Montreal has a reputation for being one of the most difficult cities todate in—in the world, or in Canada, depending on who you ask. Between remote work, all the people who got married at 22, and the city’s slightlyhippie vibe, it’s true that finding a partner before the snow melts can sometimes seem impossible.
But don’t panic—no, really,please. Because if everyone is single, that means even more opportunities to fall in love, right?
And if you’re having a little trouble meeting someone, the firstdate isa step that shouldn’t be taken too lightly. We have a list for a firstdate that’s not(too) ordinary. As for the kiss at the end, we’ll leave that up to you…
Our favorite places to take ourcrush ona first date in Montreal
1. To a museum
For the more cultured among us, artists, or those who are dating agallerina.o, an exhibition is always a safe bet. Of course, you can add a coffee, a drink, or a long walk afterwards to discuss art—and anything and everything else.
In winter 2026, we recommend taking yourcrush along.
- to the Belgo Building, to tour the galleries
- at a free exhibition (because museums are expensive)
- see a photo exhibition
- at the Museum of Fine Arts, a sure bet—and for a financier at Café Aube afterwards.
2. At the ice rink
Place Ville-Marie (c)
For the sporty, the graceful, and those who want to hold theircrushclosewhile theylearn to skate, this is the perfect spot. And afterwards, you can grab a drink to warm up…
- at the Esplanade Tranquille, for beginners
- at the new Patinoire sous l’Anneau, for finance bros
- and we have a list of our favorite skating rinks in Montreal—here!
- And for those who prefer indoor skating to disco music (and the more nostalgic among us), at Roller Avenue.
3. At the Botanical Garden
@espacepourlavie
A little bird told us that the Botanical Garden is perfect for a stroll and a long,deepconversationforthe more romantic among us who want to get to know theircrush better.
Where? Botanical Garden, 4101 Sherbrooke Street East
When? Closed on Mondays, open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How? Admission is $23.75 for adults
4. At the Café
Coffee shops are still a safe bet for a firstdate— not as formal as cocktails, in public so you can slip out the back door if yourcrush istoo intimidating, and above all, perfect for going on a long walk to get to know each other better afterward…
5. At the cinema
@espacepourlavie
A dark theater, a bag of popcorn to brush fingertips against… and, depending on the movie, we can reveal our most charming andartistic side.
- Watch Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon at the Planetarium
- Watch the film -22.7 under the SAT dome (and you can cuddle up to each other to keep warm…)
- See a movie at one of our favorite independent theaters—here!
Havea great date! And good luck!