Spring break in Montréal: ideas for a romantic and cultural getaway “à deux”
Planning a couple’s getaway in Montréal during spring break? Discover an inspiring itinerary designed for two, where culture, incredible food and unforgettable winter experiences come together in the city’s most iconic neighbourhoods. From the charm of Old Montréal to the creative energy of the Plateau-Mont-Royal, with hidden gems in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve and the vibrant Sud-Ouest, you’ll find plenty of local, one-of-a-kind ideas to make the most of spring break in Montréal — together.
What to do in the Old Port and Old Montréal during spring break
A stroll along the cobblestones of Old Montréal always adds a touch of romance. Such a beautiful neighbourhood! Start your walk with a coffee and croissants at the popular bakery/café/restaurant Olive et Gourmando or Crew Collective & Café, whose historic architecture is sure to charm.
Continue with a stroll along Saint-Paul Street and browse its beautiful boutiques and galleries. Be sure to stop off at Le Petit Dep gourmet shop, brimming with sweets and gifts from local producers, Galerie Héritage specializing in authentic objects from the craft traditions of the Far North, and Galerie Roccia, the permanent exhibition space of internationally renowned painter and sculptor André Desjardins, where bold works and striking forms take centre stage. Then continue your art stroll to Galerie Angelina, located just a little farther south along rue de la Commune.
Then climb aboard a cozy heated cabin on the Grande Roue de Montréal, Canada’s highest observation wheel. Snuggle together as you climb 60 metres in the air to take in views as far as 28 kilometres away in clear weather. Stop for a regal treat at the Paparmane Tea Room, then head over to the PHI to visit the avant-garde exhibits and unusual installations. Want to unwind together? Bliss out at the Bota-Bota floating spa, docked on the St. Lawrence River, where you can get deep tissue or relaxation massages in a chic and refined setting.
As day turns to dusk, stop off for dinner at one of the many famous restaurants in the neighbourhood: Mama C, Yubari, Capisco, Restaurant Solmar, Santos, Bistro Vallier, Gibbys, Jacopo, LOV McGill, Buvette Nicole, Cour Arrière, Terrasse William Gray, Modavie, L'Auberge Saint-Gabriel, Le Serpent, Restaurant PubJelly, Ristorante Quattro, Cour Arrière, Terrasse William Gray, Modavie, L'Auberge Saint-Gabriel, Le Serpent, Restaurant PubJelly, Ristorante Quattro, Graziella, Brasserie 701, Pangea, Monarque, Le Club Chasse et Pêche, Helena, Holder, Sauvage, Pincette, Kyo and, last but not least, Chez Delmo.
Where to stay in Old Montréal? The Hôtel William Gray, Hôtel Gault, Hôtel Place d’Armes and Le Petit Hôtel, are just some of your options in the historic quarter. Enjoy an aperitif, dinner and/or breakfast in your room, add a massage, or keep the room for the day – there are lots of ways to create a memorable romantic getaway.
What to do Downtown and in the Village during spring break
It's time to get your culture fix! Book your tickets now to see, among other things, exhibitions at:
- the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts
- the Musée d’art contemporain (temporarily housed at Place Ville Marie)
- the McCord Stewart Museum
When it comes to shopping, the choice is endless. Explore the underground pedestrian network to connect to Complexe Desjardins, the Eaton Centre, Place Montréal Trust, Les Cours Mont-Royal and Place Ville Marie. If you prefer to stay outside, Sainte-Catherine Street will take you to most of these shopping malls. For a touch of luxury, Holt Renfrew Ogilvy is a must.
In the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles, fill up on light and wonder during LUMINO an outdoor exhibition made up of luminous and interactive installations. Also take advantage of the refrigerated skating rink on the Esplanade Tranquille and the activities of MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE. Then warm up in Chinatown with a deliciously fragrant and spicy dish!
For other magical moments, discover the immersive universe of OASIS immersion at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal.
End the day on an epicurean note with fine Portuguese dishes at Portus360, an impressive rooftop restaurant, , or Ferreira Café. For more fine dining options, reserve a table at Moishes, Restaurant Europea, Maison Boulud, Ristorante Beatrice, Restaurant Toqué!, Restaurant Île de France, Le Molière, Renoir, Le Mousso, Marcus, Fleurs et Cadeaux, Restaurant Panacée, Jatoba and Hiatus.
What to eat and see in the Quartiers du Canal and the Pôle des Rapides
Another day, another adventure! Explore the very dynamic southwest neighbourhoods of Montréal for a day of shopping just a stone's throw from the St. Lawrence River.
Start your journey on Promenade Wellington, a friendly neighbourhood street in Verdun with lots of great shops, eateries and hidden gems (although the secret is out now on most of them!). Don't miss the beautiful Harricana boutique by Mariouche, a pioneer in the design of recycled fur since 1983. Then go for a leisurely stroll with your sweetheart along the Lachine Canal to take in scenic parkland mingled with industrial history.
