Old Montreal is really old; it goes back to the year sixteen hundred. If the past charms your romantic instincts, invest in a day at Old Montreal. The vivid colonial attractions of Old Montreal are unique in their appeal.
Ride in perfect companionship in a horse drawn carriage over the cobblestoned streets and feel time roll back. Bicycle together down the narrow streets, which are lined with antique shops, quaint cafes, and museums. Watch the street entertainer or the local artist display their stuff. Or just stroll along and sample the billion possibilities of trinket shopping. Try the most unconventional mode of transport, the L’Amphibus, a vehicle that will take you on wheels through the narrow streets and then wade into water on propellers.
Get that old world feeling; imagine yourself in Europe, without ever crossing the Atlantic. There is nothing to beat the hospitality and security of Vieux Montreal; you will simply feel reluctant to break up the camaraderie you shared there. As for the cuisine, it is just fabulous; no other word can describe it. You will keep coming back for more.
2. Montreal Botanical Gardens (Jardin Botanique de Montreal)
Botanical Gardens
What could be more pleasurable, than a day with the one you love in the company of nature? The Montreal Botanical Gardens is an ideal venue for a romantic day together. This is nature at its best, and manicured to a polish. The garden is huge, and it will take all of your leisure to enjoy this wonder that man has conspired with nature to produce. The garden themes number more than thirty, and whatever the season, there is something there that will thrill you!
See the roses and the lilacs, in a glory of color and fragrance, each in a garden designed exclusively for that flower. The profusion of other flowers, in the other gardens, too, is a pleasure to watch.
Feel the fine balance of the Yin and the Yang at the Chinese Garden, which is an exact copy of the period garden of the Ming Dynasty.
The Courtyard of Senses is a one-of-its-kind experience that will bring you an insight to the world of plants like you never had before. Designed for the visually impaired, this space will rouse all your senses, in a way that is incomparable.
3. Montreal Jazz Festival
Montreal Jazz Festival
Music lovers and jazz enthusiasts flock from far and wide to the Montreal Jazz Festival, held in the months of June/July each year. Spend your time together, wandering through the streets filled with music and festivity. Sample the wares of local food booths or step into a bustling restaurant for a quick lunch before you return to witness jazz that is more spontaneous.
4. The Underground City Of Montreal
Underground Montreal
You cannot call this a getaway place for a weekend, or for a day trip, but this unique place will keep you engrossed and take you through an experience which is nothing short of fascinating. Unusual experiences are the best catalysts of romance, and what better place to gallivant around in a romantic fashion than the largest underground city in the world?
An area of over approximately 30 kilometres built entirely in the subterranean plane, this concept is said to be one of Leonardo Da Vinci’s, and has all the luxuries and necessities you can think of in a modern city. You can shop, immerse yourself in culture, or just look around in happy company; it will take you more than a day or two to see the place completely. There are nearly a dozen hotels in this wonderful place. The best part is that the weather does not disturb you here, whether it is the numb cold of the winter or the humid heat of the summer.
5. Antique Away!
Antique Alley
Montreal's Antique Alley is famous for the quirky as well as the priceless. Here you will find clocks, vases, jewelry, art pieces, and much, much more. Spend your day strolling along the street, browsing through the charming little stores, and haggling with shopkeepers as you embark on your own personal treasure hunt. You may end up with only knick- knacks, but the experience will be unforgettable.
6. Blossom & Boom
Montreal Botanical Garden
Natural beauty is something for which all residents of this city are thankful. Popular landmark rivers, the Mont-Royal and the St-Lawrence, offer plenty of opportunities for long conversations and even longer walks together. A picnic or two might be in the offing too. With the second largest Botanical Garden in the world, Montreal really has it all together when it comes to Nature in the city.
7. Celebrate Humor
Juste Pour Rire Festival
Winter thaws and spring blooms and Montrealites look for any reason to break out into a celebration of life, love, and laughter. The Juste Pour Rire Festival is the world's biggest celebration of humor and laughter. This is one big party with the fashionable, famous, and funny rubbing shoulders. You are bound to laugh it up together.
8. French & Latin
Latin Quarter
The Plateau and the Latin Quarter are two areas you will want to explore together. The French are always appreciative of love and lovers, and you will find that love rules in the Plateau. Little French shops, stores, cafes, bistros, and restaurants line the streets. Corkscrew staircases and window boxes bursting with flowers are the trademark here.
The Latin Quarter is a vivacious area bubbling with life and vitality. Walk along the rues to get a feel of life here and then sit back at one of the open patio eateries to enjoy the mood.
9. Beauty, Form & Movement
Notre Dame Basilica
You will find architectural treasures all over the city. Stained-glass panels and brightly colored murals in the stations are calming to commuters and an attraction for visitors. Just look around and you will see all the beauty and art you missed in the daily hubbub.
10. Montreal Film Festival
Montreal Film Festival
Indulge your passion for celluloid poetry and attend the Montreal World Film Festival. Hang out with the paparazzi and the glitterati, drop names, and critique your way through the fest of over 400 films, shorts, and documentaries.
