Montréal arouses strongly contradictory emotions in the winter, much like Québec City. It’s strangely peaceful and calming despite being extremely cold. Watching TV in the evenings is guilt-free. Even though it can be damp and rainy at times, winter activities are ideal. Even though my socks are wet after an hour of strolling on this fresh, clean layer of snow, the first few seconds after snowfall—or, better yet, just before it ends—are so stunning, lovely, and picture-perfect that they nearly make up for it.
In other words, winter in Montreal isn’t as horrible as you may expect. Actually. Why not push yourself outside your (warm, dry) comfort zone and embrace your Nordic self by taking advantage of half-full eateries and reduced hotel rates?
Igloofest and Montréal en lumière are two winter festivities in Montreal.
You might wonder why somebody would voluntarily spend time outside when it’s much below freezing. Because it’s enjoyable! Igloofest, an outdoor electronic music festival featuring some of the biggest and most popular DJs, is the first example of Montreal’s year-round status as a festival city. Attendees are highly encouraged to wear one-piece snow suits from the 1980s. The more absurd (and toasty!) you appear, the better.
Then there’s Montréal en lumière, a huge two-week celebration of culture with a different theme every year. Imagine unique restaurant menus, outdoor performances, light and sound displays, museum evenings, and so on. With ziplines, frozen slides, and fire pits, the Place des Festivals is decked out for winter fun!
Mile End Stroll in Montreal
Every Saturday morning, young families, hipsters, and conceptual artists queue up with the local Jewish community for delicious bagels in Montreal’s Mile End neighborhood, which is well-known for its diverse and unique ambiance. I also think it has some of the best Victorian and traditional Montreal architecture, with wrought-iron staircases and colorful façade.
Take in the scenery from Mont-Royal.
The best perspective of Montreal and the South Shore can be found here, and you’re reminded that Montreal is, in fact, an awkwardly shaped island with a little mountain in the center. The St. Lawrence River, the Appalachian Mountains, and a few of the smaller summits, like Mont-Saint-Hilaire (where you can get some nice hiking if you’re looking for an active day trip from Montreal), can all be seen on clear days in addition to downtown Montreal.
While most visitors just walk up Mont-Royal (though there is a bus service for those who can’t), you may add a little excitement to your sightseeing by scheduling a winter fat e-bike tour!
Skating on ice in Old Montreal
Every Montrealer visits the Old Port skating rink at least once a year. It’s a lot of fun, even though it’s freezing. The rink is open daily until 8:30 p.m. and is refrigerated for the best skating conditions. It is situated in the waterfront district near the end of Old Montreal, next to the Montreal Ferris Wheel, which is the tallest in Canada and impossible to miss. Every time a skater who is a little too optimistic falls on its ass, there is a lot of laughter, ambiant lights, and loud music.
Appreciate the Plateau Mont-Royal
There is also this beauty. It’s easy to understand why Plateau Mont-Royal is one of Montreal’s most popular tourist destinations. The neighborhood is my favorite for a relaxing Sunday afternoon stroll because of its bourgeois parks, tiny tree-lined streets, quaint Victorian buildings, and welcoming cafés. There are also a ton of fantastic bars and restaurants in case you need a pick-me-up.
Skiing cross-country at Parc du Mont-Royal
Look no further than cross-country skiing lessons in Parc du Mont-Royal if you’re searching for a picturesque way to spend an active vacation in Montreal. For a nominal cost, you can hire equipment on-site, and a local guide will show you around different vistas and give you some background information. In addition, there are family-friendly activities like snow tubing and snowshoeing!
