Chillier days can be tons of fun if you know how to make the most of the season and aren’t afraid of rosy cheeks!
Montréal has a lot to offer during the winter months. Here are some activities you can enjoy this season:
Winter Sports Around the City
Warming up with physical activity is a go-to for many Montrealers. Head to Mount Royal for some winter sports like snowshoeing and tobogganing. Parc Frédéric-Back is another winter wonderland with picturesque views where you can go cross-country skiing.
The Old Port of Montréal is beckoning skating aficionados with a large outdoor ice rink. Skating against the backdrop of historic architecture, right next to the St. Lawrence River, can be a magical experience.
The Coolest Outdoors Festivals
Experience the city's winter festival, MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE, happening February 29 to March 10, 2024. Enjoy outdoor activities, live music, art installations, and delicious food on site. The festival also features the famous Nuit Blanche à Montréal, a full night of celebrations around the city, and the luminous installations of Luminothérapie in Quartier des spectacles.
If you're a fan of electronic music, don't miss out on Igloofest. This outdoor music festival takes place in the Old Port and is a unique way to embrace the winter chill while dancing. Wear your warmest clothes, the party lasts all night long!
Get a Dose of History
A city with a lengthy history is a premium destination for curious people.
Explore the stunning Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montréal. The intricate architecture and beautiful interior make it a worthwhile visit – try to catch a representation of AURA while you’re there. This stunning multimedia show is a breathtaking sight.
Unwind and Take in the Views
Get off your feet and relax at Bota Bota, a spa located in an old ferryboat docked in the Old Port. Enjoy the hot tubs, saunas, and panoramic views of the city while surrounded by a snowy landscape.
Not too far from the spa, La Grande Roue de Montréal stands tall and proud. Reaching 20 stories high, the view is pretty hard to beat, especially on a clear day.
If the sun is shining bright, you should definitely make your way downtown and all the way up Place Ville Marie for brunch at Les Enfants Terribles, which offers a panoramic view of the city!
Vibe with the Habs
A winter trip to Montréal wouldn’t be complete without a live hockey game to cheer on the local team! Don your red, white, and blue regalia and you’ll fit right in with the lively crowd of supporters.
Get a Taste of Montréal’s Cuisine
Warm up with some hearty Quebecois cuisine. Indulge in decadent dishes like poutine or try out new flavors at one of the many restaurants. Whether they’ve just opened or they’re old classics, you’ll find something to satify any type of craving.
Breakfast, brunch, lunch, late lunch, early dinner… Montréal is a foodie’s dream come true! The city is known for its culinary culture and with no shortage of options, it’s easy to eat your way across the city. Just make sure to save some room for dessert!
Warm Up at Museums
Explore Montréal's museums, such as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts or the Pointe-à-Callière Archaeology and History Museum, to stay culturally engaged. Feel free to pop in any of the many art galleries you’ll come across during your exploration.
Younger visitors will also enjoy tours of the Biodôme and the four other Space for Life museums, where nature and science are honored.
Walk the Town and Admire the Public Art
New murals appear each year thanks to festivals like MURAL and other artistic initiatives.
A great way to spend a day is to grab a hot beverage at an independent coffee shop, browse through pretty shops in the different neighborhoods, and keep an eye out for the larger-than-life artwork along the way.
Enjoy your winter in Montréal – and don’t forget to bring mittens!
Cover image by Eva Blue