13 non-cheesy spots to celebrate Valentine's Day in Montreal

A candlelit dinner with your date just a tad too cheesy for you? That’s totally cool, because while Valentine’s Day is about love, there are many ways to celebrate your love for another person, beyond roses and chocolate.

Whether you’re into hand-crafted art, EDM concerts, rock climbing, surfing, or singing, there is an activity for everyone on Valentine’s Day.

Check out 13 non-cheesy spots to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Montreal.

Le Ceramic Cafe

Do you love art and coffee? If you answered yes to this question, then Le Ceramic Cafe Studio is for you. Le Ceramic Cafe Studio allows Montrealers to sip on a latte or eat a sandwich, whilst creating some pretty magnificent ceramic art. Here’s how it works: When you walk into the cafe, each table is adorned with all your painting needs (paint brushes, palettes, paint, and water bowls). Choose your table, and then head on upstairs where you’ll discover over 2,000 different pieces for you to paint. There are cups, bowls, plates, piggy banks, teapots, vases, pictures frames, jars, candlestick holders, garden gnomes, and more (you name it, they have it). Perhaps you and your date can even make something for each other! After all, nothing says love like handmade art.
When: Open Monday to Wednesday 10 am-11 pm, Thursday 10 am-12 am, Friday and Saturday 10am-12:30 am, Sunday 10 am-10 pm
Where: 4338 Saint Denis

Tir du Soleil

Try your hand at air gun shooting courtesy of Tir du Soleil. Definitely not your typical Valentine’s date, a trip to Tir du Soleil will have you and your partner shooting air guns and pistols in a safe indoor environment. Tir du Soleil is sure to get your blood pumping and is conveniently located right next to Station Snowden.
When: Monday to Thursday 2-9 pm, Friday 2-10 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am-10 pm
Where: 5186 Chemin Queen Mary

Allez-Up

Take your date on the rock climbing adventure of a lifetime! Allez-Up is Montreal’s premiere rock climbing facility, boasting walls and activities for all levels. Conquer your fears and get fit together. Whether you’re belaying, climbing a rock wall, or trying your hand at bouldering, this is an awesome place to spend Valentine’s Day.
When: Monday to Friday 6:30 am-12 am, Saturday and Sunday 8:30 am-10 pm
Where: 1555 Rue St-Patrick

Igloofest

You can now attend Igloofest 2017 for free! Courtesy of Off-Igloo, Montrealers who can’t afford to pay for Igloofest this year can still enjoy the EDM music festival’s awesome atmosphere. In an effort to make Igloofest even more accessible to the public, and to celebrate the city’s upcoming birthday, they are offering two free Off-Igloofest nights. The shows will both feature local artists so be sure to stop by Quai Jacques Cartier on February 11th and 18th. It is guaranteed to be a party (and a Valentine’s date) to remember.
When: February 11 and 18, 7 pm-11:30 pm
Where: Quai Jacques Cartier

MTL Zipline

Take your date to Old Port this Valentine’s Day and embark on an adrenaline-rushing adventure courtesy of MTL Zipline. Open during winter for the first time ever, this exciting attraction boasts gorgeous views of Old Port and a fun time for all. Located at the Clock Tower, don’t miss your chance to fly like Superman and marvel at the scenic wintery landscape beneath you.
When: Every weekend this winter, 11 am-5 pm
Where: Clock Tower, Old Port

Slide Nordik

 

In addition to free shows, 2 extra weeks of programming, and a killer lineup, Igloofest 2017 also marks the return of the Nordik Slide. A winter tradition dating back over 100 years, Igloofest’s Nordik Slide has been wowing Montrealers for several years in a row. Presented as a contemporary update on a winter carnival classic (with an Igloofest touch), there is surely tons of fun to be had on this massive slide. It will be set up in Place Jacques Cartier all festival long, meaning you have between January 12th and February 19th to check it out.
When: January 12-February 19, Thursdays to Sundays
Where: Place Jacques Cartier

