Last-minute Valentine’s Day ideas for Montrealers

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, so what’s your plan? Are you a full-on romantic? Or do you take more of a “bah humbug” approach to V-Day? Either way, unless you have some kind of written agreement with your significant other to ignore it, you’re best not to let it slip by. But with less than a week to go, time is of the essence. With that in mind, here are 13 last-minute ideas that don’t require a reservation, won’t break the bank, and should score you some serious brownie points with the one you love.

MOUNT ROYAL LOOKOUT

Yup, cheesy, but get used to it, it’s freakin’ Valentine’s Day! And what better way to bypass all the consumerism, the hype and hullabaloo than a walk in the park and some one-on-one time overlooking our lovely city? Make an afternoon of it, stroll up to the top, Thermos of hot chocolate in hand, and snuggle for warmth. Long johns not included.

SPEAKING OF CHOCOLATE

There’s a reason it’s a Valentine’s Day standby. Who doesn’t love chocolate? It doesn’t hurt that Montreal is blessed with no shortage of specialty chocolate boutiques, featuring hand-crafted artisanal treats to put any self-respecting choco-phile in the mood for love.

AND WHILE YOU’RE AT IT ... FLOWERS.

Again, there’s a reason. As obvious as it may seem, you can’t go wrong with flowers, people. But get your orders in early, as V-Day is one of the biggest days of the year for florists. To give it a personal touch, pick a local boutique with an eco-conscious approach to flowers.

NETFLIX DATE NIGHT

It’s not extravagant, but it’s quality time, with serious snuggle potential. In this case, it’s all about the programming. Safest bet is one of your better half ’s personal favourites; however, choosing together can be fun. You can borrow DVDs from Montreal libraries. Or why not take a chance on an art-house film in theatres? When it doubt, go full cheese. And don’t forget popcorn!

TREAT YOURSELVES

Spas might be hard to book at this point, but how about a massage? Combine your treatments and make a date of it. Even if it’s for a deferred date, it’s the thought that counts — and the opportunity to decompress as a couple is never a bad thing.

DRIVE TO THE COUNTRY

Whether it’s the Eastern Townships or the Laurentians, Montreal is within relatively short driving distance of the countryside. Perfect for either a winter hike, skiing or snowshoeing, or simply lunch or dinner at a local restaurant or inn. It’s an excuse to get out of the city for a few hours, or overnight, and feel like you’ve had a mini-vacation getaway.

CULTURE CLUB

Get out of the house, go to a show, do something you wouldn’t normally do. Take in a dance performance at Tangente; see Beautiful, the Carole King Musical at Place des Arts; get down to viral Canadian indie-pop act Walk Off the Earth, Wednesday at MTelus; or run away with Cabaret de Cirque Le Monastère, with shows Thursday and Friday at St. Jax Church, 1439 Ste. Catherine St. W.

GET COOKING

It doesn’t have to be elaborate. There are a million easy recipes just a click away, with a little help from Google. Pick up a bottle of wine, with help from Gazette guru Bill Zacharkiw; and whip together something in the kitchen. Whether you go with your specialty or go out on a limb and try something new, cooking for someone is always intimate.

OR GET SOMEONE ELSE TO DO IT

All the fancy restaurants will be swamped for Valentine’s Day, so how about pizza? Takeout Chinese? Poutine Week may be over, but if you’re feeling naughty, why not? There’s something to be said for foregoing the fuss and having fun as you stuff your face with a loved one.

GO SKATING

It’s inherently romantic, especially on an open-air rink. Beaver Lake and Lafontaine Park are particularly picturesque, and both offer skate rentals. Sliding across the ice, arm in arm, breathing in the fresh air — you can’t go wrong.

GO BOWLING

It’s goofy, it’s fun, you can have a drink and a snack, and a good laugh. Take it up a notch by planning your outfits accordingly. And if things are getting too competitive, try the old betweenthe-legs, two-handed bowling ball toss. Good times guaranteed.

WRITE A POEM

This one is virtually foolproof. Whether you go all-out earnest, professing your undying love and sharing how much you cherish your darling’s presence in your life, or you get cute and sprinkle in humour, the personal touch will win out, every time.

DO NOTHING

Turn off the TV, the radio, your phones, maybe light some candles, and simply bask in each other’s presence. After all, that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?