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5 ways to meet people in Montreal the old-fashioned way

Yes, it’s still possible to meet someone not using Tinder.

Laura Osborne
Written by
Laura Osborne
Editor, Time Out Canada
Cabane Panache
Photograph: Caroline Perron | Cabane Panache
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Meeting people without an app? It’s possible as long as you put yourself out there. And by out there, we mean in real life.

Montreal is known for its epic nightlife and cultural attractions, but if you’re looking for ways to meet cute—or make a new friend—that go beyond the city’s best bars and museums, this list is for you.

1. Hang out in the city’s most romantic café

If you don’t fall in love while at this Old Montreal gem tucked inside one of the city’s most stunning historic buildings, you’ll definitely swoon over Crew Collective Café architecture (hello, vaulted coffered ceilings, gleaming marble, grand staircases and burnished gold touches everywhere). No matter what, you'll leave having tried some of the city's best coffee.

Crew
Photograph: Freddy Arciniegas

2. Attend a free immersive art event

Music, art and fun? Take part in a free immersive artistic experience called Cabaret Croquis this March. Time Out Market Montréal and LNDMRK are bringing 10 local artists—including Chien Champion whose recent collaboration with Nike (A.K.A. the Montreal Bagel Dunks) went viral—to the Bar at the Market on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, from 6-9 p.m. Come for the art and DJ and stay for the good times. (Did we mention the food?)

Cabaret Croquis
Photograph: Time Out Market Montréal | Cabaret Croquis

3. Hit Promenade Wellington for a sweet 4-day party

DJ’s? Drag performances? Dancing the night away? The 11th edition of Cabane Panache on rue Wellington—the world’s coolest street according to Time Out—is all that and more. Throw in some maple taffy tastings and a few surprises, and you’ve got the place to be starting on March 23. 

Cabane Panache
Photograph: Caroline Perron | Cabane Panache

4. Join the St. Patrick’s Day parade

You don’t need to love leprechauns to enjoy one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day parades in North America. Meeting new people during the 3-hour parade—think hundreds of floats, marching bands and merry Montrealers—should be as easy as shooting fish in a barrel.

United Irish Societies of Montreal
Photograph: United Irish Societies of Montreal

5. Give someone a sign

If all else fails, try walking around one of Montreal’s gorgeous parks or green spaces with a giant sign that says: “Looking for friends!”. At the very least, people will be intrigued.

Jeanne-Mance Park
Photograph: Alison SlatteryJeanne-Mance Park

RECOMMENDED:
Complete guide to the best things to do in Montreal
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Where to find the best coffee in Montreal right now
The best things to do on St Patrick's Day in Montreal


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