Montreal's Chinatown is about to get a lot more animated. For four nights, street food will entice alongside street art, giving the city a taste of Asia like never before. This year's Marché de Nuit Asiatique promises a celebration not just of the palate but also of the eyes, as the night market collaborates with the international street art festival MURAL.
From August 24 to 27, Sakura Garden on the Palais des congrès Esplanade and Place Sun-Yat-Sen will turn into a panorama of sights, sounds, and aromas. Attendees can expect to be swept up in a whirlwind of pan-Asian street food vendors, serving skewers, noodles, stir-fries, and more. Live art installations will provide a visual feast, while pulse-pounding performances, from traditional dance to modern music, will resonate with Montreal's multicultural spirit.
In a nod to sustainability, the event will also feature eco-conscious food packaging in partnership with local startup Bo, reinforcing the importance of environmental responsibility.
Art has always breathed life into the annual night market. Past editions featured lanterns and a central wish tree adorned with ribbons, adding flair between the busy stalls and chattering crowds.
Yifang Eva Hu, the driving force behind Marché de Nuit de Montreal, noted, "We are thrilled to collaborate with MURAL… This partnership allows us to showcase the intersection of culinary arts, cultural experiences, and visual storytelling." Artist Maylee Keo, celebrated for her Southeast Asian flowers artwork at 1409 rue Pierce, is set to be a highlight. She will be creating a live floor mural and contributing to the night market's art installations.
For those intrigued by the rich history and lore of Montreal's Chinatown, the introduction of Hiotto AI is a game-changer. This digital tool allows visitors to delve into the background and businesses of the historic district.
If the promise of street food and art isn't enticing enough, just remember, Montreal's Chinatown knows how to throw a party.
If you've walked near McGill University or hiked up Mount Royal lately, you've probably noticed the massive new mural taking shape on the side of a Plateau residential building. The 160-foot tribute to famed painter Jean-Paul Riopelle was unveiled this week, commemorating 100 years since the Quebec artist's birth in the neighbourhood.
The work, titled Magnetic Art, depicts a bird swooping over a colourful circle, reflecting Riopelle's love of nature. It was painted by contemporary artist Marc Séguin, who has studied Riopelle for over 30 years and claims the artist as one of his idols.
You can get a closer look at the mural on rue Milton, near the corner of Lorne. It's the 25th such hommage to a homegrown cultural icon, part of the Montreal Great Artists series by public art organization MU.
"We are thrilled to see Riopelle honoured alongside other great Montreal cultural icons such as Leonard Cohen, Alanis Obomsawin, Paul-Émile Borduas, Marcelle Ferron, Daisy Peterson-Sweeney, Phyllis Lambert and Oliver Jones," said Manon Gauthier, executive director of the Riopelle Foundation.
Riopelle is known for his bold contemporary style across paintings, engravings and sculptures. He was also a signee of the Refus Global, an anti-establishment and anti-religious manifesto published in 1948 by 16 prominent local artists. You may know his work from Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle, a public square just outside the Palais des congrès. The courtyard features an eye-catching water fountain with abstract animal and human bronze figures illuminated by a ring of fire.
The foundation is planning a year-long program to celebrate the artist, spanning classical music, theatre and circus performances, among other events.
Forget the usual silver-and-red BIXIs this summer and try to find one of the dozens of eye-catching custom bikes decorated by MURAL Festival street artists that are hitting stations across the city on June 9! Artists Mono Sourcil, Chien Champion, La Charbonne, Aless MC and Zephyr have transformed 45 bicycles into vibrant, rideable works of art. The BIXI and MURAL collaboration comes as the bike-share service celebrates 50 million trips in Montreal and the street art festival marks its 10th edition.
"Using the bikes like canvasses was a natural extension of the festival, which aims to make art more accessible in the city," MURAL Festival General Manager Pierre-Alain Benoit told MTL Blog.
"We expect the custom bikes to be used three times as much as normal BIXIs."
Each of the participating artists has embellished ten bikes with their own style. Nine of the vehicles will be dispersed around all Montreal boroughs and made available for the public to ride throughout the summer.
