Explore the island of Montréal with your sweetheart
Les Quartiers du Canal Little Italy and Villeray Mount Royal, Outremont and Westmount Old Montreal and Old Port Parc Jean-Drapeau Plateau-Mont-Royal and Mile End The Village Summer The city
Looking to take a romantic getaway in Montréal? Like a busy beehive, the city buzzes with thousands of attractions that are perfect for lovebirds. Whether you are into history, design or complete relaxation, Montréal offers the perfect backdrop to a memorable stay. Read on to start planning you next Montréal adventure.
Discover the historical charm of the Old Port and of Old Montréal
Strolling the picturesque streets of Old Montréal and the beautiful shores of the St. Lawrence River is a must for any romantic getaway.
Iconic cafés and architecture
Set off with a coffee and croissant from Tommy or from the gorgeous Crew Collective & Café, situated in what used to be the Royal Bank of Canada, and admire and its impressive historical architecture.
Lunch with a view
Stop in for lunch, pastries, scones, soups and tasty sandwiches at Olive + Gourmando, a spot so well-known and loved it needs no introduction. Grab your food to-go and enjoy your meal on the Grand Quay and Port of Montréal for a breathtaking view of Old Montréal, Habitat 67 and grain Silo No. 5.
Designers and creative addresses
From there, head to Saint-Paul Street lined with designer boutiques, cool multi-brand and cutting-edge art galleries.
- Boutiques you won’t want to miss: Maison Pepin, Édition | Objets choisis and SSENSE (on rue Saint-Sulpice) are incredible concept stores that are perfect for browsing.
- Local fashion: Stop by Sarah Pacini and Philippe Dubuc, the crème de la crème of Québec designers.
- Sweet treats: Wander around Le Petit Dep, a sweet corner store that overflows with local foods and goodies that make excellent gifts to take back home.
Romantic activities set between sky and water
Set your sights on new horizons and climb into a Grande Roue de Montréal gondola, which promises panoramic views (28 kilometres in clear skies!).
Need to unwind? Take a break at the Bota-Bota floating spa, anchored on the St. Lawrence River, where you can enjoy the wonderful gardens, high-end bath circuit,saunas and lunch at La Traversée restaurant, with a breathtaking view of the water as a bonus. Dive into our guide to water activities to chill out with a cruise or bounce around on the waves.
Culture, entertainment and multimedia
Back on land, dive into Montréal’s cultural scene:
- Contemporary art: take in an avant-garde exhibit at PHI .
- History: to,head to the Pointe-à-Callière - Montréal Archaeology and History Complex.
- An immersive show: be enchanted by the AURA multimedia show designed by the renowned Montréal studio Moment Factory, at the Notre-Dame Basilica.
- Heritage: for a more in-depth historical tour of the neighbourhood, check out our guide to French roots in Montréal.
- Circus: Cirque du Soleil is also presenting its brand-new ECHO show under its famous marquee from May 21 to July 331, 2026.Browse our guide for 10 exciting activities to do in the area.Montréal cultural calendar
Rooftop patios and panoramic views
For gorgeous sunsets with that cocktail you’re craving, make your way up to these rooftop terraces and soak up water views or sleek skyscrapers in the distance.
Clink glasses on the roofs of:
- the Auberge du Vieux-Port
- Terrasse Nelligan
- Perché
- Terrasse William Gray
- Terrasse Place d’Armes
Green oasis and secret gardens
On ground level, kick back in the garden terrace of the Vieux-Port Steakhouse or the lush garden patios of the Marché des Éclusiers, Lov, Boris Bistro, Jardin Nelson, L’Auberge Saint-Gabriel, all excellent drink and dinner options. To kick back and relax with a lovely summertime drink, check out our guide to Montréal’s hidden patios.
Sleep in style: romantic hotels and spas
When night falls, relax in the cool luxury of the Hôtel William Gray, Hôtel Gault, Hôtel Place d’Armes or Le Petit Hôtel. Spoil yourself with aperitifs, dinner and breakfast in your room, spa treatments and other pamperings—you deserve it!
Downtown, Quartier des spectacles and the Village : Montréal’s beating heart
Experience total cultural immersion in the heart of downtown. Between world-renowned museums and the buzz of summer festivals, the Quartier des spectacles is the epicenter of Montréal’s entertainment scene.
Museums and immersive experiences
Time to fill up on culture! Book your tickets now to see the exhibitions at city’s leading museums:
- Montréal Museum of Fine Arts: for classic and contemporary art lovers.
