12 Free and Cheap Date Ideas to Try in Montreal
Montreal has plenty of fun activities for adventurous couples who are also on a budget. Especially during the summer months, there are plenty of free festivals and music events to enjoy together. Here are some free or cheap date ideas around the city, ranging from classic Montreal activities to active excursions.
Explore a market together
There are several large and well-known markets in Montreal, including Marché Jean-Talon, Atwater, and Maisonneuve. You’ll find couples strolling hand in hand through the fresh produce and flowers, stopping to sample different fruits or indulge in some artisanal ice cream.
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CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
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2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
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3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
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2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
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2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
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3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
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2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
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3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
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2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
Check out the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Museum
Cycle through the city’s prettiest spots
For the active couple, cycling around the city can be a great way to spend time together. You can take your bikes (or use the city’s BIXI bike rental system) and take a couple’s ride through the Lachine Canal, into Griffintown, and/or through the Old Port.
Head over to Tam-Tams
Park
On a Sunday during the summer months, you and your significant other can go over to Mont-Royal and experience the Tam-Tams, a huge weekly drum circle that gathers around the George-Étienne Cartier Monument. The session usually starts around 10:30 am and continues until sunset, bringing together an eclectic array of musicians, performers, vendors, and other visitors.
George-Étienne Cartier Monument, Park Ave, Montreal, QC, Canada
Explore Mont-Royal
Park
While you’re in Mont-Royal Park and the weather is lovely, you can take a stroll through the forested paths and trails up to the lookout and take selfies together with the impressive city skyline behind you.
Mont-Royal Park, Olmsted Trail, Montreal, QC, Canada
Montreal skyline from Mont Royal | © Paolo Costa Baldi / WikiCommons
Picnic in a park
Montreal has countless lovely parks to explore, and during the summer months, you’ll find many couples lounging together in the grass with snacks and maybe even a bottle of wine. Try Jarry, Agrignon, or La Fontaine parks, which sit in very different neighborhoods and have their own distinct character.
Kayak along the Lachine Canal
Another fun outdoor activity for couples in Montreal involves taking a small boat along the Lachine Canal. Rentals are affordable, whether you choose a solo kayak each or a tandem kayak, or otherwise a pedal boat, ranging from $10–35 per half hour.
Lachine Canal, Montreal, QC, Canada
Take a walking tour
Montreal is a very walkable city, and there are plenty of fascinating tours that can be of interest to visitors and locals alike. Getting to know the city from another perspective can be a fun experience to have together. Try a mural tour for a creative edge, or a tour of the romantic Old Port, or if you’re feeling brave, you can check out a nighttime ghost tour together.
Watch an erotic film together
Cinema
For couples that are not self-conscious, Cinema L’Amour on St. Laurent offers a variety of vintage erotic films (as well as pornographic films), and it’s free for couples on Mondays and Tuesdays, as well as on Wednesdays during happy hour.
Cinema L’Amour, 4015 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montreal, QC, Canada, +1 514 849 6227
Watch a live comedy show
For a good laugh, head over to Comedy Nest in downtown Montreal for $5 Newbie Tuesdays or Comedy Lab Wednesdays. The performers will be a mixed bag of beginners taking their first steps into the world of stand-up, or otherwise professional or semi-professional comedians testing out new material.
Comedy Nest, 2313 Saint-Catherine St W, Montreal, QC, Canada, +1 514 932 6378
Go to the Biodôme
Stadium
Especially if the weather is cold, you can imagine yourselves enjoying balmier climates by heading over to the Biodôme together. Here, you can explore over 4,500 animals from around the world, including 500 plant species, all under one roof.
Biodôme, 4777 Pierre-de Coubertin Ave, Montreal, QC, Canada, +1 514 868 3000
Visit the Planetarium
Part of the same complex as the Biodôme, you can also explore the wonders of space and gaze at the stars together at the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium. Similarly, adult admission is around $15 for Quebec residents and $20 for visitors. Admission is only $8 on Thursday evenings after 5:30 pm.
Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium, 4801 Pierre-de Coubertin Ave, Montreal, QC, Canada, +1 514 868 3000
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