Montreal Chocolate Festival

Calling all chocoholics! Je T’aime En Chocolat 2017 marks the sixth edition of this ultra sweet chocolate festival. This year’s event will features a chocolate market complete with tons of vendors from all over the world, as well as many local vendors from Montreal (La Maison Gourmande, Juliet et Chocolat, Sugar Lady, Douce Soeur, and Gascogne, to name a few). Of course, the vendors present will be selling their products and giving away free samples so be sure to arrive on an empty stomach! In addition to the market, there will be a series of chocolate workshops and exhibitions. Head here with your date and be sure to pick them up a box of chocolates on your way out!
When: February 10-12, 2017
Where: Marche Bonsecours

Place des Arts

While the pedestrian square at Place des Arts can be quite romantic, we’re referring to one specific part of PDA: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, for it is in that theatre that the smash hit broadway musical, Mamma Mia, is being performed in Montreal. In town for a limited engagement of five performances, don’t miss your chance to see this famous play live. The eighth longest running show in Broadway history, Mamma Mia has been running for 17 years and has travelled to over 80 countries. It is stopping in Montreal on February 17, 18, and 19, 2017 (just in time for Valentine’s Day!). Based on the songs of ABBA, you’ll be humming along to hit singles like “Dancing Queen,” “Money, Money, Money,” and “Mamma Mia” all night long.
When: February 17-19
Where: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier

Paint Nite

There are still three different Paint Nite experiences available in Montreal on February 14th, and several happening throughout the week. From flowers to lakes, Paint Nite is guaranteed to be a fun time for both of you – even if you’re not the most artistic people. As a bonus, most of the events on February 14th are romantic in theme, such as one painting that spells out “Love” and another that is a partner painting. Click here for dates, times, and locations of Paint Nite events happening in Montreal.
When: February 14
Where: Various locations

Oasis Surf

Montreal may not be located on the coast, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have our very own killer waves. If you’re a surfer who’s been missing the wild ocean or you’re looking to try a new water sport, then Oasis Surf in Brossard is for you. Take your date on a tropical staycation and hit the waves! Prices start at $30 for a 30-minute surf lesson (board and helmet included).
When: Monday to Friday 12-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-11pm
Where: Suite 01, 9520 Boulevard Leduc

Bonsecours Basin

If you still haven’t been skating in Old Port, now’s the time! Not only is the weather warming up making your skating experience that much more pleasurable, but skating is ultra romantic, especially in a pretty setting like Mount Royal or Bonsecours Basin! Bring your own and hop on the ice or rent a pair at any one of the city’s many rinks. For more information on skating in Montreal, click here.
When: Early December 2016-Mid March, 2017
Where: Various locations

Old Montreal Food Tour

Do you and your partner need some help falling back in love with Montreal during these cold winter months? Why not taking a delightful food tour of Old Port? The Old Montreal Food Tour, lead by Local Montreal Food Tours, is a three hour walking tour of the best eateries Old Montreal has to offer. The tour includes 7 stops, 4 sit-down restaurants, a cafe in a historic bank, and a new project by one of Montreal’s most beloved chefs. Tasting locations include Brit ‘n Chip (for battered cod fish ‘n chips), Cantinho de Lisboa (for Portuguese soup and salad), Crew Cafe (for an aioli spread in a historic building), Cookie Stephanie (for the best duck confit sandwich of your life), Le Petit Depanneur (for a pit stop featuring ice cream and sorbet), Les Soeurs Grises (for local beer and cheese), and Soupe Soup (for the Quebecois classic, pudding chomeur).
When: 11 am Monday to Saturday
Where: Meeting location is Brit ‘n Chips at 433 McGill Street, from there the tour goes all around Old Montreal

Parc Lafontaine

Parc Lafontaine is a stunning spot to take a moonlit stroll or embark on a fun winter activity like snowshoeing or cross country skiing. However, if you are looking to up the romance ante, Parc Lafontaine is also home to Montreal’s own love lock fence. Just like the ones seen in Paris, Berlin, and nearly every major city around the world, Montrealers can now solidify their love by purchasing a lock (you can get them at Dollarama), writing your initials on them in permanent marker, and attaching it to this fence in Parc Lafontaine. Your date definitely won’t forget this romantic gesture.
When: Anytime
Where: Parc Lafontaine