A romantic guide to Montréal
Valentine’s Day or not, romance is always white hot in Montréal. Here’s your guide to keeping the flame alive all year long.
All you need is love—and good food
Montréal’s culinary scene is so dynamic, it’s hard to keep track of all the amazing restaurants! From spots that showcase local market produce to the latest trendy eateries, and everything in between for gourmet foodies, you’re guaranteed to find something to tickly your tastebuds. Whether it’s Mon Lapin, Candide, Vin Papillon, or Toqué!, there’s a place for every palate. Gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan? There’s no lack of choice in Montréal, with plenty of guides to help you navigate it all! When the sun starts to warm things up, do as the locals do and reserve the one tucked-away table in the vegetable garden at Joe Beef. You can also invite your special someone to dine in the fabulous gardens at Maison Boulud, helmed by legendary chef Daniel Boulud, inside the Ritz-Carlton Montréal.
In the mood for afternoon tea? Make your way to one of Montréal’s sublime tea rooms, like the Cardinal Tea Room in Mile End or the Rosélys restaurant in the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, right at the heart of downtown. Choose whichever sweet treat tickles your fancy, and pair it with a fragrant tea, luscious hot chocolate or comforting cup of coffee.
The ultimate place to enjoy la dolce vita in Montréal is definitely Little Italy. Sink your teeth into a scrumptious pizza at Gema or enjoy a refined meal at Impasto.
A toast to love
Up high, down low and everywhere in between, Montréal has countless bars perfect for whispering sweet nothings. Prefer something tucked away in a cozy basement or behind closed doors? Our favourites are the oh-so intimate Gokudo, , the clandestine Bar Cloakroom or the trendy Sans Soleil and Atwater Cocktail Club, , which serve up incredible cocktails. When the warm weather hits, Montréal’s hidden patios bloom on every corner and as the sun starts to set on the horizon, the city’s many trendy rooftoppatios offer the best view of the glimmering cityscape at any time of year. If you want to nibble on something other than your sweetheart’s ear, you’ll love these wine bars and the natural wines showcased on their menus.
Unwinding together
To get your hearts beating as one, nature lovers can strap on snowshoes and enjoy a unique trek organized by Les amis de la montagne. Breathtaking views of Montréal, glasses of mulled wine and chocolate truffles are all part of the experience. Back downtown, immerse yourself in the upscale and historic Golden Square Mile, where you can enjoy a chic day of strolling and luxury shopping. Cap your day off at a jazz club with the smooth and seductive sounds of jazz. Find a spot you’ll both love in our guide to Montréal’s jazz and blues clubs.
Picnics, long walks and people-watching are some of life’s simplest and most romantic pleasures. When the cherry trees blossom in spring, plan a picnic at Westmount Park or the Botanical Garden, and inhale the sweet fragrance. How about indulging in a soothing Montréal spa for the ultimate relaxation experience? Soak up spectacular views as you enjoy the thermal circuit at Bota Bota, a transformed ferryboat moored in the Old Port of Montréal. Or go for full-out luxe with the full-service spas at Moment Spa Le Reine Elizabeth, Spa William Gray and Spa St James du Ritz Carlton Montréal.
In July, book an AML Cruise and watch the night skies pop with colour during the Loto-Québec International Fireworks Competition. Make it even more memorable by combining it with one of their delicious five-course dinners.
Nestling in for the night
Whether for a night, weekend or extended getaway, Montréal has hotels for every taste and budget. If you're in town for Valentine's Day, check out these romantic packages. Or book a room at one of these ultra-luxury hotels, which feature rooftop pools and five-star dining, or treat yourself to an exquisite room in an incredibly chic boutique hotel. Turn up the romance with our guide to Montréal’s best hotel restaurants, and be dazzled by our world-class chefs. Last but not least, if you’re thinking about tying the knot, our team has created a list of spectacular places to pop the question or get married. Start your happily ever after in Montréal!
Original article in French by Laure Juilliard, adapted into English by Dawn Bessey-Gans.
Laure Juilliard
Originally from Paris, Laure Juilliard made Montréal her home over 15 years ago and has never looked back. Won over by her new city's unique energy, cultural vibrancy and gastronomic effervescence, she loves exploring all the coolest spots. A writer and blogger specialising in lifestyle, culture, travel and gastronomy, she has lent her pen to Tourisme Montréal for more than 10 years, in addition to magazines such as ELLE Québec and Clin d'œil, as well as a variety of well-known companies and agencies. Always on the lookout for innovative concepts and the best addresses wherever she is in the world, she is also always planning her next trip.