As the sweat poured down my back during my bike ride home and I struggled to breathe in the haze of humid air, I came to one conclusion: summer seems to have finally arrived here in Montreal and all I see around me are babes, babes, babes! This city’s sweltering heat seems to bring out the sexiest in people, or at least the brightest and skimpiest, which is pretty damn sexy to me.
Whether you’re courting a new crush or rekindling the flames with your long-time love, the possibilities for unforgettable summertime dates are seemingly limitless:
Gazing at Gorgeous Glass
While moving from the Plateau to NDG last weekend, we spent a lot of time driving up and down (and stuck in traffic on) Sherbrooke street. Coasting past the Musee des Beaux Arts, a giant, glimmering yellow and red glass sculpture resembling oceanic vegetation on acid caught my eye, one of many pieces in town for exhibit of American glass artist Dale Chihuly, aptly titled Utterly Breaktaking.
It is the first major showing of his work in Canada, which has been described as an “immersive, astounding and grandiose visual experience.” I cannot wait to see the exhibit for myself! As an added bonus, the gallery is air-conditioned and you can check out their expansive permanent collection that covers everything from Mexican folk art to brightly colored contemporary canvases by the likes of Picasso and Matisse.
Could Fireworks Lead To… Well, Fireworks?
If you’re looking for a fun, romantic date that will give you the most bang for your buck, take your sweetie down by the Jacques-Cartier bridge to capture the magic of L’International des Feux Loto Quebec aka the fireworks festival at La Ronde. An instant success since its founding in 1985, it now attracts nearly 3 million people annually, making it one of the most attended summer festivals in the city.
The best place to bask in the awe-inspiring bursts of chemical color is La Ronde, so if you can time it with a day to ride the rides, it’s worth the high cost of entry. The view is pretty much equal from the other side of the St. Laurence (just south of Papineau metro), though if you watch from the Old Port, you’ll be treated to the musical selections synchronized with the spectacle. The schedule is a bit different from last year so consult the website before making the trip down. This year’s finale is a tribute to Irish rockers U2.
I Want to Ride it Where I Like
Hands down, the best way to get around Montreal in the summer is by bike. Grab a Bixi or bring your own and travel around to see some of the city’s best attractions and green spaces like the Mountain, the Lachine Canal, Parc Maisonneuve and Iles Notre-Dame and Ste Helene. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, hop on the Route Verte, the most extensive network of biking trails in North America that cover both the city and large areas of the entire province. As added incentive, biking behind your date gives you a shameless opportunity to check out their ass!
