Valentine's Day in Montreal doesn't have to be a cliché fest of chocolates and roses. You could take your date hunting for secondhand gems, dance to a live band, or even create a colourful masterpiece with glass (or icing) and a bit of teamwork.
Here are some Montreal date ideas to make this year's Hallmark holiday stand out with some bonding, laughter, and maybe a little friendly competition:
Cheer on the Montreal Toundra together
When: Feb 18 and 25
Where: Centre Pierre-Charboneau, 3000, rue Viau
Cost: $10/person
Reason to go: In the spirit of love and basketball, choosing a basketball game for your Valentine's date scores a slam dunk in originality. It's also the perfect excuse to hold hands, especially when one of you pretends to need comforting during those nail-biting moments.
Glide together at the Old Port Skating Rink
When: February 14, 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Bonsecours Basin
Cost: $10/adult
Reason to go: It's an instant ice-breaker, and you'll probably fall for each other, not just metaphorically. Hosted by charismatic drag queen Chouchoune, the evening promises music and lots of laughs. Plus, if you can dodge those ice rink bumps hand-in-hand, you're pretty much set for anything life throws your way.
Peek at window puppets in Outremont
When: February 12 to March 12 (Guided Tour: February 17 at 1:30 p.m.)
Where: Multiple locations
Cost: Free
Reason to go: Looking for a date with no strings attached? Think again. PUPPETS IN WINDOWS! turns Outremont into a live gallery, showcasing over a hundred puppet masterpieces by Patrick Martel and his protégés, right in the storefronts of avenues Van Horne, Bernard, and du Parc. It's your chance to marvel at silent stories crafted in felt and foam, either on a self-guided wander or with an informative tour.
Watch a rom-com classic at the Westmount Library
When: February 14, 7 p.m.
Where: Victoria Hall, 4626, rue Sherbrooke Ouest
Cost: Free
Reason to try: Snap into it, the spirit of Valentine's Day that is, with a screening of "Moonstruck" at the historic Westmount Community Centre. It's an original setting for your date night, far from the usual sofa-and-streaming routine. As for the movie, let Cher and Nicolas Cage guide you through a love story that's quirky and unforgettable, showing that romance is best served with a side of laughter and a touch of the unexpected.
Escape from a room at Manoir Ezkapaz
When: Through February 14
Where: 3955, boul. Saint-Laurent
Cost: $35/person (unless you opt for the V-Day special three ticket, one free option)
Reason to go: Choosing an escape room for your Valentine's adventure means betting on brains over bouquets. It's a heart-racing, clue-chasing romp that'll leave you either triumphantly united or hilariously divided. Bring another couple into the mix and you can get one comped ticket.
Go thrifting at Bazar Vintage Montreal
When: February 17, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | February 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Église Saint-Jean-Berchmans, 1871, boul. Rosemont
Cost: Free entry
Reason to go: Fall in love with your date (and secondhand finds) at the Valentine's edition of this thrifting event in La Petite-Patrie. You'll be able to hunt through vintage clothes, jewelry, accessories, and home items to find the perfect treasure.
Pick out a sweet treat and a book to read at Pulp Books & Café
When: February 11, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 3952, rue Wellington
Reason to go: For the literary types, this is a perfect excuse to spoil your date with cake by the slice, giant heart cookies, and tons of books to peruse. Violet Bakehouse is popping up at Verdun's new English-language bookstore and coffee bar Pulp, giving you ample reason to linger over coffee and conversation.
Take in a $5 movie at Cineplex
When: Each Tuesday in February
Where: Cineplex Cinemas
Cost: $5 (+tax)/person
Reason to go: Those strapped for cash this Valentine's Day can always opt for dinner and movie for less. Every Tuesday in February, you can snag general admission movie tickets and a small popcorn for $5 each (plus tax). Catch the new Willy Wonka film for a V-Day-appropriate sugar rush on screen.
Slow dance at the Valentine's Gay Winter Formal
When: February 9, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Champs Bar, 3956, rue Saint-Laurent
Cost: $10/advance; $14/door; no one turned away
Reason to go: You can enjoy some high school nostalgia without chaperones cramping your style. It’s the ultimate redo of your teenage dreams, with prom photos, unlimited treats, live tattooing, and no rules on dancing. Colour-coded heart stickers let you signal your status, making it easier to mingle or stick with your date.
Sing along to Boy Band Night at Le Balcon
When: February 16
Where: Le Balcon, 463, rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest
Cost: $50+/person
Reason to go: You and your date can dial it back to the heartthrob era and (re)live the golden days of the Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, and New Kids on the Block. With pitch-perfect harmonies, it's a throwback to the swoon-worthy 90s and 00s. For those looking to amp up the romance, the dinner-show experience starts at $115 per person, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. If you just want the tunes, you can slide in between 7:45 and 8:30 p.m. for the show-only option at $50 a head.
Decorate cake at Atelier Marjorie
When: Most days in February
Where: 2121, rue Saint-Laurent
Cost: $30/person
Reason to go: For a date that's sweetly unconventional, you and your partner can try cake decorating this Valentine's. It's one hour of creativity and confection, where you can both practice the art of icing and edible decoration. Drinks are available, you can toast to your delicious, and artistic, endeavours.
Learn how to make stained glass windows at Studio du Verre
When: February 14, 21, and 28
Where: 515, rue Bonsecours
Cost: $ 199 ($29 for materials + tax)
Reason to go: During this 10-hour workshop, spread over a few sessions, you'll make an 8'' x 10'' panel using the Tiffany copper foil technique. It's beginner-friendly, with all tools and materials supplied, perfect for couples looking to try something new together. Limited to 5-6 people per class, it's an intimate way to spend time together and learn a new skill.
Jazz up your night at Café La ligne Verte
When: February 14, 21 and 28
Where: Café La ligne Verte, 2531, rue Ontario Est
Cost: $15 recommended; or $5 to $25 PWYC (cash only)
Reason to go: Just a few steps from metro Frontenac, this spot welcomes all ages with open arms and live tunes. You can kick things off with a beginner's lindy hop lesson at 7:30 p.m., then let the live band sweep you off your feet at 8:30 p.m. A swing DJ keeps the party going until 11:00 p.m.With pints just $6 before 8:30 pm, your wallet will feel the love too.
Have a meal at one of Montreal's most romantic restos
When: February 14
Where: Multiple locations
Cost: Varies
Reason to go: You have lots of romantic restaurants to pick from for a classic Valentine's date, but OpenTable has identified the most swoon-worthy spots in Montreal. With selections honed from over 1.1 million reviews, it's your cheat sheet to culinary courtship in the city.