Take a break at the Atwater Market for a quick lunch, and turn onto Notre-Dame Street West, which is positively packed with amazing shops and gourmet stops like the Boucherie Grinder, Bête à pain Griffintown, un Instant en Provence bakery or at maman.
The Southwest is home to some of the best restaurants in town. For dinner, reserve a table in Little Burgundy at Liverpool House, Joe Beef, , Candide, or Vin Papillon. In Saint-Henri, head over to Foiegwa, Gia Vin & Grill, Foxy, or Satay Brothers before wrapping up your night out at the Atwater Cocktail Club. Don’t miss the tasting menu at Sabayon in Pointe-Saint-Charles, or the hip vibes of Buvette June and the Milky Way Cocktail Bar. In Verdun, there’s Janine Café (for brunch) , Le Godot, Beba, Rita and Archway Verdun. Finally, in the up-and-coming neighbourhood of Côte-Saint-Paul, be sure to stop by the impressive McKiernanRôtisserie, located in an industrial building along the Lachine Canal.
Winter activities in the Plateau, Mile End and Outremont
Make it a date on Mount Royal, an oasis of nature in the heart of the city. Take a walk or rent snowshoes or cross-country skis from Les Amis de la Montagne co-op for a breath of fresh air and breathtaking views of the city. Still on Mount Royal, near Beaver Lake is where you can lace up your skates and go for a spin on its refrigerated rink. Montréal is home to hundreds of rinks across the island, some of which are in major parks, Parc La Fontaine.
Follow up with a bit of shopping on Mont-Royal Avenue and Laurier Avenue, then head north towards Mile End for a hot bagel fresh out of the wood-fired oven at Fairmount or St-Viateur bagel. You’ll find it hard to pick a favourite!
Finish off your adventure with supper in one of the neighbourhood hotspots, such as La Buvette chez Simone, Kabinet, Bar Henrietta, Greasy Spoon, Restaurant La Chronique, Oncle Lee, Molenne,Sushi Nishinokaze (for a fancy occasion)or Lawrence. In the Plateau, you can sidle up to a Michelin 2025-rated table: L’Express, Le Violon, Au Pied de Cochon, Cabaret l’Enfer, Yokato Yokabai, Le Virunga and Le Filet.
Where to eat and what to see in Little Italy, Rosemont and Villeray
The star of the neighbourhood is undoubtedly the famous Jean-Talon Market. Order a coffee and stroll through the colourful stalls that are sure to tempt you to fill up your shopping bags. Then go down to the newly renovated Plaza St-Hubert to discover everything from ultra-stylish to very traditional shops – truly an amazing and refreshing mix of genres withmore than 400 businesses to discover!
In Little Italy, unleash your inner gourmet, particularly on Beaubien Street, a foodie paradise. Mon Lapin, Impasto, Ratafia, Anemone, Mastard, Juliette Plaza, Montreal Plaza, Limbo, Bar St-Denis and Parapluie are but some of our favourites. Further north in the trendy neighbourhood of Villeray, treat your taste buds to Tabac Villeray, Casavant, Les Mômes, Mesón, Tapeo, Le Petit Alep, Claire Jacques and Moccione. End a perfect day with a walk around Jarry Park’s beautiful pond to work off all those delicious calories.
Hochelaga-Maisonneuve and the East
Where can you head outside for wintertime fun in the East End? For cross-country skiing, the Jardin botanique, which is free until April 30, is an excellent choice with exceptional natural terrain. Nearby, Parc Maisonneuve includes an ice rink as well as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails. When it’s time to wrap up your day, grab a bite just south of the Olympic Park in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve at Les Canailles, Bagatelle Bistro, Éléonore, Junco, Cabotins, État-Major or Hélicoptère. In the Angus district and Old Rosemont (just west of the Botanical Garden), you’ll find these deliciously creative restaurants: La Part des Anges, Hoogan et Beaufort, Annette bar à vin, Terroirs, Rose Ross or Porte à Côté.
Lovers of well-kept secrets go to the small skating rink in Parc Lalancette, a stone's throw from the Joliette metro station.
And for a low mileage change of scenery, Parc national des îles de Boucherville offers oversized tire bikes (the famous “fatbikes”), snowshoes and cross-country skiing. Buy your pass online in advance and book your rental equipment over the phone.
What to do in the winter at Parc Jean-Drapeau
Spanning two islands in the St. Lawrence River, this magnificent park offers 25 kilometres of multi-use trails and is an absolute delight for nature and culture lovers. Set off on the 500-metre Sentier des patineurs or refine your cross-country skiing skills on the beginner (Île Sainte-Hélène) and intermediate (Île Notre-Dame) trails. Stroll together along paths studded with some of the city's most famous works of public art, including Alexander Calder’s iconic sculpture, L’Homme. You can download a free podcast on the Portrait Sonore mobile application to discover 15 works of public art dotted throughout Île Sainte-Hélène and Île Notre-Dame.
Recommended guided tours around Montréal
Get to know different neighbourhoods with themed guided private walking tours with your sweetheart: architecture, history, murals and even ghosts are sure to brighten up your walks.
Have a great break!
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.