Each collection features one bike with a more extreme aesthetic, from fluffy seating to neon wheels. Those will be displayed during MURAL Festival, from June 9 to 19, at the corner of Prince Arthur and Saint Laurent.
The bikes by Aless MC feature repeating bike-inspired elements, like gears and spokes, over a bright colour palette.@sofsilva.mtl | Instagram
"The beauty of this project is seeing it in action," said multidisciplinary artist Aless MC, whose bikes feature bright colours and repeating patterns. Anyone caught on one of her custom bikes is sure to stand out on the road.
"For this series, I was inspired by fashion and I wanted to highlight the bike features and let users match their style with their ride," she said.
A selection of five BIXI bike frames painted by La Charbonne, featuring funky patterns like stars, flowers and flames.Courtesy of BIXI Montreal and MURAL Festival
"I hope my patterns and colours will help people tap into their inner child," said Montreal muralist, illustrator and designer La Charbonne. Her playful bike designs are inspired by the 90s and pull from natural patterns like flowers, clouds and stars.
"We've had a tough couple of years and I wanted to create something fun and joyful for the city," she said.
Illustrator Chien Champion sits behind a blue bike frame with a flying horse. Courtesy of BIXI Montreal and MURAL Festival
Meanwhile, Montreal illustrator Chien Champion alternates his bike designs between daytime and nighttime themes. Half of his fleet is orange, featuring suns rising over the wheels, while the other half is blue, with a moon motif.
"The idea was to have the two vibes of Montreal represented — nightlife with the blue one and day life with the orange ones," he said.
"I want the bikes to feel magical. I want people to see them and make their everyday life more special," he said.
Keep your eyes peeled for the special bikes to hit racks starting on June 9.
Urban art is a mainstay on Montreal streets, adding colour and design to the drabbest walls. A new art gallery wants to channel that style into reclaiming used clothing and other salvaged materials. L'Original on Saint-Denis in the Plateau opens on June 3 with a plan to bring together urban artists and upcycling. Not only can you see works by some of the hottest local street artists and muralists, but you can also get your hands on one-of-a-kind clothing items they've painted.
In fact, L'Original aims to be the city's only permanent place dedicated to 'living' street art culture in Montreal.
Just a few steps from Mont-Royal metro station, the art gallery will exhibit work by famed local artists whose murals can be seen on walls around the city, including Monk.E, Mastrocola, Kevin Ledo, Charles Paradis, Chloe Sabourin, Mistake Project, Tina Cartier, and Nicholas Craig.
If you like what you see, you can order custom-painted used clothing, shoes, furniture, or other pieces by one of those artists, through the L'Original website. Kind of like getting a tattoo, you send in photos or sketches of what you want to the artist of your choice — the less detail you give, the more freedom they have with the creation. You can always get free expert advice from a designer before placing an order. Each work is signed and authenticated on completion, so you'll get a stamped certificate from the gallery and signed by the artist along with your custom piece.
Of course, if you'd rather have the thrill of watching your chosen object painted before your eyes, L'Original has a stacked list of artists in residence who will be happy to oblige. Those include Nick Bodoin, Mephisto Bates, Cedric Taillon, Timoh Garcia, Benny Wilding, and Pascal Foisy,
When the gallery opens on June 3, they'll be on-site and ready to upcycle bags, jackets, or simply paint a canvas. Other original pre-painted items will also be on sale.
The event is free and open to the public starting at 11 a.m. There will be live music by DJs Mojo and La Pingouinerie, which turns into a dance party after 10 p.m. Tickets are required to reserve your spot.
Winter in Montreal is tough enough as is, but this season has been... interesting to say the least. From major cold fronts, snowstorms, and a lot of uncertainty regarding COVID-19 restrictions, things have been, well...frustrating.
So to help you get out of your 2022 slump, here are some chilled out things to do in Montreal to help you cope with any shenanigans life has thrown your way.
Why You Need To Go: An oldie, but a goodie. The very landmark after which our city was named is like its own little world with so many paths and nooks for you to discover. Bonus points if you take some hot chocolate for a stop to admire the view.
