16 Unusual Date Ideas to Try in Montreal

In the Old Port, thrill-seeking couples can enjoy an exhilarating zipline ride across Île Bonsecours close to the St. Lawrence River. This is the first urban zipline circuit in Canada, and it gives a bird’s eye view of Montreal. You can continue the sky-high theme by going for a drink at one of the nearby rooftop bars in Old Montreal.

Cross-country skiing is a fun winter sport that doesn’t even require leaving the city. Equipment (and a lesson, if needed!) is offered on Mont Royal by Les amis de la Montagne.

During the late spring and summer, and even well into the autumn, the Montreal Botanical Gardens are a peaceful refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. Wander arm-in-arm through the well-tended grounds, or attend one of the events put on through the Espace pour la vie complex.

Channel your inner lumberjack by trying out some axe throwing at Rage Montreal, an indoor range that offers different axe types and tips (and safety instructions!) from professionals. You will find plenty of options for a range of sports, common favourites and unique experiences alike.

Near the Botanical Gardens you will also find Montreal’s Planetarium, which combines creativity and technology to offer a closer look at the stars and planets. Check ahead for special events and productions.

You can make your nightmares come alive by taking a ghost walking tour in Old Montreal, the city’s historic district. If spooks aren’t your thing, there are other kinds of tours that can be enjoyed as a couple: check out a Montreal craft beer tour or a local food tour to experience some of the best that the city has to offer.

Also in the Old Port you’ll find one of the most unusual spas in Montreal, a converted river ferry now known as Bota Bota, spa sur l’eau. Relax together in the partly outdoor Nordic-style water circuit, or indulge in a couples massage—all while enjoying a great view of the city skyline.

Montreal comes alive with festivals in the summer. From the International Jazz Festival to Just for Laughs, weekly outdoor techno concerts to a mural show, there are plenty of reasons to spend an afternoon or evening together.

No matter the season, Mont Royal is a nice spot to explore as a couple: the winding, sloped, wooded paths are perfect for strolling hand-in-hand or for scaling breathlessly by bike. At the top, the belvedere offers a beautiful view that overlooks the downtown area, as well as a glimpse of the St. Lawrence River beyond. It’s beautiful at any time of year, and especially on certain nights during the summer, when the city puts on impressive fireworks that are presented by different countries.

There are a few “secret” bars around Montreal that are inspired by the classic speakeasies of the 1920s. With their often difficult-to-spot locations, well-dressed waiters, low lighting, and jazz-bluesy soundtracks, they’re the perfect opportunity to get a bit dressed up and pretend you’re in a different era.

Every summer, Montreal hosts Just for Laughs, one of the biggest comedy festivals in the world. For the rest of the year, you can have a fun date at The Comedy Nest. Tucked away near downtown Montreal, this place has been in operation for 30 years, and has been named one of the top 15 comedy clubs in North America. With a variety of intimate shows throughout the week, including Tuesdays and Wednesdays, it’s a great option for a light-hearted date night.

There are many natural areas around the island of Montreal where you can enjoy a nature walk. The Morgan Arboretum, for example, is a peaceful nature conservation area in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, on McGill University’s Macdonald Campus. Criss-crossed with easy forested hikes, you can enjoy a nature retreat within a stone’s throw of the city together, and then go for dinner along the waterfront. It’s especially beautiful during the autumn, as the leaves start to change.

During the summer months, you can go paddleboating, kayaking, or canoeing together at a few different locations around the city, including Beaver Lake on Mont Royal, Parc Jean Drapeau, the Old Port, or the Lachine Canal.

Love video games? Head over to Arcade MTL on Rue St. Denis. With an entry fee of $7, you can explore around 20 machines and retro video game consoles. Enjoy a microbrewery beer or thematic cocktail as you play games like Mortal Kombat II, Ms Pac-Man, Tetris, and many more.

Shakespeare-in-the-Park gathers over 12,000 people in green spaces in and around Montreal every summer. Bring a blanket or fold-up chair and curl up together for a magical performance on a warm summer night.

The Tams are a beloved Montreal tradition, bringing together hundreds of drummers, dancers, vendors, performers, and picnickers around the George-Étienne Cartier Monument in Mont Royal Park every Sunday afternoon during summer. Stop at a nearby shop for some snacks, bring a blanket, and enjoy the summer sun and laid-back yet festive atmosphere together.