21 Montreal Date Ideas That Aren't 'Dinner & A Movie'
Two people on carousel horses.
So, you want to ask someone out, but you need to impress your potential new bae with fun Montreal date ideas. Or maybe you've been in a relationship for a while, but you've kind of gotten stuck in a "let's watch TV and then go to bed" rut.
Whatever the case may be, you need some good date ideas, and you need them now. Luckily, Montreal is a wonderful, romantic city with activities that are perfect for lovebirds old and new.
This means that there's no excuse for the tired-out "dinner and a movie" date. In lieu, I've compiled a list of original date ideas to keep you busy all summer long.
Go To The Arcade
Going to an Amusement 2000 Plus will bring back all sorts of nostalgic feelings and it is a great laid-back date for people still trying to get to know each other. Challenge your date to a Mario Kart race, or go old-school with Dance Dance Revolution or pinball. Loser buys the first round at any of the many bars nearby.
Food Truck Hop Through The Old Port
The Old Port may seem overrated, but it's popular for a reason: there is just so much to do. Stroll along the water on a warm day and grab some food at one of the many food trucks in the area. Lobster rolls as a main course and churros for dessert, anyone? Once you're so full you can barely walk, roll over to the Science Museum right next door.
Share A Pedal Boat In The Old Port
This is a great stand-alone idea or a perfect complement to the date idea above. Boat rides are a super romantic idea. Just make sure that you're wearing the right shoes: it is incredibly hard to pedal the boat in heels.
Go To One Of The Many Markets
Jean Talon, Maisonneuve, Atwater... Montreal has no shortage of sprawling public markets with a great selection of fresh produce, meat, fish and flowers. Not to mention that some of the markets, like Atwater, have food stalls that serve fresh meals and snacks.
Try The Old Port Ferris Wheel
Yeah, it's pretty expensive, but you'll get an unparalleled view of the city. And sometimes being a tourist in your own city can be fun and romantic. Just think of the pictures you'll take!
Go To Piknic Electonik
Alright, this isn't necessarily a romantic date, but if your date likes to go out and dance, this is definitely a fun idea. Get some friends together: they'll get to meet your new SO in a no-pressure setting.
Impress Your Date With A Hidden Bar
Show off your knowledge of the city by going to a speakeasy. The hushed atmosphere and small setting make for an intimate place to talk and relax over drinks. Check out this speakeasy master list.
Take Your Date On A Romantic Bike Ride
If you don't have bikes, rent BIXIs and go for a stroll along the Lachine canal. The views are gorgeous and the ride is easy, so you don't have to worry about getting sweaty. When you're done, lie in the sun or stop by this super cute floating bar.
Escape Room
This one is bound to be either super fun or relationship-ending. Test your cognitive and communication skills as you try to find your way out of a room using puzzles and clues.
Picnic in the Park
This one is so easy to set up, but your date doesn't have to know that. Grab a blanket, a baguette, some cheese and your speakers and impress your date with your setup. Bonus points if you bring a homemade dip or sandwiches.
Go To La Ronde
Test your date's nerve, and their stomach, by throwing them for a loop (literally). You can get that adrenaline pumping and afterwards take super adorable photos on the carousel. Cotton candy is also mandatory.
Go See A Concert
Suprise your SO with tickets to see their favourite band. There are a ton of great acts touring in Montreal this summer, so you're bound to find at least one that they like. It's an experience that you'll remember for a long time.
Check Out The Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden is romantic as HECK. Whether you choose to stroll through the gardens, which are beautiful during every season, or explore the greenhouses, you can definitely find enough to entertain you all day long.
Go Bowling
Because who doesn't love bowling? This is making me realize that I haven't gone bowling in forever and that I need to remedy this ASAP. It's especially fun at night when they turn on the cool neon lights.
Go Berry-Picking
Summer is almost upon us, which means that it's almost berry season. From strawberries to blackberries, farms around Montreal will be bursting with the delicious fruit, and many offer you the chance to pick your own. It's a great way to spend a sunny day.
Go To An Outdoor Movie (For Free!)
This is cooler than "dinner and a movie" because this movie is outside. Pack a picnic and head to an outdoor theatre near you.
Go To A Festival
Montreal hosts a ton of festivals each summer, some of which are free and others which are definitely not. Head to Place des Arts to catch some artists during Jazz Fest or wander around the outdoor section of Just For Laughs. Guaranteed fun!
Go To The Spa
This is probably not the best for new couples, but it's a fun date idea for those of you in long-term relationships. Relax together while you get a couple's massage, or just enjoy a spa's amenities like the pool or the hot tub. Bota Bota is a popular choice, but Strom Spa is also an excellent choice.
Go Get Your Cards Read
Do something ~mystical~ together and head to a tarrot reader or a fortune teller. Even if it's a bunch of bogus, you'll get a good laugh out of it. And, who knows, maybe you'll learn something new.
Go Museum-Hopping
Prove to your date that you're cultured by taking them to one of Montreal's many museums. the MBAM has a great installation of Thierry Mugler creations, and the McCord has an exhibit of Haida supernatural stories. Go on the last Sunday of the month to get in for free!
Go Hiking In A Nature Reserve
Montreal has no shortage of nature parks to hang out in. If your date likes to stay active, go on a hike together. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and each others' company in the peaceful nature that lines our island. Cap Saint-Jacques is a popular choice for nature lovers.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.
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