Why You Need To Go: When the setting sun catches the glistening snow, it really is quite magical — making it the perfect idea for a much-needed moment of awe. You can catch some stunning views of the Montreal sunset from Mont Royal, St. Joseph's Oratory, or Summit Circle, to name a few.
Why You Need To Go: Montreal is a city that's jam-packed with parks that are their own little piece of heaven among the hustle and bustle. Head to your favourite spot for a piece of comfort or venture to a lesser known spot to try something new. Whether you're looking for to enjoy a winter stroll, or skate your worries away at one of Montreal's many outdoor rinks, there's a lil something for everyone.
Why You Need To Go: Museums are a great place to to wander around and take in the exhibits with your own thoughts. Considering museums have remained opened during the plethora of Covid restrictions, you can escape the chaos with a trip to The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, McCord Museum, or Montreal Museum of Contemporary Arts. Plus learning something new is never a bad thing!
Price: $25.00 for adults / $20.00 for students, seniors & kids.
Why You Need To Go: Montreal's new permanent immersive experience is the perfect place to zone out and let your senses take over. The museum has over 10 regenerative moments that'll leave you in utter amazement.
Why You Need To Go: There's so much fantastic art all around the city with some fantastic tours to learn all about it. There are even tours through the metro stations and so many inspiring murals located all across the city that will definitely add some spice into your life.
Why You Need To Go: This city is filled with so many neighbourhoods and pockets you've probably never seen or even heard of before. Explore a new area to get that feeling of being in a totally new place and become a tourist in your own city for a day.
Why You Need To Go: Spas are officially re-opening on February 14, so now is the perfect time to set up those reservations. There are lots of spas throughout the city that make for the perfect place to unwind and seriously relax. Whether you're eyeing Bota Bota, Strøm Nordic Spa, or Scandinave Spa in Old Montreal, now's the ideal time to get some of that much deserved R&R.
Montreal is a great place for all those love birds out there, but sometimes it can be pretty costly. So, when you are looking to planning that perfect date but you are on a budget, don't stress! The list below composes of completely free date ideas that you can plan for that special someone RIGHT NOW.
Winter is almost over and spring time is on its way! Love will really in the air so WOW that special someone with a great date that won't cost either of you a penny.
You both may be broke, but window shopping is a great way to spend time together and take notes on future gifts or suprises your lover might want!
1. If You Are A Broke Couple Go Enjoy Montreal Street Art
Around almost any corner in the Down Town, Plateau, and Mille-End area in Montreal you are sure to find street art. So, why not explore your city with the one you love and enjoy some free art and the smell of spring!
2. If You Are A Broke Couple Go To The Virtual Reality Garden
For the opening of the Garden, the Phi Centre has brought together four of the most outstanding virtual reality works of our time—cutting edge experiences created by world-renowned artists who push the limits of art and technology and offer a unique point of view on today’s socio-political issues.
Check out the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts this sunday since it is free admission on the last Sunday of the month. So, take you special someone this sunday to enjoy beautiful art while you enjoy their company.
Illuminart is a new circuit fusing art, lighting and technology, unfolding through downtown Montreal. Aimed at an inquisitive audience eager to discover and explore, Illuminart assembles projects by artists, creators, engineers, set designers, graphic designers and videographers from home and abroad. Our illuminated urban space springs to life, becoming a must-see destination for creativity, inspiration and shared experience thanks to works that are at once surprising, impressive and entertaining.From February 22 to March 11, 2017.
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Most outdoor rinks in Montreal happen to be free! I recommend going to your local outdoor rink ad skating through the sunset with your special someone before winter is over!
6. If You Are A Broke Couple Go To The Montreal Observatory
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Place Ville Marie
For one night only, on March 4th, between 8:00 pm and 1:00 am, entrance to the Observatory will be 100% free! You'll have access to the 46 floor observation deck where you can discover the permanent exhibition, The Odyssey. The 45th floor will feature the #MTLGO interactive and participatory exhibition, or you can also head to the terrasse on the 44th floor.
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If you happen to fall in love with an athletic person, then this is the perfect date idea for you in Montreal this summer at no cost. TREKFIT gyms are located all across Montreal and they are perfect locations to hold a cute little workout date. Spring is right around the corner!
