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14 Montreal date ideas for Valentine's Day can spark more than just conversation

Valentine's Day in Montreal doesn't have to be a cliche festival of chocolates and roses. You can turn your date into a hunt for second-hand gems, dancing to a live band, or even creating a colorful masterpiece with glass (or frosting) and some teamwork.

Here are some Montreal Day ideas to spice up this year's Hallmark celebration with some bonding, laughter, and maybe a little friendly competition:

Raise the Montreal Tundra together

When: February 18 and 25

Where: Center Pierre-Charbonneau, 3000 rue Viau

Cost: $10/person

Reason to go: In the spirit of love and basketball, choosing a basketball game for Valentine's Day gives you slam dunk points with a twist. It's also a great excuse to hold hands, especially when one of you seems in need of comforting in those nail-biting moments.

More at mtltoundra.com

Skate together at the Old Port Skating Rink

When: February 14, 19:30 to 22:00

Where: Bonsecours pool

Cost: $10/adult

Reason to go: It's an instant icebreaker, and you'll probably like each other, and not just metaphorically. Hosted by the charismatic drag queen Chouchun, the evening will provide music and plenty of laughs. Plus, if you can survive an ice rink crash holding hands, you're ready for anything life throws at you.

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Look at the window dolls at Outremont

When: February 12 to March 12 (guided tour: February 17, 1:30 p.m.)

Here: several places

Cost: Free

Reason to go: Looking for a date with no traffic? Think again. DOLLS IN THE WINDOWS! Transforming Outremont into a living gallery, over a hundred puppet masterpieces by Patrick Martel and his protégés will be displayed in the shops of avenues Van Horn, Bernard and du Parc. This is your chance to marvel at the silent stories of felt and foam on a self-guided tour or educational tour.

More at festival.casteliers.ca

Check out the rom-com classics at Westmount Library

When: February 14, at 19.00

Where: Victoria Hall, 4626 Sherbrooke West Street

Cost: Free

Reason for action: Snap into It's in the spirit of Valentine's Day, with a screening of Crash on the Moon at the historic Westmount Community Center. This is an original setting for a date night away from the usual sofa and streaming mode. As for the movie, let Cher and Nicolas Cage take you through a fun and unforgettable love story that shows that romance is best served with a touch of laughter and the unexpected.

More at westlib.org

Escape the room in Manoir Ezcapaz

Ezkapaz Facebook

When: Until February 14

Where: 3955, Blvd. Saint Laurent

Cost: $35/person (unless you choose the V-Day special three tickets, one free option)

Why go: Choosing an escape room for your Valentine's adventure means betting on brains rather than bouquets. It's a heart-warming, quest-driven game that either triumphantly unites you or hilariously divides you. Bring another pair into the mix and you can get one ticket.

More at ezkapaz.com

Save money at Bazar Vintage Montreal

When: February 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m February 18, from 10:00 to 16:00

Where: Église Saint-Jean-Berchmans, 1871, boulevard. Rosemont

Cost: Admission is free

Why go: Fall in love with dates (and finds) at the Valentine's edition of this thrifty event at La Petite-Patrie. You can hunt through vintage clothing, jewelry, accessories, and household items to find the perfect treasure.

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Pick up a treat and a book at Pulp Books & Café

When: February 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m

Where: 3952 Wellington Street

Reason to go: For literary types, this is the perfect excuse to spoil your date with cake, giant heart cookies, and tons of books to read. Violet Bakehouse pops up in Verden's new English-language bookstore and Pulp coffee bar, giving you plenty of reason to sip coffee and chat.

More at pulpbooks.ca

Get a $5 movie at Cineplex

When: Every Tuesday in February

Where: Cineplex Cinemas

Cost: $5 (+tax)/person

Why Go: Those who are strapped for cash this Valentine's Day can always opt for a cheaper dinner and a movie. Every Tuesday in February, you can get general admission movie tickets and a small popcorn for $5 each (plus tax). Watch the new Willy Wonka movie hit the screen just in time for V-Day sugar rush.

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Slow dance at Valentine's Gay Winter Formal

When: February 9, 19.00-23.00

Where: Champs Bar, 3956, Rue Saint-Laurent

Cost: $10/advance; $14/door; no one turned around

Reason to go: You can enjoy high school nostalgia without your style guides. It's reliving your teenage dreams without prom photos, endless candy, live tattoos, and no dance rules. Color-coded heart stickers let you express your mood, making it easy to engage with or stick with your day.

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Join Boy Band Night at Le Balcon

When: February 16

Where: Le Balcon, 463 St Catherine Ouest

Cost: $50+/person

Why Go: You and your date can take it back to the heartthrob era and (re)live the golden days of Backstreet Boys, NSYNC and New Kids on the Block. It's a throwback to the 90's and 00's with a great harmonies. For those looking to amp up the romance, the dinner show experience starts at $115 per person, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and if you just want to hear the tunes, slide in between 7:45 and 8:30 p.m. show only option at $50 per head.

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Decorate a cake at Marjorie's Atelier

When: Most days in February

Where: 2121 St. Laurent Street

Cost: $30/person

Why Go: For a non-traditional date, you and your partner can try decorating this Valentine's Day. This is an hour of creativity and pastry where you can learn the art of frosting and edible decoration. Drinks are available, and you can toast to your delicious and artistic endeavors.

Learn more at opentable.ca

Learn how to make stained glass at Studio du Verre

When: February 14, 21 and 28

Where: 515, rue Bonsecourt

Cost: $199 ($29 for materials + tax)

Reason to go: During the 10-hour workshop, divided into several sessions, you will create an 8'' x 10'' panel using the Tiffany copper foil technique. It's beginner friendly, all tools and materials supplied, perfect for couples who want to try something new together. Limited to 5-6 people per class, it's an intimate way to spend time together and learn new skills.

More at studioduverre.com

Enjoy your night at Café La ligne Verte

Mercredis Swing | Facebook

When: February 14, 21 and 28

Where: Café La ligne Verte, 2531, rue Ontario Est

Cost: $15 suggested; or $5 – $25 PWYC (cash only)

Reason to visit: Located a few steps from the Frontenac Metro, this place welcomes all ages with open arms and live music. You can start with a lindy-hop class for beginners at 7:30pm, then a live band will sweep you off your feet at 8:30pm. At 30, your wallet will feel the love, too.

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Dine at one of Montreal's most romantic restaurants

When: February 14

Here: several places

Cost: Varies

Why go: You have plenty of romantic restaurants to choose from for your classic Valentine's Day, but OpenTable has identified the most stunning spots in Montreal. With selections curated from over 1.1 million reviews, this is your cheat sheet for a culinary date on the town.

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