Top 5 spots to propose in Montréal

With its sexy French accent and its seductive European streets, could Montréal be any more romantic? It’s no wonder thousands of couples flock here for tête-à-tête weekends every year, especially around Valentine’s Day. Take your lovers’ getaway to the next level by actually popping the question this Valentine’s in one of these five oh-so-romantic Montréal spots.

Atop Mount Royal

Ask any Montrealer what their favourite part of the city is, and nine out of ten will tell you it’s the mountain. Winter or summer, the mountain is the crown jewel in this very pretty city’s jewelry box, filled with trails and vistas that are perfect for a romantic adventure à deux. For a surprise your sweet pea isn’t likely to forget, dress warmly, hide a thermos of hot chocolate and a couple of heart-shaped cookies in your parka, and head for a leisurely hike up to the Belvedere. When the moment is right, as you both gaze down at the breathtaking view, whip out the goodies, get down on your snow pants knee, and pop the question.

On the skating rink at Parc La Fontaine

An evening under the twinkling lights of a skating rink is always romantic, but there’s something especially picturesque about the skating rink of this huge Plateau park. The way the rink loops over two lakes makes it seem like there’s always more ground to discover, and the music that pumps through the megaphones adds a Rockefeller Center kind of traditional sweetness to the experience. Take your sugar bear out for what seems like an impromptu outing, but once you’ve skated around the loop a couple of times, stop by a spot where you’ve previously hidden a cooler filled with champagne and chocolates. Irresistible.

In the sauna at Bota Bota

Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau, is one of the city’s most spectacular spas, and not just because of the quality of their services – because of its setting in a moored boat right in the waters of the St. Lawrence River. If you’ve read anything about the city’s history, you’ll know how instrumental the St. Lawrence was in establishing the first European settlers in Canada, so it’s like being at Montréal’s epicenter. Schedule a couple’s massage, and after you’re both already floating on a cloud of blissful relaxation, head to the sauna together. The view from the picture window gives onto the water with beautiful Old Montréal beyond – it’s the perfect setting for an “I do.” (Remember to wear a bathing suit with pockets that will fit a ring!)

Among the jubilant bustle of Chez Lévêque

One of the most common Google searches about Montréal is “French food.” French bistro Chez Lévêque, a truly iconic dining establishment on on upscale Laurier Avenue in Outremont, is bustling and full of passion, like any good French spot should be. Moments of din do give way to a hushed atmosphere here, so you’ll be able to propose in velvety, whispered tones, if that’s your style. Let the warm atmosphere, good wine and delicious, classic flavours galvanize you into romantic action.

Over tea at the Ritz-Carlton

This is where the hushed tones come in. Afternoon tea at the Ritz is an age-old tradition in the city, for the good reason that apart from being absolutely scrumptious in the snack department, the experience is truly otherworldly in its lavish luxury. The beautiful Palm Court, with its cushy velvet seats and fireplace, will serve as the setting to your tiered-platters-and-champagne-flutes tête-à-tête; your sweetie will be charmed before you even utter the words. Pre-arrange a special ring delivery to your table beforehand with the outstanding staff, and the resounding “yes!” you’ll get as an answer will be heard all the way up to the presidential suite.