Inspired by the Italian renaissance revival, Mary Queen of the World Cathedral was modeled after Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. Although the interior of the cathedral does not quite match the grandeur of Saint Peter's Basilica, the nave's architectural layout, the white and gold wooden coffered vault, and the baldachin with spiral columns are quite interesting. The curvature of the intersecting vaults almost steals the show from the many paintings and gildings. It is free every Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
9. If You Are A Broke Couple Go Walk Through Old Montreal
Montreal is a very romantic setting that is itself priceless. Your date has probably been to Old Montreal multiple times but why not explore the city in a different way. I suggest taking your date to Old Montreal and showing them all the great architecture! They will truly be amazing by the beauty behind our city.
10. If You Are A Broke Couple Go To Montreal's World Trade Center
Montreal’s World Trade Centre (near Square-Victoria metro) is perfect for enjoying a gorgeous view while talking to your date with a nice cup of coffee. The atmosphere is incredible and it's also a nice place to exchange anniversary gifts!
11. If You Are A Broke Couple Go Watch A Sunset At Mount Royal
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For romance, kissing, and looking over the whole city, I suggest driving up to Mount Royal. You can enjoy Mount Royal during the day and enjoy the cityscape or you can go at night with your date and have a romantic stargazing date. This is always free and it's always a safe date idea.
12. If You Are A Broke Couple Go To The Melvin Charney’s Sculpture Garden
Time to get your sculpting on with a hot chocolate at the Melvin Charney’s sculpture garden, which is an extension of the CCA. This garden contains multiple sculptures that you can enjoy observing over a warm cup of hot chocolate and a beautiful sunset with the one you love.
I honestly love biking with my boyfriend and honestly I think it's a great date where you don't have to spend any money. For those couples who love to bike, I suggest biking down the Lachine Canal towards Atwater Market for a fun Montreal date.
If you and your BF or GF are photography professionals or even amateur, suggest going on a free, fun, and fabulous photography date! You can be each others models and truly enjoy MTL.
16. If You Are A Broke Couple Go Walk Through Quartier des Spectacles
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Honestly, there is always something super cool going on at Place Des Arts and the Quartier des Spectacles whether it be live music, a dance performance, or outdoor painting. I suggest heading down there with your date and just sitting back. It's a great place to soak up Montreal and to enjoy it's people. ALSO, Nuit Blanche is next weekend and it's FREE FREE FREE!
Montreal's Mural Festival recently came to an end, and it left the city exponentially more beautiful. From June 9th-19th, street artists from Montreal and around the world flooded St. Laurent boulevard, in a celebration of street art, music, and all things Montreal.
These incredible artists have gifted Montreal with some new and incredible murals, ones that you definitely need to take the time to visit. For an exciting preview of the new murals, the amazing Montreal photographer Jean-François Savaria has stunningly captured each one for your viewing pleasure.
Street art is what makes Montreal the unique, exciting urban centre that it is. In each of these incredible pieces of art, you'll find expressions of culture, meticulous technique, and use of colour and images like you've never seen before. So, please do these artists justice and visit these new murals to admire and appreciate one of the most special things Montreal has to offer: a thriving urban art scene.
