10 Romantic things to do in Montreal

May 6, 2026May 6, 2026 Anjali Wadhwa

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Montreal is truly a Canadian hub for art, culture, and entertainment. Every corner of the city has its own charm, and I’ve yet to meet anyone who hasn’t fallen in love with its vibrant neighborhoods, exceptional cuisine, and stunning historical sites.

Wandering through Old Montreal, set along the picturesque Saint Lawrence River, you’ll find cobblestone streets, inviting restaurants, a scenic waterfront promenade, and a variety of tranquil landscapes, each offering a perfect escape from daily life.

If you’re planning a romantic getaway with your partner, you might be wondering what special activities can make your trip unforgettable. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Beyond the usual travel guide recommendations, here’s a list of unique and exclusive spots in Montreal that are perfect for celebrating your love and making lasting memories together.

Romantic Things To Do In Montreal

1. Rejuvenate at Bota Bota

For me, vacations are all about relaxing and reconnecting with my partner, and Montreal offers a truly unique and spiritually fulfilling experience for couples. If you’re searching for the perfect place to unwind together, look no further than Bota Bota. This upscale floating spa, docked right on a ferry boat in the Old Port, is easily one of the most romantic things you can do as a couple in Montreal.

Bota Bota features a hot water pool and open-air jacuzzis under the sky, creating a magical setting for your getaway. The spa offers five decks of pure relaxation, with facilities ranging from a water circuit and garden rest area to beauty treatments, massages, steam baths, whirlpools, and saunas. There’s even a calming yoga space and La Traversée, the on-board restaurant, so you can refuel between treatments.

What I love most is the combination of luxury and reasonable pricing, especially considering the top-notch service and amenities. Picture yourself and your partner soaking in the views of the Saint Lawrence River and Old Montreal while enjoying a soothing spa session together. If you’re planning to surprise your loved one, Bota Bota is the perfect romantic gift to start your Montreal adventure.

2. Take a stroll through Old Montreal

Some of the most divine moments with my partner happen while simply exploring together, and in Montreal, nothing compares to walking through the historic streets of Old Montreal. This area is the city’s soul, rich with stories and legends that make every step special. If you want to truly immerse yourself in Montreal’s history, I highly recommend taking a guided walking tour.

The tour itself is only about 2 to 2.5 hours, but it covers the most important monuments and buildings. What makes it memorable is hearing fascinating tales and local legends straight from your regional guide. That personal touch is what sets a guided tour apart from wandering on your own.

On your journey, you’ll visit Place Jacques-Cartier, Place d’Armes, Notre-Dame Basilica, hidden courtyards, and end at Place Royale. It’s a wonderful way to create unforgettable memories together while soaking in the heritage and romance of Montreal.

3. Indulge in Artistic Scenes at Montreal Museum Of Fine Arts (Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal)

If you or your partner are art lovers, then spending time at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is an absolute must. This world-class museum is one of the largest in North America and houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs, designs, and more. I love how the museum brings together masterpieces from renowned artists who dedicated their lives to art, as well as fresh exhibitions that showcase the work of emerging talents.

With 35 galleries to explore, every corner of the museum offers a new perspective on creativity and beauty. Depending on when you visit, you’ll have the chance to see both classic and contemporary works, making each trip a unique experience. For couples who appreciate art, wandering through these galleries is a true delight and a wonderful way to connect and be inspired together.

Be sure to check the museum’s website for information on current exhibitions, special events, tickets, and visiting hours before you go.

4. Spend time together at Notre-Dame Basilica

For me, love and spiritualism go hand in hand—especially when I’m visiting the breathtaking Notre Dame Basilica with my partner. Nestled in the historic quarter of Montreal, this world heritage site is nothing short of heavenly. As soon as we step inside, I’m always in awe of its grand architecture: the towering arched ceilings, golden altar, and stunning frescoes are simply mesmerizing.

The basilica is a true masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. Its origins date back to the seventeenth century, though much of it was beautifully rebuilt and restored after a devastating fire. Sunlight streaming through the color-tinted windows fills the space with a magical glow, creating an atmosphere that feels both sacred and romantic. For couples, it’s an unforgettable setting to share a moment of peace and wonder together.

5. Dine at Barroco

Nothing sets the mood for romance quite like a special dinner together. While I’ve planned plenty of dinners for my partner, choosing a spot in a city as grand as Montreal can be a delightful challenge. My top recommendation? Barroco, a charming restaurant tucked away in the heart of Old Montreal, is renowned for its delicious food and cozy, intimate ambiance.

No matter what you order from Barroco’s menu, the quality is consistently outstanding; it’s truly some of the best food I’ve had in Montreal. The menu is wonderfully diverse, featuring everything from their famous paella to inventive cocktails, fresh salads, tempting appetizers, and so much more.

he talented chefs ensure that every dish is memorable, making your dining experience here something you and your partner won’t soon forget.

