The first date in Montreal is confirmed, now comes the killer question: what to do and where to go? Do we simply go for a drink in a bar we know well, close to a restaurant we also know… so if all goes well after a cocktail, we can move on to the restaurant? Shall we go for a coffee or a walk?
The first outing with a new flame can seem anxiety-provoking. We’ve all been there: the awkward moments, the big gaps in conversation. Fortunately, Montreal offers tons of unique activities to ensure the evening is a success… even if the date isn’t.
Here are our suggestions for perfect first dates in the city:
1. Laugh heartily at a comedy show
Stop by the Comedy Nest in the old Forum for a comedy show in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, every night from Tuesday to Sunday. This comedy club is also an official partner of the Just for Laughs Festival, so the shows are almost certainly top-notch. Plus, the popcorn is excellent! Note that comedy shows are in English only.
And if you come across a less vibrant evening, just head upstairs to the bowling alley, a classic first-date activity, or down to the first floor to catch a movie. The Cineplex Forum also offers screenings in the VIP lounge!
2. Attend a unique concert
Forget the usual first date plans. If you’re looking for a plan that will really impress, Candlelight concerts are Montreal’s best-kept secret. The concept? Spend a magical evening in a magnificent local church, lit by thousands of candles.
A string quartet or a talented pianist performs the greatest hits, from Coldplay hits to the greatest classical symphonies. This is your chance to score a date in a highly romantic, original and memorable setting. Click here for upcoming concerts.
3. Go sliding on the mountain
When you want to get away from the pressure of dinner & cocktail parties, what could be better than a unique outdoor activity? Montreal offers plenty of tobogganing options in the city, from neighborhood parks to the grand slope of Parc Mont-Royal, right next to picturesque Beaver Lake. What’s more, it’s just a stone’s throw from the Kondiaronk lookout, perfect for a romantic moment if the date goes well!
4. Share a cocktail at the Old Port
The Old Port is one of Montreal’s most romantic neighborhoods, with its stone streets and the nearby Bassin Bonsecours. If you take a walk along rue St-Paul, you’ll inevitably come across a cocktail bar or pub where you can chat and get to know each other in a pleasant atmosphere. We suggest Wolf & Workman, which is both casual and elegant, or Flyjin if you’re hoping to start the date quietly and continue on a more festive path as the evening progresses.
5. The Jazz Room: the perfect plan for your date
For a first date that impresses with its vintage chic, The Jazz Room is the perfect option. This isn’t just a concert, it’s a real immersion in 1920s New Orleans, all at the Piccolo (under the Rialto Theater). The atmosphere is intimate and subdued, the perfect setting for cocktails and easy conversation. Enjoy a powerful soul or jazz show, performed by talented musicians who transport you far from the everyday.
6. Go for a romantic walk
If you’re looking for an activity without all the pressure of a city outing, why not get to know each other by taking a walk in one of the world’s most beautiful cities? Montreal offers many romantic places to stroll and discover incredible monuments, attractions and views. Here are our suggestions for romantic walks for your first date. Who knows, maybe the walk will turn into a cocktail party…
7. Discover a hidden bar in Montreal
Which of course brings us to Montreal’s most romantic spots: its hidden bars. The ultimate destination for whispered conversations in a subdued, bewitching and secret atmosphere… Montreal’s hidden bars offer a unique and exciting evening for the first date.
8. Glide on a magical ice rink
In winter, Montreal is transformed into an incredible ice palace. There are numerous skating rink options all over the city, but we suggest the Old Port rink for a perfectly romantic date, or the Beaver Lake rink on Mount Royal. If you feel like getting away from it all, head to Parc Jean-Drapeau to discover the unique Sentier des patineurs. Share a delicious hot chocolate afterwards… it’s the perfect way to cap off the first date!
9. Admire the Ballet of Lights dance show
Let Ballet’s grace do the work for you, and let yourself be seduced by this luminous spectacle(and by your date too, of course). The romantic story of Sleeping Beauty unfolds before your eyes as the professional dancers take their delicate steps. With a narrator to situate you in the story, and color-changing costumes equipped with lights, this show is sure to delight your eyes.
10. Attend a unique light show
It may sound too grandiose as a first-date suggestion, but if you’ve got a good feeling about it, it could be a very winning option! Illumi offers a magnificent 90-minute journey on foot or by car through 19 completely breathtaking light tableaux. If you’re going by car, it could be a great opportunity for a chat, while on foot you can discover these dazzling and very romantic universes. Dress warmly!
11. Investigate together with The Jury Experience
If you’re looking for a daring plan that guarantees a fiery conversation for a first date, The Jury Experience is the perfect choice. This immersive experience places you at the heart of a reconstructed courtroom. You’ll become a juror and have to analyze an intriguing case, with real actors and exhibits to examine. It’s a golden opportunity to stand out with an original plan and test each other’s wit: logic, sense of humor, or detective skills. A memorable ice-breaker, far from the usual clichés, that ensures the first date won ‘t be lacking in spice.