1. Grems
Location: Rue Saint-Dominique / Rue Sherbrooke
2. Mateo
Location: Rue Milton / Rue Sainte-Famille
3. Acidum Project
Location: Rue Saint-Dominique / Rue Prince Arthur
4. Felipe Pantone
Location: Between Boul. St. Laurent and Rue Saint-Dominique / Rue Prince Arthur
5. D-Face
Location: Rue St. Dominique / Rue Prince Arthur
6. House of Meggs
Location: Between Boul. St. Laurent and Rue Saint-Dominique / Rue Prince Arthur
7. Hsix
Location: Rue Clark / Rue Prince Arthur
8. Jonathan Bergeron
Location: Rue Clark / Rue Prince Arthur
9. Klone Yourself
Location: Rue Prince Arthur / Rue Sainte-Famille
10. Bluff Monster
Location: Boul. St. Laurent / Rue. Saint-Dominique
11. Roadworth
Location: Boul. St. Laurent / Ave. Des Pins
12. Natalia Rak
Location: Rue Roy / Ave. Coloniale
13. Five8
Location: Rue Clark / Between Rue Napoleon and Rue Roy
14. Bik Ismo
Location: Boul. St. Laurent / Rue Napoleon
15. Fonki
Location: Ave. Duluth O / Rue Saint-Urbain
16. Miss Terri
Location: Rue Rachel E / Ave. Hotel-De-Ville
17. X-Ray
Location: Rue Saint-Dominique / Between Prince Arthur and Boul. St. Laurent
I recently moved to Montreal for the summer, and although I've only been here a short while, there are an unbelievable amount of things I want to do while I'm here. What's even more exciting is knowing that pretty soon, I'll be able to give my friends who visit from out of town a more real, not-so -touristy experience of the city. So, if you're like me and are new to the city, or you're a Montreal lover from afar who wants to try and live like the locals for a bit, here is a list that combines some of the things I've done, or can't wait to do with my out-of-town friends. Hopefully they feel authentic as can be, and, bonus, they won't hurt your wallet too much!
1. Have a picnic and a few drinks at one of Montreal's local parks
One of the best things I've learned about Montreal since moving here? There's something called the Picnic Law, which basically allows you to drink in public parks as long as you have a substantial amount of food with you. You and your friends will feel very much like locals when you see how many Montrealers take advantage of this great law on a hot afternoon. Check out our list of the best parks where you can chill out with your picnic basket full of brews. Cheers!
2. Chill Out near the installations at Montreal's Place des Arts
On my first day here, I wandered down to Place Des Arts, and immediately fell in love. The current art installations that are set up down there are awesome - swings that light up and play music? Yes please. This is definitely somewhere Montrealers go to hang out, so bring your friends and take in the atmosphere; you can even jump through the musically-controlled water fountains if you get too hot.
3. Bar hop on a hot night in Montreal (Saint-Laurent, Mont-Royal or Saint-Denis)
One thing I learned pretty quickly - Montrealers rarely stick to just one bar when venturing out for a night on the town. Maybe you'll want to start your night on one of the city's many summer terraces, set the mood with a mason jar concoction at La Distillerie, and then stumble on to the club. Need help deciding where? Consult our list for help. If you end up on St. Laurent at the end of your night, make sure to grab some $2 Chow Mein - and no, there's no catch, that's really the price.
4. Get lost discovering street art quite literally all over Montreal
I've done this pretty much every time I've visited Montreal, and I'm left in awe every time. St. Laurent is a good place to start if you want to see some gorgeous murals, but the best part is that you'll be pleasantly surprised by them pretty much anywhere in the city. Perfect if you have friends that are into the urban art scene, and if you want to wow them even further, plan their visit around the Mural Festival (June 9th-19th)
5. Rent BIXI bikes and venture to Old Port, the Lachine Canal or Parc Jean-Drapeau
This is something I have yet to do, but I'm so psyched for. These amazing landscapes prove that there's more to Montreal than just the city centre experiences. It's definitely something you can spend a day doing, and there are so many cool, hidden places along the Lachine canal especially that you can discover with your friends.
6. Spend time scoping out local, iconic Montreal restaurants
I can't even begin to tell you how overwhelmed I am at the amount of places I want, no need, to eat in Montreal. When you spend all day touring with friends, it can be easy to just wander in to any old place when you're hungry and tired. But trust me, take the time to find some local favourites, and you won't regret it. For example, the food at Patati Patata (pictured above) is out of this world, and insanely cheap! There are tons of places like this all over the city, and if you want to stay in the realm of budget friendly, we've got that for you here
7. Wander around the side streets in some key areas of Montreal
I feel like every time I explore a new neighbourhood in Montreal, I'm stopping every 5 minutes to snap pictures of the vine-laden apartments, or colourful coffee shops. Sometimes the best way to really get a feel for the culture, vibe and history of a place is to explore where people actually live, work, and go to relax. Check out the cool, fringe vibes on Duluth street, or the charm of St. Louis square and its surrounding streets. Go off the beaten path and you shall be rewarded.
