblant is hosting all sorts of events all holiday season, including New Year's Eve fireworks.
Where: 1000 chemin des Voyageurs, Mont-Tremblant
Sip a cocktail in Old Montreal
What: Sip a cocktail, have a chat and explore what could be your new favourite go-to bar.
Where: There are countless cool bars in Old Montreal to choose from, and really, you don't need to choose just one. Try out The Farsides for a tiki-themed cocktail, sip some wine at Barocco, or go full-Christmas and visit Miracle sur de la Commune, Montreal's pop-up Christmas bar.
Check out this list of bars all along rue Notre-Dame if you need more inspiration!
Wander through the LaSalle Bird Sanctuary
What: Get the best views of the Lachine rapids surrounded by the huge bird sanctuary that provides a natural habitat for 225 bird species, including the second-largest heron colony in Quebec.
Where: Corner of 7e Avenue and boul. LaSalle, Montréal
Visit Parc Jean-Drapeau's winter waterfalls
What: Parc Jean-Drapeau really turns into a winter wonderland once the snow falls, and there are couple hidden waterfalls to stumble across while you explore.
Where: Use this little map to lead you straight to the best secret waterfall on the island.
Hit up a Habs game
What: Cheer on the boys at the Centre Bell and get swept up in the excitement and extensive history of the most decorated team in NHL history.
Where: 1909 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montreal
And even if hockey isn't your thing, you can always just go to enjoy the insane 5-pound poutine.
Go snowshoeing on l'Île-Saint-Bernard
What: Rent some snowshoes, explore the wilderness and... probably have a laugh or two at yourself if it's your first go. Snowshoeing is great exercise and a great way to explore the path less travelled.
Where: 480, boulevard D'Youville, île Saint-Bernard, Châteauguay
Sip a Hot Chocolate
What: Forget a boring old coffee and opt for a Hot Choco date, instead.
Where: All over Montreal!
Rent a cute Airbnb chalet and cozy up for the weekend
Chalet Chïc Shack | AirbnbWhat: Renting an Airbnb for a night or two is the perfect way to create some special memories an escape real life, just for a little while.
Where: All over Quebec!
Check out our list of 16 chalets you can rent for a winter road trip here!
Cross-country ski at Parc linéaire de la Rivière-Saint-Charles
What: Rent some skis de fond and explore the 16.6 km of cross-country skiing tracks throughout the park. Plus, you can skate, toboggan, snowshoe and hike here, too! So all you gotta do is pick your poison!
Where: 332 Rue Domagaya, Québec
I hope this has you inspired to think outside the box on your next date!