Other, Sites and Attractions
By Julie GouletValentine’s Day is a great excuse to plan something special—but you don’t have to wait for it to treat yourselves to a little romantic escape. That mini-vacation feeling is totally possible, even if you stay in town (or close by), and it works in every season.
Whether you’re more into relaxing, chasing a bit of adventure, enjoying a foodie outing, or laughing until your cheeks hurt, here are 15 ideas for a romantic activity—Rouyn-Noranda style.
Photo credit : Hugo Lacroix – Le Cellier
1. Under billions of stars
Spend a night at Aiguebelle National Park, where you can see almost every star in the sky. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the northern lights… Some winters, the park also offers discovery activities paired with chocolate fondue—an ideal match. Go for a day hike or make it an overnight stay.
2. Boreal relaxation
Le Jardin Spa’s thermal circuit is a perfect back-to-basics escape without going far. No need to overthink it—it’s romance, guaranteed. Let the hot-cold cycle do its thing, slowly and gently. A stop between circuits at the cozy bistro Le sous-bois is the cherry on top. And if you’re craving a full reset, add dinner at Le Cellier and a night at Hôtel Le Noranda—it turns an ordinary Friday into a truly relaxing getaway.
3. A little love in clay
At Ô Terrier, this isn’t Ghost—no ghosts involved. But a pottery workshop is a fun, original idea: you chat, get your hands messy, laugh (sometimes a lot), and leave with a real keepsake from the experience. Give yourselves a small creative challenge to make it even more memorable.
4. Sliding and rosy cheeks
Snow, sliding, laughter—and an après-ski treat of your choice: it’s a winning combo. Skiing, snowboarding, tubing… you’ll find plenty to do at Centre plein air Mont Kanasuta. And it’s always a good idea to plan a little downtime after a beautiful day outside.
5. A creative rendezvous
A workshop at the Art Museum is a great way to break the routine. The key is to go with the flow, stay open, and cheer each other on. Want a souvenir? Snap a photo of your creations (even the imperfect ones)—it’ll make you smile for a long time. And if art really isn’t your thing, don’t worry: the exhibitions are there for you. They’re free to visit year-round, and you can grab a coffee between two galleries.
6.A romantic dinner out
Simple, easy, always a classic. Skip the dishes and the cooking stress—just enjoy the moment. Make a reservation and you’re set. Rouyn-Noranda has restaurants for all tastes and budgets, and it’s a great excuse to try somewhere new.
7. Hand in hand (or mitten in mitten)
Public art tour, an urban history tour, and more can be explored through the Balado-découverte app. It’s simple, free, and genuinely pleasant: walk together while discovering local art and stories. To make it even more fun, each of you can pick a favourite—an artwork, a place, a small detail.
8. Coffee, a selection of imported beers… and time
If you love warm, cozy places, Café.Bar L’Abstracto is a great pick. Go for a coffee, hot chocolate, a selection of imported beers, a “que passa,” and other tasty treats. Add a game of chess or Scrabble—and take the time to take your time.
9. A memorable show
Seeing a show together is a great way to share something special—sometimes it becomes the kind of night you’ll talk about for years. Check our events calendar to see what’s on in town.
10. Escape and teamwork
If you like action, nothing beats an escape game to test your timing and teamwork. Escario Escape Games is perfect for collaborating, teasing each other, and laughing. It’s also a great option for a night out with friends.
11. A magical evening
The Club de ski de fond d’Évain offers night skiing on 4.8 km of lit trails. Calm, quiet, and truly magical.
12. 100% entertainment
At Centre Méga, you’ll find bowling, arcades, pool tables, and laser tag. It’s a fun outing with friends—or as a couple. You play, you joke around, and you’ll feel like teenagers again. Winner picks the next activity.
13. Movies, movies…
The movie theatre is a classic… because it works. Every Friday, a new lineup is posted at Cinéma Paramount—and yes, there’s even a great combo with a large popcorn and two soft drinks.
On some Sundays and Mondays, Ciné-Qualité at Théâtre du cuivre screens repertory films—a lovely way to share a few discoveries.
14. Indoor golf for two
In its brand-new space, Golf intérieur Lavantage is a “no matter the weather” option to move, laugh, and have fun. Apéro-golf, anyone?
15. Forest and fondue
Go snowshoeing on beautiful trails at Skiwanis, Lac Rouyn, the Kekeko Hills, the Alembert Hills, or the Opasatica trails. Add a cheese fondue (or chocolate), and you’ve got a rendezvous that slows time down. We’re lucky to have such a vast, beautiful territory—and to enjoy it all year long.
In conclusion
There are so many more activities to discover, but the perfect outing is simply the one that feels like you. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or an ordinary weekday, what matters most is choosing each other. Plan a moment—even a simple one—and truly being present together feels really good.