8. Avoid large chain stores and opt for vintage boutiques instead
Undoubtedly, something your out-of-town crew will want to do in Montreal is go shopping - and rightfully so, since the city has an amazing selection of shopping for anyone and everyone. But simply darting in and out of the big chain stores on St. Catherine street can feel so overdone; those you can find in any major city. Instead, show your friends a more authentic shopping vibe by checking out the many unique vintage stores dotted throughout the coolest neighbourhoods in Montreal. Like always, we've got you covered for options here.
9. Do the one touristy thing that's totally allowed: take a sunset (or sunrise) photo at the top of Mont-Royal
Honestly, this is the quintessential tourist attraction in Montreal for a good reason: you just can't beat the gorgeous, expansive view of the city. But to make it a little less mainstream, head up to the mountain with your friends either before or after the bar (we're not responsible for what happens if you choose the latter). Chances are there will be less people around those times, and that way it will feel like your own private little viewing of this beautiful city. Time to make memories.
Our need to constantly push against the status quo, and quite literally paint over the walls that confine us is a testament to the endless creativity and originality that flows from every pore of this island. We just do things differently here, and so of course, our alcohol does too.
Imagined right here in Montreal, and born from a passion to inspire, Romeo's Gin is not only changing the spirits game, but it's also making us look beyond its crystal-clear elixir to see the art that surrounds us everyday.
A unique blend of all-natural distilled juniper, cucumber, dill, lavender, almond and lemon; Romeo's has a very distinctive taste profile and quality about it that stands up balanced with a perfectly clean finish. Of course, you'll have to try it for yourself to know exactly what I'm talking about, but what really makes Romeo's Gin stand out, is its philosophy and dedication to showcasing urban artists.
Every limited edition will feature select artwork from various contemporary and urban artists from Montreal and beyond. Our very own Stikki Peaches graces the inside of Romeo's first release, turning the bottle itself into a piece of art.
And because the true nature of any art is to share the wealth, Romeo's Gin has even set up a foundation to help preserve, promote and democratize urban art and culture. For every bottle sold, a percentage will go directly to the cause. Definitely not your average dry gin.
Full disclosure, gin has been my go-to drink for as long as I can remember, and like any connoisseur, the desire to discover the newest flavour is what fuels the fascination. Well, I've officially got a new fascination, and it goes by the name of Romeo's.
Romeo's Gin is currently available at the SAQ. Make sure to like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter to learn more about this amazing local business.
Spring is here and love is in the air! What better way to tell someone “I love you” than on a beautiful artsy date? Well, Montreal holds a variety of perfect activities for that special person who loves art just as much as you love them. But, I guarantee that they will love you just as much if you take them on one of these dates.
Now, you may not be too fond of art but, trust me. After you see what I have in store for you and your special someone who already loves art, you will see why they love it so much.
The Never Apart gallery has a modern twist on art. They are a non-profit organisation that indulge on the aspects of equality, the environment, and conscious living. Their goal is to start a positive change by tying cultures together through music and many other forms of art.
So, I suggest starting your date by taking a Bixi down to the art gallery. Afterwards, you can go down to little Italy for a nice little lunch at one of the several local cafes found just around the corner on Boulevard St. Laurent.
Since your date just got a taste of the Never Apart art gallery why not give them a taste of something a bit sweeter… Take them out afterwards to a delicious lunch at Pile Ou Glace also located in little Italy. They offer homemade Gelato that will make your sweet tooth throb.
Now that you and your date have seen some great art and had some delicious food, its time to end the night by taking a nice Bixi bike ride in Jarry park.
Instead of admiring art, tonight you and your date are going to create some! Paint the Nite is an event spread all around the world where you can socialize, paint and drink it up with your special someone.
Montreal gladly hosts multiple events at local bars. Simply go on their website and choose an event, which has a specific theme, and buy your tickets. The bars are located all around Montreal from Boulevard St Laurent to Point-Claire in the West Island.