- Musée d’art contemporain: for the truly avant-garde.
- McCord Stewart Museum: to discover the city’s social history and heritage.
- OASIS immersion at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, offering immersive experiences on current themes.
Summer festival capital
Summer in Montreal is synonymous with outdoor celebrations. Enjoy the rich lineup of festivals:
Shopping and eating downtown
In heart of the underground pedestrian network, you can roam from the Centre Eaton to Place Montréal Trust to the Cours Mont-Royal to Place Ville Marie to Complexe Desjardins.
Outdoors, head to Sainte-Catherine Street, celebrated for its miles and miles of boutiques. Add a little luxury to your day with a visit to Holt Renfrew Ogilvy, a must on everyone’s shopping list.
Gourmet terrasses, high above or surrounded by greenery
For a refreshing drink or a gourmet meal, enjoy the most sought-after terraces in downtown:
- For a touch of class: Ritz Carlton – Maison Boulud, Renoir, Bar George, Pois Penché
- For fusion cuisine and atmosphere: Jatoba, Nacarat, Marcus, Hiatus restaurant and bar (at the top of Place Ville Marie)
- For the best view: head way up to enjoy the skyline at R, Alizé, Carla and Bivouac.
Quartiers du Canal and Pôle des Rapides : relaxation and adventure
Head to the southwest of Montreal for an active day just steps from the St. Lawrence River. This area perfectly blends a beach-like vibe, water sports, and world-class dining.
Verdun: beach vibe, cool addresses
Window shop on Promenade Wellington, a charming street in the borough of Verdun. Take a walk along the riverside trail, which offers a magnificent view of the water. Then, grab a bite at one of Verdun’s hot spots and best-kept secrets (less and less, however!).
- Outdoors: You’ll love the seaside ambiance of Verdun Beach and the bike paths along the banks, which offer panoramic views of the river.
- Where to eat: Check out the Verdun Beach Guinguette , the vegetarian and vegan menu at Archway, the Italian cuisine at Rita, the brunch at Janine Café. Be sure to reserve a table at Restaurant Beba, ranked in the top 10 of Canada’s 100 best restaurants, 2026 list.
Water activities on the river and the canal
Thrill seekers can try their hand a river surfing or kayaking:
- Canal de Lachine : optez pour une balade « nature » au bord de l’eau, à pied, en kayak ou en bateau de plaisance. Réservez votre embarcation avec Aventures H2O et profitez-en pour jeter un coup d’œil à notre guide d’activités nautiques aux quatre coins de l’Île.
- KSF : cours de surf, excursions en kayak et SUP (planche à rame) sur le Saint-Laurent.
- Lachine Canal: for a leisurely stroll, kayak ride or pleasure boat ride along the water. Book your trip with Aventures H2O and check out our ideas on water fun across the island.
- KSF: for surf lessons, kayak and SUP (stand up paddleboard) outings on the St. Lawrence River.
Gastronomy and industrial chic in the South-West
Stop by the Atwater Market for a take-out lunch in a bustling, bohemian ambiance, then make your way to Notre-Dame Street West, which is crammed with crave-worthy eateries. Enjoy a meal on the terrasses of Vin Papillon, Liverpool House, Joe Beef (be sure to ask for the little table in the garden). You also shouldn’t miss Nora Gray, Candide or the La Bête à pain Griffintown designer bakery.
Twilight on the banks of the canal
Terminez votre escapade dans une ambiance stylée et industrielle typiquement montréalaise :
- Terrasse St-Ambroise : pour une bière locale face au canal
- Riverside St-Henri : un lieu branché parfait pour clore la journée en beauté
End the day with a relaxing drink in an oh-so Montréal industrial chic setting:
- Terrasse St-Ambroise : to sip a local beer overlooking the canal
- Riverside St-Henri: a perfect place to unwind after a day exploring together
Plateau, Mile-End and Outremont: leafy streets and cultural treats
Charming houses, green back alleys and that extra special vibe: this is why these Montréal neighbourhoods are worth the detour. Linking all three is Mount Royal or the “lungs” of the city, where you can go to soak up stunning city views and fill up on fresh air.
Urban art and culture on the Plateau
The Plateau Mont Royal is an outdoor art gallery overflowing with urban art:
- MURAL festival: discover the colourful bounty of urban visuals along Saint-Laurent Boulevard. .
- Guided tours: explore history and murals with Spade & Palacio.
