Here is an updated version of a blog entry that I posted many years ago which generated much interest. I am happy to say that someone special has entered my life, but I am still happy to share my favourite spots with you!
Flowers: Montreal’s Botanical Garden: Gentlemen, most women love flowers, so why not bring your mademoiselle to see beautiful colourful gardens ? Mental note: keep track of what she says when it comes to her favourite flowers and colours to surprise her throughout the year! If you plan to have a date during the Fall months of September and October, you cannot miss the Garden of Lights where the First Nations, Japanese, and Chinese gardens are brightly lit on evenings during that period.
Chocolate: Chocolate remains one of the best aphrodisiacs, so why not take your love interest to the popular C’Chocolat restaurant! It’s a paradise for those having a sweet tooth: chocolate desserts, hot chocolate, waffles, and more for you to make your date happy. If you’re high on experiential, I suggest sharing the C’Wow dessert. I will not spoil the surprise, but it involves lots of chocolate… and have your cell phones ready when the dessert comes to your table! It’s the only time when you can take out your phone during a date!
Drinks: I love hidden speakeasys as they tend to have a more intimate setting. I really like the Atwater Cocktail Club and its retro vibe (good luck finding it!) or the Plateau Mont-Royal speakeasy appropriately named Le Royal. Do remember to visit these bars earlier in the evening as they tend to crank up the volume as the evening progresses, and that you need to dress to impress.
Music: When it comes to finding the right music for romance, I strongly believe smooth jazz is the way to go. I love catching live shows and you cannot go wrong by going to either These live venues happen to be two of the best jazz bars in the city! Do your homework by checking out who is playing and booking a table in advance.
Dinner: If elaborate meals are your thing and price is not really an issue, I strongly suggest booking a table at Restaurant Damas. Consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in Montreal, this Syrian restaurant will enchant you with its stunning Oriental décor and impressive menu. They have tasting menus so that you can fully experience the cuisine while getting to know the other person that much better!
Outdoors : A stroll in Old Montreal: Imagine walking through streets made of cobblestone hand-in-hand, browsing the many shops and art galleries Old Montreal has to offer and stopping by the Notre Dame Cathedral to admire the architectural beauty of that landmark building. It’s
also very inexpensive… if you can resist the great restaurants and bars that the area has to offer!
Head over to the Ecorecreo website to get inspired on fun outdoor couple activities while visiting beautiful areas of the city. Rent a pedal boat in Old Montreal, or go ice skating or snowshoeing at Parc Jean Drapeau .
For the more physically fit, you can always hike up Mont-Royal and reward yourself by making the Kondiaronk lookout your destination to admire the stunning view of Montreal. It’s so romantic seeing the city skyline… especially at night!
It’s a short list given the many options that we have here in the city. Nevertheless, your date is bound to be delighted by any one of these options.
So, what’s your favourite place or activity to impress your date?
Don’t forget that the best way to discover Montreal with a certified tourist guide.