I recommend getting those tickets ASAP! They tend to sell out fairly quickly and this is truly a great date for your artsy lover.
Now its time to appreciate the public art from the streets of Montreal. Montreal is home to some of the world's nicest street art and it's around almost every corner. So with the nice weather approaching, why not take a walk along the Plateau of Montreal and appreciate some great street art.
Start on St-Laurent Boulevard and Pine Street. You and your lovely date can make your way North, either walking or biking, to the corner of Napoléon and Saint Dominique where you can see a lot of the greatest street art. You would later end on St-Laurent Boulevard and Roy Street. Along the way you should definitely stop at Banquise for a poutine since you both probably built up a big appetite while walking!
There is also Street Art in NDG that has notable murals on Sherbrooke between Royal and Cavendish. In addition, between Monkland and De Maisonneuve there is the Yves Laroche Gallery that represents many local street artists as well as international names.
Instead of trying to take your date to Pompeii, bring Pompeii to them by exploring the exhibition at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts on Sherbrooke Street West. This beautiful art gallery includes 220 archaeological artifacts, mosaics, frescoes, statues, and much more!
It may be a bit somber since the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D caused the death of thousands of people. However, you can lighten up the mood afterwards by simply walking down Crescent Street to Mandy’s, a local salad joint!
After you have some fresh delicious salad, why not go down to Putting Edge on Rue Guy to conclude your perfect date! Since you admired some fantastic ancient art and had a perfect dinner, get loose and go glow in the dark mini putting. They have beer and even some funky art of their own! Your date is sure to think the date was a hole-in- one!
Time to appreciate some natural beauty at the Botanical Garden located on 4101 Rue Sherbrooke East. I recommend going straight for the Butterflies Go Free activity where you take a nice stroll through the insectarium and end up in a room filled with butterflies! It may not seem like an artsy date but trust me, once you get there you will realize just how much art there is.
Afterwards, you can explore the biodome and even take a walk around the Olympic stadium to admire the beautiful architecture. There is even the planetarium and multiple food joints located within a five-minute walking distance from one another. I would say that this is a great date for a photographer or a true nature lover.
Time to get your sculpting on with a picnic on a warm spring day at Melvin Charney’s sculpture garden, which is an extension of the CCA. Melvin Charney (b.1935 - 2012) was one of Canada's leading architects/artists. It has been said that the sculpture garden speaks to the history of architecture in Montreal.
I suggest to end the night with some desert at the Atwater Market which is not too far from the CCA. You can get pizza or ice cream and simply walk around and maybe even pick up from fresh fruit.
You can even suggest to your partner that you guys should make something on your next date with some fresh food from Atwater, maybe a romantic dinner. It’s a great date to explore your Montreal heritage and what Montreal has to its people.
Here’s a fun little twist to bring some childhood memories back in a flash! Bring your date to the Montreal Barbie Expo. It's part of Les Cours Mont-Royal in downtown Montreal and holds the largest exhibition of Barbie dolls in the world. Its truly a perfect way to make that special someone feel like a prince or princess! This is a great conversation starter to share some childhood memories with your date and to bring some modern thinking up!
With beautiful weather in mind, why not take a stroll afterwards to Boustan's on Crescent Street. It’s a popular Lebanese restaurant that has the best homemade foods! A great taste of culture that doesn’t end there! You can end the night by hitting up one of Crescent’s greatest famous bars or even a Shisha bar! But if you’re in the mood for more of a classy night out, definitely try Wienstein & Gavino's, a fancy wine restaurant also located on Crescent!
For that hipster date I recommend the BRAM! Gallery located on 3255 rue St Jacques. Its funky, fresh, and a hip way to start a date and even end a date.
Not only is it an art Gallery with easy access to the metro, but it is also a performance space, retail store that sells vinyl, books, and it's even a cafe. It's “retro cool”, right next to Pizzeria Martina, and even the Bikram Yoga studio if you want to cool some nerve and relax with your date.
Why not set the mood at Montreal’s Mainline theater on 3997 Boulevard Saint-Laurent? The Mainline Theater hosts hundreds of shows every year with a variety of genres. Check out what shows they have online, and choose one that suits their personality best. The art of theater can work magic so be prepared for a magical night.
