Scratch the usual dinner plans — you can shake things up with Montreal date ideas that promise more fun per square foot than your average Netflix night.
Whether it’s sipping cocktails in a speakeasy or laughing until you cry at a live comedy show, these ideas will notch up your dating cred and make “What do we do tonight?” a question of the past.
Win some goodies together at Arcade Claw Sur’Prize
Where: 1181, rue Saint-Catherine Ouest
Reason to go: If you're looking for a fun night out with your SO in downtown Montreal but want to try something different then Claw Sur’Prize should be on your list. The eyecatching fluorescent glow from this claw machine arcade will draw you in from rue Sainte-Catherine. The large space is filled with arcade machines some offering different sized and themed plushies. The colourful and fun anime theme is highly Instagrammable and you'll have to work together to get your pick of treats.
Take a couples cooking class with Ateliers et Saveurs
Where: 705, rue Sainte-Catherine
Reason to try: You can master a signature dish with your partner at Ateliers & Saveurs located in the Eaton Center’s Time Out Market. In a group class, you will be led by a chef on how to prepare exquisite new dishes. During each class you will learn how to prepare multiple courses including a dessert. All of the menus are pre-established so you and your partner can decide which one suits your tastebuds best.
Go on a Montreal bookstore tour
Where: Across Montreal
Reason to try: There is no shortage of unique bookshops in Montreal. If your SO is a reader then taking them on a book shop tour is a great date idea. You can discover new reading nooks and material across the city. If you're not sure where to start, use our lists of Anglophone-friendly and niche bookstores in the city as a jumping off point to map out your own tour.
Dine at Square Saint-Louis Café
Where: Square Saint-Louis, ave. Laval, Montreal, QC
Reason to try: There is no place more quintessentially Montreal than Square Saint-Louis. The beautiful park is surrounded by Plateau-style townhomes and a pedestrian-only street leads right through the park's beautiful wrought-iron fence opening to the grand fountain. Le K Café can be found in the park, a small stone structure that seems to be as natural to the park as the beautiful hundred-year-old trees. There, you can sit at one of the many bistro tables and enjoy ice cream, refreshments, or pastries. You will often hear musicians playing in the park as well which simply completes the beautiful ambiance.
Take a turn around the Atwater Market
Where: 38, ave. Atwater
Reason to try: Along the Lachine Canal you will find the Atwater Market, a popular neighbourhood spot for farm-fresh shopping and stocking up on ready-made eats. From fresh pizza, to lobster sandwiches, to flaky pastries you will find delectable dishes and along with fresh ingredients. Each summer, the market opens a terrasse with picnic tables where vendors set up food stations and you can come enjoy a meal and listen to music.
Walk down Mont-Royal Avenue
Where: Mont-Royal Avenue from rue Saint-Laurent to Lorimier Avenue
Reason to try: Pedestrianzed streets are back in the city for summer and are a perfect destination to take your partner for a walk or meal. Terrasses expand onto the street and create a lively atmosphere for visitors. You can visit some of the many vintage shops on the street and wander through the colourfully painted walkways down the road.
Head to Piknic Electronik
Where: Parc Jean-Drapeau
Reason to try: If you have energy, head to a fun outdoor concert with your SO and dance in the crowd or just enjoy the warm evenings with stunning sunsets at Parc Jean-Drapeau. Every weekend Piknic Électronic is hosted in the iconic Montreal park and features DJs from all over the world. You can purchase a single general admission ticket or get a season’s pass if you’re up for it.
Go to Foiegwa for a late night meal
Where: 3001, rue Notre Dame Ouest
Reason to try: If you and your partner are looking for a special dining experience at a renowned Montreal restaurant, try out the late night menu at Foiegwa. For $25 a person you can indulge in a three-course meal that would otherwise be a lot more expensive. Foieqwa offers the late night menu Sunday through Thursday after 9 p.m. Afterward, you can always pop by the award-winning speakeasy next door, Atwater Cocktail Club, for drinks.
Foiegwa Late Night Menu
Rent a swan boat on the Lachine Canal
Where: 2985b, rue Saint-Patrick
Reason to try: What’s more romantic than floating along a canal in a swan boat with your SO? At H2O Adventures located on the Lachine Canal you can rent out a swan shaped paddle boat and take it up and down the water way. There are lots available for rental and you will have a photo-worthy date that you and your SO can look back on for ages.
Centre Playbox Arcade
Where: 705, rue Saint-Catherine Ouest
Reason to try: Located in the Eaton Centre, this spot is the ultimate arcade. Featuring all of the iconic games from your youth as well as innovative games from Moment Factory, this is a great destination for you to visit with your partner. You can get a future reading from Zoltar, throw a ski ball, or challenge your partner to a race.
Decorate your own mini cake at Atelier Marjorie
Where: 2121, boul. St Laurent
Reason to try: Get your creative juices flowing with a fun mini cake decorating activity at this pastel-coloured café near downtown Montreal. The beautiful tea room full of pink flowers will give you and your partner piping bags to decorate a small round cake with a vanilla icing base. While enjoying the activity, you get some of their specialty tea and pastries to share.
