by Sheila O'Connor

he name Montreal conjures up all sorts of romantic images and is one of the best places on the North American continent to spend a romantic short stay with your sweetheart or cheri, as they say in this French-speaking province. Here are our top five picks for what to do there:

Tea at the Ritz—It’s an institution but it never grows old. Those delicate finger sandwiches, classic scones and jam, and a plethora of teas to chose from, all presented in a gorgeous garden setting, put Tea at the Ritz high on our list. If it’s good enough for the Queen of England, it’s certainly good enough for us.

Carriage Ride—This has to be a romantic event worth splurging on. Whether you chose to ride through the Old Town of Montreal during the day or spend an hour at night, listening to the clip-clopping of horses can only be described as a Dickensian experience: you almost expect Oliver Twist to show up around the next corner. This is a great way to spend some romantic time together. Snuggle up under the blanket they give you, no excuse needed. But could it be you just detected a chill in the air? Better snuggle up closer for extra warmth….

Botanic Gardens—Hundreds of flowers are in bloom at any one time of the year but if you should visit in September, be sure to catch the Magic of Lanterns exhibition where hundreds of delicate Chinese Lanterns give out a magical glow. Meander along the pathways and be greeted by a magical sight: a bounty of boats bobbing in the lake, surrounded by colorful and brightly lit lamps. The use of decorative lanterns to illuminate Chinese festivities is said to date back more than a thousand years, to the Han dynasty.

A Facial Treatment—Now this is special at any time of the year, but it’s so much more special in Montreal at the Auberge des Gallant Hotel, just outside Montreal. Chose from a Chocolate Facial or Red Wine therapy Facial. Don’t be put off by the names, you’ll leave with skin wonderfully soft.

Special products are used and you’ll feel luxuriously pampered. The Ishi line has been used in Europe for some time but has only recently been introduced to North America and this inn had first dibs on giving the treatments.

Sound and Light Show, Notre Dame Basilica—This is where Celine Dion got married, and no wonder — it’s stunning. But if marriage is not on your agenda, simply check out the Sound and Light Show in the Gothic Revival Basilica. The history of this building, built between 1824 and 1829, is brought to life in the show. You’ll be awed by the stained-glass windows that illustrate biblical passages and 350 years of parish history.
Romance in Montreal? Oh la la. This city was just made for it.

Auberge des Gallant: www.gallant.qc.ca.
Montreal Tourism: www.tourism-montreal.org.

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