Provided that you are already on Boulevard St- Laurent, you should walk on up to one of Montreal’s famous night clubs like Le Rouge Bar for some serious dancing and light, or you know...drinking. While you’re at it, why not be adventurous and show your date your fun side by treating them to some two-dollar noodles after your wild night.
No, Station 16 is not Montreal’s newest metro station, but it is home to awesome contemporary and urban art! Bring your date here for a mural influenced gallery inspired by pop art from a multitude of local and international artists. I guarantee they will love it!
Afterwards, take a short 5-minute walk to La Diperie for some of Montreal’s best soft served ice cream. A fun way to end the night and maybe some sweet icy kisses.
Oh Old Montreal, the perfect place to take a date! Upon entering Old Montreal, you should definitely take your date to the Notre-Dame Basilica. You can both admire its architecture and relics of gold and silver. It's an absolutely beautiful site to see that you maybe never have taken the time to appreciate.
You can then take a short walk to Bevo, a trendy Italian restaurant with wood-fired pizzas, unique drinks and even DJs. It is located on 410 Rue Saint Vincent, and is romantic yet fun with great authentic food. Get some drinks there and then go for some yummy beaver tails to end a sweet night.
One of my personal favourite places is Le Céramic Café. A place where you create art as well as eat delicious food.
It's a great first date since you can laugh, create, and try new things with one another. Not only will your art-loving date have fun but so will you. Spend the whole date there or you can take a nice walk along the Plateau. This is a crowd favourite that wont disappoint!
In Montrealwe often make fun of city workers. Like why it takes 5 of them to plant a tree, or that they have no idea how to fill potholes properly. But this time, I think they're exaggerating a bit.
Yesterday, a story from CBC was circulating online about how the City of Montreal needed to call upon its most experienced workers to draw straight lines on bike paths.
You wouldn't thinkthat was necessary, until you see the handy work of the first crew.
If that wasn't bad enough, in many other areas the streets weren't even cleaned properly so the workers actually painted over the debris.
Now Montreal's Mayor is calling for the boroughs of Plateau, Ahuntsic and Rosemont–La Petite–Patrie to repaint the lines, but not until they retrain 90 blue collar workers to paint straight lines.
I assumethis technique involved giving them coloring books and only hiring those who don't go over the lines.
Now insteadof letting the screw-ups have another go at it, and before we waste any more time and money re-training them, I have a better idea.
Why not let the street artists of Montreal paint the paths?
They already love painting, they would probably do it for free (minus the cost of materials), and we would have the prettiest bike paths in the world.
We're always talking about street art in Montreal, so why not turn the streets into actual art? It could be like the new MuralFest, but with a lot more places to paint, and every borough could have their own themes and colors.
Recently the city was talking about making manhole covers prettier, but lets face it: No matter how pretty the covers are, they're still just pretty lids for a shit-filled pipe. Why not beautify something more useful instead?
What do you think? Is this idea crazy, or am I on to something?
Montreal is a city of artists, and unlike most places, we don't like to keep our art exclusively in museums. Instead, we take to the streets and plaster it all over the city.
The best part of Montreal street art is that it is constantly evolving. Every year, MuralFest adds a few more pieces and replaces a few of the older ones, turning the city into one giant art gallery that everyone can enjoy.
The murals in Montreal constantly get shared around the internet and the rest of the world is taking notice.
And if you need a few examples, here are some murals we added this year.
Earlier this week, USA Today actually named Montreal #5 on their list of the 10 best cities to see street art.
I only wish they elaborated a bit more in their blurb about our city, but what can you do? Our only option is to try to be more awesome than ever this year so that we get ranked #1 next time.
The bikes by Aless MC feature repeating bike-inspired elements, like gears and spokes, over a bright colour palette.
A selection of five BIXI bike frames painted by La Charbonne, featuring funky patterns like stars, flowers and flames.Courtesy of BIXI Montreal and MURAL Festival
Illustrator Chien Champion sits behind a blue bike frame with a flying horse. Courtesy of BIXI Montreal and MURAL Festival