Plan the perfect Galentine’s Day girls getaway in Montréal
Galentine’s Day was invented in 2010 — fictionally, at least — on Parks and Rec in 2010, when Leslie Knope declared February 13 a day for “ladies celebrating ladies.” Pop culture ran with it! Free from romance and mushy clichés, this is a day for quality time spent sharing, laughing, feasting and getting noisy with your most beloved lady friends. In Montréal, it’s only the best day ever.
Where to stay?
There are a few rooms in Montréal that just scream “gal” — any room in the HÔTEL HONEYROSE MONTRÉAL, decorated in tones of blush with a subtle roaring 20s vibe, for example, or at the glamorous Ritz-Carlton Montréal, which comes complete with a renowned tearoom. You can also treat yourself to one of the stylish suites at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth; they’re stunningly appointed and ready to accommodate your whole girl gang.
Great hotel breakfasts
The French-influenced Café Commodore at the HONEYROSE serves up a luscious breakfast, while the creative offerings for brunch at Rosélys (within the Fairmont) draws crowds of locals as well as visitors. At the Ritz, if you’re willing to leave the comfort of room service, enjoy eggs Benny with smoked ham and spinach as you gab in the lap of luxury at Maison Boulud, the onsite restaurant headed by MICHELIN starred chef Daniel Boulud. Try to book a spot overlooking the garden.
Shops to hop to
There’s so much fun shopping in Montréal, all in lively neighbourhoods full of local life, like the Plateau, Little Burgundy, the Golden Square Mile or even the Underground City, if the weather calls for it! There are 33 km of shops to explore there in complete comfort. You can find unique vintage finds, designer looks and Montréal-made art and crafts, depending on where you look.
What are some top vintage shops in Montréal?
- Annex Vintage: pins, patches, indie gifts, curated retro staples
- Ruse Boutique: luxury consignment meets hypebeast essentials
- Citizen Vintage: upcycled vintage, local art gear, sustainable cool
- Seconde: trend-forward vintage, immaculate tailoring, timeless pieces
- Inédit.e: pristine vintage, couture vibes, affordable gems
- Ribotti Vintage: collectible designer vintage, fashion historian heaven
- Le Ninety: ’90s-focused vintage, band tees, cult classics
Great stores to explore in Montréal’s central core
- Feline: trendy ready-to-wear with a chic, downtown aesthetic
- Boutique Lotus: curated clothing with contemporary flair
- Boutique U&I WOMAN: unique women’s clothing and accessories
- Maison Local: Local designers and slow-fashion pieces
- naif Boutique Old Port: Intimate womenswear with character
- Maison Pepin: Luxury fashion, shoes and home good
- Rooney: curated fashion and lifestyle pieces
Some essential Montréal brands to seek out
- Kanuk: iconic Canadian parkas, fashion meets function
- Quartz Co.: technical outerwear with sleek, sustainable design
- Ça va de soi: featherlight knits in cashmere and merino
- Nadya Toto: romantic minimalism, celebrity-loved designs
- UNTTLD: minimalist femininity with bold, sensual elegance
- Valérie Dumaine: elegant comfort with edgy refinement
- HOTELMOTEL: unisex sneakers, luxe-meets-playful
- Maguire: fashion-forward shoes at accessible prices
- Partoem: origami-inspired luxury leather accessories
What to do for fun in Montréal?
If invigorating self-expression is what your gang is in the mood for, let us oblige!
- Show off your creative side at Art Chaos in Mile End, where you’ll be invited to get wacky and make one-of-a-kind canvases you can bring home after.
- Axe throwing sound like fun? Head to Rage and let off some steam among hysterical giggles. Be warned: it’s an addictive release of tension.
- Kick it old school at one of Montréal’s many arcades for grown-ups, where you can mix vintage Street Fighter battles with tasty cocktails.
- Go mellow by booking one of the cozy cabins in the Grande Roue de Montréal Ferris wheel (they’re heated in the winter) and keep on catching up with an incredible view all around you.
And now, it’s time for dinner…
Once the dinner bell tolls, the world is your oyster (and mignonette).
You could always surprise everyone by espousing tradition and choosing from one of the many Valentine’s Day specials on offer (most have expanded dates that start before February 14), but if you want to forge your own path, here are a few recommendations for groups of 4 or 6:
- Grinder in Griffintown makes a mean steak amidst a party atmosphere
- Jellyfish on McGill will serve up Italian with a side of glamour
- Monarque in Old Montréal is moody and classy and requires early reservations for good reason (try the braised veal cheeks)
- Majestique or Le Darling on the Plateau are two cool, relaxed bars that invite loud conversations and serve up delicious grub, including fresh oysters
- Bouillon Bilk or its sister restaurant Cadet are two downtown favourites for refined grub
- Montréal Plaza on the Saint-Hubert Plaza will wow you with its whimsical interior décor and sophisticated small plates to share
… and drinks
Call it a wine crawl! Montréal is specialized in buvettes, aka wine bars, so pick a handful and get tippling. Otherwise, fun after-dinner bars downtown include Furco and Coldroom, Big in Japan on the Plateau or if you find yourself in Mile End, Datcha or Doubles Late Night. If you’re set to light up the night, gal style, check out the options for live music (they’re plentiful every day of the week) or hit up the clubs. Remember to request late checkout!
Isa Tousignant
Isa Tousignant is an editor and storyteller with a curiosity that runs deeper than most. She has chatted life philosophies with celebrity chefs, gemologists, arena rockers and furries. (All were transformative.) Her favourite things include discovering new flavours and celebrating the creativity that defines her hometown, Montréal.