9 romantic walks to do hand-in-hand

Centuries old architecture bordered by the beautiful St. Lawrence River… is it any wonder these historic neighbourhoods of Montréal are considered the epitome of romance? Walk around the narrow cobblestone alleyways and you could get the impression that this area is old school, but our fair city’s original site is also home to some of its most cutting-edge fashion designers, stellar dining and incredible clubs. There’s tons to explore during your stroll — and if you want to up the quaintness even more, there’s also romantic skating during the winter or pedalboat excursions for two during the summer.

Running along the St. Lawrence River from Old Montréal all the way through to Lachine (ergo its name), the Lachine Canal is a beautifully landscaped waterfront trail to explore on foot. Allow a half day to stroll from Old Montréal — start around McGill Street where it meets the river — westward to Atwater Market, the perfect spot to enjoy lunch at one of the outdoor restaurants or pick up the makings of a riverside picnic. (There’s even a SAQ where you can get individual bottles of bubbly, should the mood strike!) The walk back on the other riverbank will seem so much shorter on a full stomach. 

With over 63 hectares of green space, this grand verdant expanse is paradisiac in the warm months and a destination in itself. Even better is the fact that Parc Maisonneuve is flanked by the Jardin botanique botanical garden, one of Montréal’s most romantic spots ever. Pair the two together by packing a lunch and embarking on a long aimless stroll in the park until you find the perfect picnic spot — there are about three thousand to choose from. As the afternoon stretches on, head to the Jardin to enjoy it at dusk — particularly if you can time your visit for fall, when the Chinese, Japanese and First Nations gardens become enchanted with the stunning Gardens of Light festival. 

Parc Jean-Drapeau is many things to many people: it’s the place every Montrealer loves to party, whether it’s at the F1 Grand Prix, the La Ronde amusement park or during the many world-renowned music festivals and weekly events that turn it into an open-air, all-day (and night) dance fest. Located on a pair of islands in the St. Lawrence River, directly across from Montréal’s downtown core (and reachable in 20 easy minutes on the subway system), it also provides stunning views, romantic waterfront nooks galore and miles and miles of trails to stroll along, hand in hand. Expect to see bunnies and gophers doing their thang.

This giant park in the northern end of Montréal was established to revive a former quarry and dumping ground, which makes its topography truly unique in the city. After a massive investment and incredible landscaping — the most ambitious environmental rehabilitation project ever undertaken in Montréal — Parc Frédéric-Back is now a shining beacon of outdoor activities, whether that’s cross-country skiing, skating and snowshoeing in the winter, cycling or of course hiking anytime. For a true dose of nature, go as the sun is setting, explore the 5.5 kilometre walking trail and enjoy some romantic stargazing. 

Our fair mountain is a must, with its gentle slope proving a peaceably paced walk that’s easy enough that you can easily chat throughout. Starting by the Sir George-Étienne Cartier monument at the base on Parc Avenue between Mont-Royal Avenue and Pine, walk slowly up the main path until an hour and a bit later you hit the Belvedere up top, complete with stunning view of downtown and the river beyond. Then, to keep it fresh and faster on the way down, take the stairs and find side paths that’ll take you all the way back to your starting point in half the time. You’ll end up in the Plateau, right by a number of romantic restaurants to clink glasses in a tête à tête.