Montreal Great Date Itinerary

Ahh, Montreal: The home of the Habs. The city of festivals. The nation's capital of cool.

If you've landed a date in Montreal, consider yourself lucky. It's really hard to have a bad date in this North American slice of Europe. It oozes romance. Why? Well, much of it has to do with bilingualism. French is, after all, the language of love.

But that's not the only reason Montreal exudes an air of amour. There's just so much to do and see that it's virtually impossible not to have an amazing time with your latest romantic interest - new or otherwise. And the best part is in the summer months, you can do it all on foot.

If you've got an afternoon rendezvous, hit Schwartz's for a traditional Montreal smoked meat sandwich. But get there early. Situated in the heart of the Plateau on St-Laurent, this tourist hotspot has lineups outside the door every day, all day. Granted, this is not best choice for vegetarians though the pickles are to die for.

After an afternoon of eating, chatting and staring into each other's eyes, you might want to walk off of some of your carb fest (you know, just to ensure that neither of you slip into a food coma or worse: has to undo the top button of your pants).

This is where the Mount Royal Park comes in handy. Always teeming with the colorful characters that make Montreal Montreal, this impressive hillside is perfect for hiking enthusiasts who like to people watch. It should be noted, however, that Vancouverites will be shocked at how the word "Mount" is bandied about on this visually stunning… hill.

If you prefer a more historical view, take a stroll along the Old Port of Montreal and through the narrow, cobbled streets of Old Montreal. Dating back to colonial times, this is the oldest 'hood in Canada and it's got the jaw-dropping architecture to prove it. Don't forget your credit card - boutiques, gift shops and eateries abound. Like we said, it's really hard to have a bad time in Montreal.

-- Sarah Rowland