6. Get delighted at Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill

To me, nothing defines romance quite like jazz music. No matter your usual musical tastes, jazz always sets the perfect mood for a romantic evening. In Montreal, my favorite spot to enjoy this experience is Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill. It’s the ultimate place to share an intimate night out with your partner, surrounded by smooth tunes and a cozy ambiance.

Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill isn’t just about jazz; during festivals and special events, the venue hosts a variety of entertainers and bands. I love checking the performance schedule on their website in advance to see who’s playing and planning our visit around a show that excites us both. There’s something truly special about spending the evening together, soaking up the soulful music and the vibrant energy of this iconic Montreal venue.

7. Groove at the International Music Festival

There’s not a soul in Montreal who hasn’t heard of the International Music Festival, and more than that, everyone waits for it all year and enjoys it to the fullest. It’s the perfect time to make new friends, celebrate with your partner, and immerse yourselves in the unique culture Montreal has to offer.

This year, the International Music Festival takes place from June 25 to July 4, 2026, so be sure to mark those dates on your calendar!

If you’re planning to attend with your partner, don’t forget to get your passes and tickets in advance, as the excitement for this event is always sky-high.

With bands like Sunset Rubdown, U.S. Girls, Nicholas Merz, and Chilly Gonzalez already confirmed, all you need is your partner, a few drinks, and plenty of enthusiasm to fully dive into the festivities

8. Shop at Jean-Talon Market

Since you’re already in Montreal, I highly recommend indulging in some Canadian-style organic markets. My favorite is Jean-Talon Market, a beloved spot among locals where you’ll find an amazing selection of farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, and cereals straight from nearby orchards and farms. It’s the perfect alternative to more expensive tourist areas, letting you experience authentic local flavors without breaking the bank.

At Jean-Talon Market, you can pick up flowers, cheeses, homemade fruit jams and preserves, baked goods, maple syrup, candies, dried wild blueberries, and other specialty foods. Many vendors are the farmers themselves, so you know you’re getting top-quality products.

I love grabbing a few snacks here and then heading to the Lachine Canal for a relaxing picnic with my partner, an affordable and memorable way to enjoy Montreal’s local charm together.

9. Amaze your loved one at Montreal Botanical Garden

To me, the Botanical Garden is the most heavenly place in all of Montreal. The lush greenery, the incredible diversity of trees, and the charming Japanese-style houses are just the beginning. What truly amazes me are the giant, human-sized green sculptures surrounded by animal-shaped topiaries. It truly feels like stepping into another world, and I honestly think it’s one of the prettiest spots in the entire city.

While Montreal is celebrated for its architecture, museums, and vibrant street art, the Botanical Garden stands out as the most peaceful and romantic destination on my tour. The serenity and beauty here are unmatched, making it easy to lose track of time as you wander together among nature.

If you’re visiting in the fall, the garden becomes part of Montreal’s cultural festivities. The Japanese garden theme comes alive with whimsical puppets and lanterns floating on the water, adding an extra layer of magic to the experience. For couples, it’s a dreamy escape that’s perfect for creating lasting memories.

10. Go hiking at Mont Royal Park

If you and your partner are adventure lovers, Mont Royal Park is the place you absolutely can’t miss for maximum fun and thrills. For couples who bond over hiking, cycling, or just staying active together, this park offers everything you need for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

There’s a 2.5-mile loop hike that takes you around the park and up to the mountaintop, or you can challenge yourselves with the staircase climb, about 30–45 minutes up and just 15 minutes down. Whichever route you choose, the journey is always scenic and invigorating.

But the real reward is the breathtaking view from the summit. While the Ferris wheel gives you a glimpse of the city, nothing beats the panoramic vistas you get from the top of Mont Royal. As a couple, you’ll cherish both the adventure and the stunning scenery; it’s one of my favorite ways to connect and create lasting memories in Montreal.

Romantic Stay In Montreal

For a fully romantic experience in Montreal, you must plan a stay in one of the most romantic hotels of the city. After a full day of city exploration, you both would want to unwind yourselves in a comforting space. InterContinental Montreal and Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth are our top picks and quite splurge worthy. Both of them are perfectly located near Old Montreal and are connected to Montreal’s underground city.

The hotels in Montreal can be very pricey, so make sure you have your bookings done a few weeks in advance to get the best deal. If you are on a budget check out Hotel Ruby Foo’s and Hôtel Le Cantlie Suites. These hotels offer amazing services at a pocket friendly price.

These are, hands down, the best romantic things to do in Montreal that you simply shouldn’t miss. From sipping delicious cocktails at a jazz-themed restaurant to soaking in breathtaking city views from the top of Mont Royal Park, you’ll quickly find yourself falling in love, not only with your partner, but with this incredible city itself. Every experience here is made for creating unforgettable memories together.

Cheerful Trails

10 Romantic things to do in Montreal