Food and patios galore
For brunch, lunch, supper or even coffee on the go, the list of options is endless. Here are some of our favourites to make the most out of summer:
- Top terrasses: Alma, Bloomfield, Rumi, Rouge Gorge, Santropol, Olimpico and, of course, the incomparable Buvette chez Simone.
- Check out our list to discover more of Montréal’s outdoor patios
Parcs and bucolic picnics
For a bucolic picnic surrounded by locals, stroll through these various oases of greenery:
- Parc La Fontaine: a classic for its lively atmosphere and picturesque pond
- Parc Sir-Wilfrid Laurier: popular with the locals
- Parc Outremont: amore subdued vibe
Little Italy, Rosemont, Mile Ex and Villeray: the heart of gourmet Montréal
Without a doubt, the star of this neighbourhood is the magnificent Jean-Talon Market. Grab a coffee and wander dreamily among colourful stands that will make you want to scoop up everything in sight.
Mile-Ex, Petite Italie and Villeray: bursting with flavour and secret patios
Those in the know know that Mile-Ex, Little Italy and Villeray offer a bounty of culinary delights on tucked-away terraces. You’ll love restaurants like:
- Vin Mon Lapin: once again ranking in the top 3 of the 2026 Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants
- Limbo: which has earned a coveted spot in the 2026 Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand selection
- Impasto: for its own twist on Italian classics
- Ratafia: for its meal-dessert pairings
- Umami Ramen & Izakaya: vegan ramen paradise
- Not to forget Darna bistroquet, Anemone, Mesón and Tapeo.
Next climb to the tony perch of Taverne Atlantic, Vices&Versa’s hidden outdoor patio or relax in the lush greenery and scenery of Bar Cicchetti’s popular terrasse. Also check out our on-point list of the best restaurants on rue Beaubien, in full culinary effervescence! Call it a night with a leisurely stroll around the lovely pond at Parc Jarry to digest your delicious meal.
Hochelaga-Maisonneuve and Est de l’Île : urban flora and local flavours
For a soul-soothing and peaceful walk, there’s no place better than the Jardin botanique. Get in tune with nature in the east of Montréal thanks to:
- 22,000 species and cultivars to explore
- 10 exhibition greenhouses
- 30 gorgeous theme gardens
Where to grab a bite in Hochelaga Maisonneuve (HoMa)?
Once you’ve had your green fix, take a break in one of Hochelaga’s hotspot neighbourhood restaurants:
- For a sophisticated dining experience: discover the flavours of Hélicoptère, Les Canailles, or Cabotins
- For a bistro vibe: you’ll love Bagatelle Bistro, Copilote bar or Heirloom pizzeria for a delectable slice ,
- For a relaxing break: head over to Motel Ontario or enjoy an artisanal pastry at the aube bakery
Parc Jean-Drapeau: an island escape just minutes from downtown
Straddling two islands in the St. Lawrence River, Parc Jean-Drapeau offers lush greenery and water fun galore. a five-minute jaunt from downtown, this special island retreat becomes a beachy escape in sunny weather.
Beach, pools and water activities
- When it’s time to cool off, Jean-Doré Beach has a pretty sand beach where you can work on your tan, splash about or play volleyball.
- Swimmers will love the park’s aquatic complex with its big, beautiful outdoor pools, known as some of the most beautiful in the city.
Nature, sport and culture in the fresh air
With 25 kilometres of multipurpose trails to explore, the park is popular among sports lovers, cyclists and hikers. But the Parc Jean-Drapeau is also an outdoor art gallery. As you wander along the paths, you’ll find:
- Calder’s Man: an iconic, monumental stabile
- A collection of 15 public artworks around Île Sainte-Hélène and Île Notre-Dame Download free podcast documentaries on the mobile app Portrait Sonore to learn more about these celebrated artworks.
Happy discoveries à deux!
Original article in French by Laure Juilliard, adapted into English by Dawn Bessey-Gans.
Laure Juilliard
Originally from Paris, Laure Juilliard made Montréal her home over 15 years ago and has never looked back. Won over by her new city's unique energy, cultural vibrancy and gastronomic effervescence, she loves exploring all the coolest spots. A writer and blogger specialising in lifestyle, culture, travel and gastronomy, she has lent her pen to Tourisme Montréal for more than 10 years, in addition to magazines such as ELLE Québec and Clin d'œil, as well as a variety of well-known companies and agencies. Always on the lookout for innovative concepts and the best addresses wherever she is in the world, she is also always planning her next trip.